08-15-2011, 02:05 AM
I remember in the game of Life you start out, and you can either choose 'Career' or 'College', and what that ultimately means is, you either start out with less and work your way up, hoping to get enough promotions to support your family, or you go to college, and postpone social life for a little longer, paying off debt, and have a nicer shot a quick promotion or high-paying job.
But what about now, right here, in 21st century America? I mean 2011, people, in this national debt, national false security. How is living supposed to work here and now?
I have been thinking about this for a while, and have to say, I feel a bit stumped at how people can actually consider this current system effective. Maybe for a little while, or for a small group, but most of the people around me, I see stressed and confused. They just want a happy life. Not even a rich life, or an especially relaxing life. They just want to be content to where they can be around their families, and they can pay the water bill, and eat food every night.
Don't get me wrong, I know that it is much worse in other countries right now. I know people always tend to point to Africa for an example, or bring out citizens in China, about sweatshops and the like.
What I want to know is, how do I increase the quality of my living, and the people around me, in a way that we all can still comfortably survive?
I know I should continually pray, and read the Bible.
Right now I want to raise a child, and be around my husband on a constant basis.
I want to be an artist, and a writer, experiencing the wonderful life and colors around me, just breathing in and learning.
But I know sometimes it isn't quite that simple.
I wish though, for a more simple life, with less worries.
As of late my husband and I have been downsizing our material things in that pursuit. We are getting rid of extra pots and pans, extra games, books, clothes. And it is helping thus far, especially now to help us not to feel so cramped in this tiny room we live in.
As for the young adult, what are we supposed to do?
I have grown up as an American citizen, in an Asian American lifestyle. I grew up eating rice every night, meditating, and hearing constantly about how family is supposed to be close, knit together, and honorable. I come to an American family, currently living in a house with my in laws, and they believe that..not so much. They want us out, as I can as reasonably as possible, understand. But they told me before, "Welcome to America," in quite a rude tone if I may say so, but I'm not even sure that's the point. They keep on telling me that there is only one way that things work around here, and it is not the way I do things. It is not associating myself with family, and cooking, cleaning, being a submissive wife the best I can, and tending to the garden. They want me to leave, with a job, and support my family alongside my husband, and they expect me to go in debt, maybe over college, or maybe over their assumption that all young girls indulge in a bimonthly mani/pedi. I don't know what it is. But I am looking around, seeing how many options there are on this, and I need to ask, need to learn more.
You see, I would confide in my parents on this matter more. I really wish I could. And maybe I will try in that aspect further. But you see, my mother just passed away. And my father, I have grown up afraid of, and hiding in corners from, remembering constantly his harsh punishments and beatings. I don't know. What advice is there to be had?
As far as I am concerned, this is how things are working out there in the big world...
*You need an education to get a job to get a place to live.
*High school education is no longer enough.
*You will probably have to start in the work force while in high school so you can work your way up a bit + get experience ... to be able to pay the bills while you are in college, or just trying to live period. You will probably also have to start building credit, as well as keeping up on your studies.
*Sometimes it is necessary to stay with a friend or family member while you are a young adult.
*Sometimes this is not possible and a cosign would be a better option.
*Sometimes this is also not possible.
... What are you supposed to do as a young adult if your friends and family don't allow you to stay with them, and you don't know anyone who would cosign? Do you have to go into debt over college, or end up homeless? What options does someone have in this case (not considering the military for conscientious reasons)?
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