I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Joined: Sep 14, 2004 Posts: 6533 Location: Rural Virginia
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
It's a difficult question, T-bear.
We don't know the true origins of Judgie's depression, and he may not either.
So many people his age ARE depressed, for one reason or another. I know I was. But I'm still glad I endured my way through to my college degree and (later on) an advanced certification.
He will have to continue operating in the "standard" world for a while, since it will continue to exist for some unknown period. Thus, I would counsel him to keep one foot in this world while extending the other into the next.
Throwing caution to the wind and letting his hair down radically now could just as easily lead to bigger problems psychologically. There's no way to know for sure, but I see considerable risk there.
The essence of my post was that he should do what he wants to do and not what others want him to do. The plan of finishing his degree and then pursuing police work seems to be basically in synch with what he wants. Who knows, he might not like actually being a policeman; then he can fall back on his degree and pursue employment in the environmental services area. Or, if he likes police work, he can get further education within that field, such as an associate's degree (or its Australian equivalent) in law enforcement. _________________ "Actually, humans died out long ago."
---Abused, abandoned hunting dog
"Things have entered a stage where the only change that is possible is for things to get worse."
---Me and my brother
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:57 pm Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
Best thing you can do is take some time to figure out who you are, be flexible and keep your options open.
The myers-briggs tests can help. I mean get a handle on what your personality type is and see what careers are a best fit for that type.
For example many people on this board are INTPs
Jobs that INTPs find themselves happy in:
Scientists - especially Physics, Chemistry
Photographers
Strategic Planners
Mathematicians
University Professors
Computer Programmers, Systems Analysts, Computer Animation and Computer Specialists
Technical Writers
Engineers
Lawyers / Attorneys
Judges
Forensic Research
Forestry and Park Rangers
However remember, this isn't going to be a world where you can do whatever you want and get by, it might be somewhat that way now but that ain't gonna last. All those kids in sociology, literary science and such ain't gonna go far. Most of them wont amount to much, maybe dead even, who knows. I wouldn't suggest a career as a lawyer, there's too many; a photographer - pay sucks to live on; and keep in mind for all the technical and engineering work there's a lot of third world competition coming into the mix these days, be selective.
Finish your degree absolutely, but don't be afraid to take a break for a while if you have to. Sometimes you gotta take breaks in life. Hell I'm taking a break right now from the work force. Another thing you might think about if possible is taking a lighter class load. Don't be in a rush to get out of college and into the workforce. The workforce ain't all that.
The world these days is about who you know not what you know. So if your dad or family/friends has/have connections in the oil industry or any other industry that ain't going anywhere soon and is in the money think about using those connections.
Police work is a lot of bullshit and mostly consists of dealing with the losers in society.
Far as depression, it's ok to suffer and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Don't be afraid to take a break from your gf too. Sow your oats and Fark around. Being too dependant on others emotionally is a bad thing IMO.
Also being poor sucks ass. Seriously ask yourself this question: do you want to be one of the haves or the have nots? _________________ Just look at us. Everything is backwards; everything is upside down. Doctors destory health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality.
Last edited by mmasters on Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:11 pm Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
Good points, Heineken and Mmasters. I may have inadvertantly advocated for a life of grim marginalization. So Judgie, just ignore me and don't get the full body Maori tattoos, and brain piercings.
Joined: Dec 03, 2005 Posts: 657 Location: Vancouver, BC
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:30 pm Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
What's the point of advanced education post-peak unless it's in something useful: micro-hydro engineering, irrigation management, agriculture, heck even being a chef or professional sweater knitter would be better than environmental scientist. I'd make your investment work for you by switching majors and hope like hell you have a few years to get good at something before TSHTF. If you don't think you have the time and don't want to risk it, take your SL money, buy land in the boonies with a few of your friends and learn how to grow things. FGS, don't become a cop. The last think you want to do is shoot your neighbor for looting, or break up a nest of cannibals only to find they were your university buddies.
BTW, I'm an INTP (artist & designer - how useful is that@! That's why I'm learning how to raise chickens) _________________ "Ninety percent of everything is crap."
-Theodore Sturgeon
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 6:00 am Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
roccman wrote:
threadbear wrote:
Zardoz wrote:
Listen to Heineken and Shanny.
(Get a damned degree. You'll really regret it if you don't. You'll find that life is a series of things we don't necessarily "enjoy" but have to do anyway. Finishing up in college is a super-biggie. Get it done and move on.)
Zardoz, This worldview causes depression, self alienation, and supports the status quo, which is actually dying. People should be counselling their kids to get a skill, something they enjoy doing. Take the money you'd devote to student loans and invest in gold.
Excellent TB!!
I tell my kids (11/13) that:
1) School is a waste
2) College is a bigger waste
3) 9-11 was an inside job
4) and the US$ will be used as toilet paper soon.
I think that about covers it.
What if you're wrong on all of the above? (well except point 3)
I mean seriously I wouldn't go near 9/11 with children thats like telling them Santa don't exist and setting them up for a lifetime of strife.
In the circles I move successful people don't question the status quo out loud, they smile nod, get along and pocket the $$.
I hope with your 9/11 rants you tell them when someone gets really passionate about "the official version" they should admit they actually believe the official version anyhow. Teach them to be Machevellian thats better than some honest Fark who's going to get nowhere. _________________ "Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box."
-Italian Proverb
Joined: May 07, 2007 Posts: 434 Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
I'll have to take that test.
As for farking around and sowing oats, been there, done that. Besides, the happiest times I have now are with her, just last night after uni was an example :D, so taking a break from her is not bluddy likely .
I have given some thought to taking a lighter class load next year. It's 4 topics a semester so I might start at 3 next semester.
And Roccman, it's no problem, but I wasn't likely to follow that particular advice (college waste of time, etc.), but thankyou anyway.
I also just took delivery of something that WILL really help (I am THE sailor), got a windsurfing board and rig for a very good price, so bring it on when theres time!
In regards to environmental management, it's actually a seperate degree to Environmental Science at Flinders. As such it does actually include irrigation management among other topics. I already have some cookery qualifications, but I'll tell you now, if you think Police work sucks, then you haven't experienced 14 hour days in a commercial kitchen
And after going to uni yesterday and thinking about everything from a different point of view, I'm going to be a have! _________________ "That the cream cannot help but always rise up to the top, well I say, <censored by peakoil.com> floats"
The good money jobs listed there are management (administration), accounting and auditing. Auditing/Compliance is big now and has been for the past few years. Have any family connections in corporate america? fyi, many workplaces will pay for you to get a MBA. _________________ Just look at us. Everything is backwards; everything is upside down. Doctors destory health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality.
The good money jobs listed there are management (administration), accounting and auditing. Auditing/Compliance is big now and has been for the past few years. Have any family connections in corporate america? fyi, many workplaces will pay for you to get a MBA.
Corporate America, No, Corporate Australia, Yes, of sorts. My father and his good friends are the obvious ones, however I do have some relatives in Queensland who I could turn to regarding that.
Then again.......
I absolutely HATED Micro-Economics in Semester One, I still did it all mind-you.
Thanks though MMasters, I will read it in the coming week. _________________ "That the cream cannot help but always rise up to the top, well I say, <censored by peakoil.com> floats"
Joined: Oct 17, 2007 Posts: 114 Location: New of Zealand
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 4:39 am Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
I thought as someone of similar age (22) I would post. I'm actually living in New Zealand now, but I have only recently moved here.
Its funny reading these responses, and I actually started writing a "rational" response myself. I had to stop myself. I guess your immediate future depends on the stability of the economy and the availability of cheap energy. With big droughts in Ozzy, soaring oil prices, and so on, how long do you expect this to last?
If its 3 years (2010) then is there really much point in spending another year doing something you don't like? No-one knows the tipping point, thats something you have to guesstimate from your own research.
I always tell myself and others to simply do what makes you happy. Our time is short in this oil age, and unless you really enjoy the survivalist way of life then why spend the rest of this time being unhappy? If working in the police force would make you happy then do it!
Its hard to let go of traditionalist thinking (go to school, go to uni, get a well paid job, retire). Even in the face of a huge collapse in our way of life we continue to think this way. A lot of people are telling you to stay on, even when they know of PO, GW, and tyranny. Really what is the point? So you can get a good salary for 5years? You're only young once. Quit, join the force, have fun, be free, and keep hold of your girl (and educate her)!!!
Joined: May 07, 2007 Posts: 434 Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:27 am Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
s0cks wrote:
I thought as someone of similar age (22) I would post. I'm actually living in New Zealand now, but I have only recently moved here.
Its funny reading these responses, and I actually started writing a "rational" response myself. I had to stop myself. I guess your immediate future depends on the stability of the economy and the availability of cheap energy. With big droughts in Ozzy, soaring oil prices, and so on, how long do you expect this to last?
If its 3 years (2010) then is there really much point in spending another year doing something you don't like? No-one knows the tipping point, thats something you have to guesstimate from your own research.
I always tell myself and others to simply do what makes you happy. Our time is short in this oil age, and unless you really enjoy the survivalist way of life then why spend the rest of this time being unhappy? If working in the police force would make you happy then do it!
Its hard to let go of traditionalist thinking (go to school, go to uni, get a well paid job, retire). Even in the face of a huge collapse in our way of life we continue to think this way. A lot of people are telling you to stay on, even when they know of PO, GW, and tyranny. Really what is the point? So you can get a good salary for 5years? You're only young once. Quit, join the force, have fun, be free, and keep hold of your girl (and educate her)!!!
Thankyou Socks for your post (especially since it's your first here), it is good to get a point of view from another person my age. I must admit, that issue of "time" has been in my thoughts, just how long do we have, how long do I have? is it better to get in now before the rush of applications from the hungry hordes occurs, all wanting the job just to get a decent meal?. The unfortunate aspect of our current way of life (and until that ends, that is what I must live under) does require a decent amount of cash per annum to have a happy lifestyle (I know money isn't everything, but it does have a role in well-being).
I am continuing to persevere with trying to get the SA force to answer my questions on simultaneous part-time uni study and a full-time cop job. Due to the uncertain for when future events will occur, I still intend to get my degree and have my foot in that door, but would like to have my other foot in the cop door as well. I'll let you all know by late December....................
On the relationship front, my girl and I both plan to move out of our respective homes together by the middle of 2008, the main issues being that, obviously we need to find a place, and that we need to find fellow housemates (preferably from among our closer friends) with which to distribute the financial load imposed by rent, utilities, etc. _________________ "That the cream cannot help but always rise up to the top, well I say, <censored by peakoil.com> floats"
Joined: Oct 17, 2007 Posts: 114 Location: New of Zealand
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:49 am Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
Hey Judgie,
Its your call mate. I never went to uni but I still earn above the average wage here in NZ. Maybe I'm lucky, but I don't believe you need to have a degree to have a "happy" life. I guess it depends on where you live. I would be pretty sure that a cop's wage would let you live "comfortably".
Anyway, I personally think there isn't much longer to wait anyway. Everything I see and hear these days suggests the peak is now or we've passed it. Its scary and I've gone into fast forward mode getting rid of my debts and starting to prepare.
Since I replied the last time I've also had a chance to reflect on not just peak oil but "the big picture". Even if we were to struggle through peak oil and make it out the otherside there are more demons waiting. Diminishing fresh water, top soil, metals, fish, agriculture food, natural gas, coal, uranium, etc... I guess what I'm saying is I now see how unsustainable, hollow, and stupid our current way of living is. Perhaps you need to experience that realization before you can truely let go, otherwise, like I did, you tend to hang on to false hope.
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:34 am Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
roccman wrote:
I tell my kids (11/13) that:
1) School is a waste
2) College is a bigger waste
3) 9-11 was an inside job
4) and the US$ will be used as toilet paper soon.
I think that about covers it.
I feel bad for your kids, you have bet their futures on your predictions which are based on opinionated evidence and uncertain projections. Just think, what if the world does not collapse? What are your children left with? No education, no money, and firm distrust for the government.
People with these traits don't go far.
Even before the oil age, those with the most education filled the most important roles in society (besides motherhood). Why not study agriculture, physics, mechanics, engineering, mathematics, materials science, medicine…etc? Are all of those skills useless w/o oil? Those trades have been around long before oil was utilized and they will be around long after it is gone.
Joined: Nov 20, 2006 Posts: 123 Location: Tasmania
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:38 pm Post subject: Re: I need to ask you all for your help, advice and assistan
Judgie - from my own perspective (I lived in SA for the first 36 years of my life): I did what my parents wanted post leaving school and HATED IT. At 26 I enrolled in uni (against the wishes of my parents but by that age I simply didn't care LOL) and started on a course that changed my life. Had a new career by 36. By 39 decided I didn't like that new career and changed into a totally different one and made a million (literally, well, several million ...). So, best advice? Probably to finish the degree you are doing now then follow what you want to do, not what your parents want you to do. It is never too late to do dramatic career shifts (I have done 3 over my lifetime). It is never too late to start over in something you are passionate about and do splendidly. At 22 you have all the time in the world. Good luck.
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