I agree. I consider myself a pretty cool guy but I get the “your not with it” vibe from those young ones in my life that I offer up just a little advice to.

You’re right, there is no wrong answer. In fact, the foolish answer is often praised and rewarded in society.

Thanks for sharing, Shanti.

There is no wrong answer to anything – but there is a foolish answer. When entering into any endeavor – financial or otherwise – do your research, sleep on it, and ask more than just your friends and close family for their opinion. Listen to older, smart, successful people and don’t write them off as ones who aren’t “with it.” But don’t let go of your dreams for pragmatism, either.

I remember clearly one time in 2005 when I was talking with a coworker about some things I was going through in my life. He was 15 years older than I was and his advice was not advice I wanted to hear. I thought he was being strict, and unforgiving, and silly. But on my walk home I realized that he really knew what he was talking about, and after weighing all the options, I decided to do what he had recommended. Two years later, I am so, so, so happy I listened to him and his wisdom. When I told him the next week what I’d done, he laughed and hugged me and told me, “Wow. You’re the only kid I’ve ever had actually listen to me. You’re going to be wiser than all of your friends if you actually listen to what older people have to say.” And he was right

Thanks for posting this, PT! It made me think about this happy memory, and about what I wish I’d known when I left school!