Age 35 or older:Look at your life; the world.In hindsight, what do you wish you would have done 10 yrs ago?

Question

I am trying to collect the common regrets of the 35 yrs or older crowd (ie, I should have finished grad school, I should/shoudn't have gotten married, I should have started that business, I should have spent more time with my kids, had kids earlier/later, should have traveled, quit that job,etc), stuff like that. I believe in learning from other's mistakes or experiences. I believe human experiences are more common than unique. Help me make great decisions now at 32 and understand what is truly important...Thanks!

Answer 1

Of course I wish I had completed grad school. I would have sought a job that was a "fit" for me, not just taking what came along. And traveled, I would have traveled more. Tell you what tho,even tho I am quite a bit over 35 I still have dreams and goals,some of the above and more! Good years, Moth

Answer 2

Wow, what a deep question...

I try to get through life with as few regrets as possible.  Many choices we make seem like the right ideas at the time and I don't think you truly achieve self perspective until you go through a lot of life experience.  

I did not get married until I was 31.  I do not regret waiting until the.  The right relationship is important.  

We did not even have think about children for a good 5 years.  That, I do regret.  In my early 30's I was still under a sort of delusion that I had my whole life ahead of me.  I did to a point but every year that passes goes faster and faster.  

I had my 1st child at 37, fully convinced we would only have 1.  Then came baby #2 at 41 and surprise, #3 at 44.   I am now almost 46 I am so lucky to have been blessed with 3 healthy children.  My regret is not for now but for 20 years from now... or 30... or 35 when my kids will lose their mother and I will not have had enough time on this planet with them.  

I know that I would not be the type of mom I am today when I was younger.  I would not have had the same patience and understanding and realization that life does not last forever.   I would not appreciate or understand that everything in life is a phase and you will, sooner or later, for better or for worse, move on.  I know that.  But it hits you like a ton of bricks when you think that when your child is the age you are now, you will be 90.   And it seems that I got here so quick.

The fact that you ask the question is really shows that you have a lot of the understanding and depth that I didn't develop until later.  You're lucky!

Answer 3

Well, actually I would have to say I don't have any regrets.  All the decisions I have made up till now have let me to where I am.  It makes me who I am.

I sometimes wish I had gotten pregnant sooner (not that we didn't try), however I think it was supposed to happen now and my husband and I are more prepared and excited than we would have been 5 years ago.

I'm 38.

Answer 4

I really have no regrets, everything I have done and went through has brought me to where I'm at today.  If I had to choose 1 thing, I t would be finished College.