Post-Graduate Life

[f3lix]

Grad school for me was solidifying my training in my specific field instead of the general degree you get as an undergrad. I got everything I wanted out of it, plus won't have to take the shitty first job that most take coming out of undergrad (and get paid a nice chunk more.) That coupled with a better resume for the first round of apps made it a pretty easy decision and I'm very pleased with it.

[Ugly Bastard]

Well you're basically aiming to be a government employee, f3lix. Not trying to make that sound bad or anything, just calling it like it is. That being the case, it's not surprising to me that there's a direct correlation between receiving degrees (which are heavily government funded) and achieving a higher pay grade in a government job.

[Mr. Blonde]

Originally Posted by BigDongedHoe

People think post-graduate life is money, roses, and fun when that couldn't be further from the truth in all instances. Every college student that says that now I simply say tell me what you think after 6 months in your $35,000 entry level desk bitch job.

qf motherfuckin t


EDIT: I should say, and I'm sure BDH meant this, but this applies to most graduates. Obviously there are outliers; for all intensive purposes lets assume we're not talking about them.

Anyways, an interesting sociological note to all of this is the people who graduate, take these jobs, and some of them DO work their asses off to make it what they "thought" it would be...but they hate their jobs. They compensate by going out every weekend (not the same as college, this is dressing up nice, going to nicer places and looking for a lifelong mate going out). They look for this mate/buy houses/property/cars other material possessions to compensate for how shitty their job is, but at this point they've already accepted this is the only way to live life (thanks to their parents, and the rest of society) so they buck up and settle into enjoying life the best they know how outside of work (material goods and companionship), and eventually, children. Honestly, can anybody here on nubblies REALLY attest to why in the FUCK you would want children? I've heard that later in life you want to spread your seed or whatever or that children are great blah blah blah, but even while i'm sitting this fucking dog i hate the responsibility and can't WAIT to get rid of it this weekend. Such a fucking hassle and takes so much possible fun/free time out of my life, and its a DOG.

TL;DR: why the FUCK do people have kids? seriously?

I wonder if the cycle will ever be broken.

[f3lix]

I want kids but not until I get my life in order. In today's society, parenting should really wait until the parents are settled in financially, emotionally, and personally. That'd average to be between 30-35.

[Mr. Blonde]

That's fine that you want kids, and I agree with you 100% on the stipulations you've suggested. But why, do you personally want kids. If this is thought out right (unless you've already thought about it..a LOT) it shouldn't be an immediate answer. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I really don't think I want them, and I was just saying I did because thats what we're "supposed" to do.

I'm not saying I WON'T EVER, but right now I just don't see it ever happening. Obviously things change, but i'd rather say not ever now and just cross that bridge when and if it comes up.

[Orgazmo]

Originally Posted by Mr. Blonde

for all intensive purposes

intents and purposes*

Did that just blow your mind?

[Cocktooth]

Originally Posted by f3lix

That'd average to be between 30-35.

At least your girl could be 21 and drink legally by then.

[Ugly Bastard]

I think there are a few reasons people have kids, none of which are particularly good but some are better than others:

"Because it's just what you do"/inertia/not even thinking in the first place: this is probably 95% of people and the title explains it all.

Curiousity/Boredom/A new challenge: this is probably 3-4% of parents. They've accomplished a lot, are pretty smart, and want to try something different. To me, this is kind of a lame excuse because it implies a surrendering of ambition. Anyone can raise a kid and quite a few people can do it well at that.

Because they need one: this is a 1% group. The Obama's and upstanding closet gays of the world whose careers will be advanced by having children and thus appearing as relateable as possible.

Because they should: another 1% group. These people have convinced themselves that the world will actually be better off if they procreate (which in some cases may be true, though I'm skeptical of any reason since I believe nature has less of a role to play in a person's outcome than people think and that nurture is overrated since kids often don't respect their parents despite how awesome they are and therefore don't give a shit about fulfilling some assigned sense of duty).

In short, I don't know there is any particularly admirable or commendable reason why people have kids.

[SittinOnDubsWGW]

LOL

Most people don't realize how much the "real-world" costs are as well. Make more money, you start getting taxed hard. Insurance costs, planning your retirement, paying all of your bills, not having roomates, etc... all that shit adds up.

I know I was a little naive thinking, "damn, I'm gonna start off making $50K a year, I only make $xxxxx now, shits gonna be simple."

I'm definitely on the no-kids bandwagon. At least for the moment, as stated things always change. But I'm certain that I don't want them before 30.

[BigDongedHoe]

I'm thinking 30-35 is a reasonable age to have kids.

I'm not sure if I fall into UB's categories but I've always wanted kids. More specficially boys over girls. Not that I would love a girl any less but I realize how guys are and what they are after. I also have always wanted to have a boy to play sports with, turn into a badass, and have a huge floppy wiener to stick chicks with.

Family is important to me and always has been, maybe I'm just closer with my parents, brothers, etc. I can't imagine not having any kids.

[THEINCREDIBLEdork]

Originally Posted by Orgazmo

intents and purposes*

Did that just blow your mind?

I had a guy in a cognitive science class that would always say it wrong like blonde. He used it like some fucking morons use "basically" to begin every sentence that he thought was thought provoking. Nearly drove me out of my fucking mind.

To expound on graduate school. I finally saw the light when I realized the grind my life has become. 5 years of school and all I have is a B.S. in Psychology (worthless) and a CS minor and a 3.2 average. I'm getting tired of jerking off all the time, laying around all day, refreshing nubblies, and waiting for deadlines so I'm motivated enough to do my work, (which half the time I don't even do) and being generally worthless.

When I actually have a job in which other people are counting on me I'm a completely different beast. Its always been the case. So going to grad school would just be another 2-4 years wasting. Maybe I'll consider it later when I really want to boost my career and be motivated to do it and actually try. But thats a lot of fucking money to invest when I still have some growing up to do to make sure I make the most out of it.

Plus the thing about C.S. classes is usually you can learn what you need faster just doing it yourself. As fun as it is learning to code the fibonacci sequence in a different language for the upteenth time I think I'll pass.

On the negative side the pressure of finding a job, preparing for interviews and shit has me more stressed than spring sapling holding the weight of a brown bear. I think I'm developing a serious drinking problem.

[Mr. Blonde]

Originally Posted by Orgazmo

intents and purposes*

Did that just blow your mind?

I was buzzing pretty hard then. But as long as we're being dicks, I thought I should mention that UB sent out an email earlier today which stated

We were in Greece for probably 45 minutes. An EMT crew came onto the plane and took the guy off. He appeared to be doing okay... could stand up on his own reconnaisance, etc.

and I think he meant "recognizance". Somebody's coming down with me, dammit.

[THEINCREDIBLEdork]

I didn't get a fucking email.

[Ugly Bastard]

What's your address and I'll add you to my mass BCC email blog list while I'm in Israel. And Blonde, you're right. Thanks for teaching me something. But you're weak for not taking the fall on your own.

[Mr. Blonde]

I'll try to stand on my own reconnaissance next time.

[BigDongedHoe]

I didn't get a fucking e-mail either. negrep

[Ugly Bastard]

You're definitely not getting one now you piece of shit.

[DDTempest]

You guys should all go to Never Never Land so that you can stay boys forever.


Why do I want kids? Ask any reasonable person that have ever raised a child what the most rewarding thing they have ever done / what they are most proud of in their entire life? Kids are fucking hilarious. I simply cannot fathom the idea of going through life and not experiencing it. Do I want to wait? Fuck no. I am 27 now, in the next few years I would like to start popping them out because I don't want to be in my mid-fifties with a kid in fucking high school. I don't want to try cobbling together my kid's education and my own retirement in that ten year "oh shit" stretch that so many people go through.

Sure, I could sell tomorrow to pay for today ... but that's not how I do things.

[Ugly Bastard]

Just took a $5k pay cut from CVS and is eager to pop out kids. Forgive me if I don't offer to trade you places in life, DDT.

[DDTempest]

Originally Posted by Ugly Bastard

Just took a $5k pay cut from CVS and is eager to pop out kids. Forgive me if I don't offer to trade you places in life, DDT.

Well for starters I took a pay cut from Walgreens, not CVS. And I never said eager, its not like I am going to have a kid in nine months. But within the next 4 - 5 years I think is pretty reasonable.

And you're forgiven, I probably wouldn't trade you places in life either.

[THEINCREDIBLEdork]

I imagine it would be extremely fulfilling to have me as a son. Maybe you should consider adoption? I am very low maintenance. I only need to be bathed.

[Ugly Bastard]

Originally Posted by DDTempest

I probably wouldn't trade you places in life either.

I think that's admirable and can relate completely.

I would not trade places with anyone on Earth. I know your knee-jerk response might be to think "oh c'mon... give me a break," but that's truly the way I feel. What would be the point of it? I am who I am and I'm at where I'm at and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. And in the end, none of it matters anyway.

Have fun being a dad.

[BigDongedHoe]

I'd trade places with Jessica Biel so I could stare and play with myself all day long.

[Orgazmo]

Originally Posted by THEINCREDIBLEdork

I imagine it would be extremely fulfilling to have me as a son. Maybe you should consider adoption? I am very low maintenance. I only need to be bathed.

Don't adopt him, DD. He'll turn on and leave on every light in any room in your house he's ever so much as thought about entering. He'll also eat the leftovers in your fridge without a second's worth of thought. Oh, and he'll fuck guys.

On the other hand, he will fold his blanket before he leaves in the early morning hours.

Just some things to consider.

[DDTempest]

Originally Posted by Orgazmo

Don't adopt him, DD. He'll turn on and leave on every light in any room in your house he's ever so much as thought about entering. He'll also eat the leftovers in your fridge without a second's worth of thought. Oh, and he'll fuck guys.

On the other hand, he will fold his blanket before he leaves in the early morning hours.

Just some things to consider.

Doesn't he also pee on couch cushions?