the last 3 seasons I have worked with a lawn and landscaping service. Just last season I took on the full load to make a lot of money to buy my first bike and pay for other odds and ends. I made more money than I knew what to do with at 20 years old last year but the downside was I was on a job every second of daylight, no lie.. By the time summer was over and I had all this money, a bike and other cool **** I realized that the summer was REALLY over... All my friends would be on the lake partying ( I live on the lake ) and staying up late etc. and I would always have to go to bed because I was going to be gone another full day in the morning.

The whole point of this story is my boss is letting some people go as well as some accounts so things will be more steady and even passed. He offered me to have the 24/7 schedule meaning everywhere he goes I go, Anything on the side that comes up is mine. This had me hesitant and exited at the same time. I would be payed more and pocket twice what I did last year but once again I would be gone 13hours a day 7 days a week average. I would love to pay off my car and get a newer nicer bike with a bunch of spending cash but I don't want to regret it again this summer when its over and the best season on the lake for me is gone again, Especially since I'm 21 in april. He can have someone work full time in my spot and I can pick up some of the big days with them and some side jobs and make enough money to be ok or I could take this all on again and be a rich kid in 5 months.

I know this is completely up to me and no one can make the best decision for me but if it were you, what would you choose? 24/7 money coming in with a lot to show, or extra time to hang out and enjoy some of the summer?

 

I'd go with the money. You're young enough to have decades of summers at the lake. But money is a fickle thing.

You have a chance not only to get some really nice swag but also to save some or put it towards more long term things like a house (or if you already have one, a 2nd to rent / lease out). And when all the guys who played away summer are forced to drink PBR (and only after they've pooled together their pennies for a 6 pack), you can be drinking whatever you want.

Hey, wait a fecking second? You can't handle 13 hrs days + partying at 21?!? What the hell is with you kids nowadays?!? At 21, I was lucky to get 3 hrs of sleep a night between work and play! At 37 (38 April 22nd), I still only get 4 hrs during the work week. I do crash hard on Sundays but I had to slow down a little with age

Go with the money dude. Your real friends will understand and be ready when you're ready to party. The rest come at your convenience. And with cash, they'll be a higher quality group of conveniences

 

i started working at the post office last year at age 20. everyday since then i have regretted having to work 6 days a week and not being able to "have fun" but also at the same time i love it because i was able to buy a new mustang gt support a wife have my own place buy a bike and gear and still have a few grand in the bank to play with. but like i said i regret not having the time to have fun and party, if i were you i would keep the job and save as much as possible. with the times we are having now this choice may be one of the most important decisions you could possibly make for your future.

 

All winter I've been thinking about looking for a part time job outside of my 8-5 (I also already work every Saturday). I still could use some extra cash, but it's hard to think about having to get off at one job and go to another when the weather is perfect to ride and there's a bike sitting in the garage... But in my case it'd be low-paying retail, not big bucks. It'd be really tough to turn down some good guaranteed money.

 

What I would do if I were in your shoes would be work as much as you possibly can this summer. Save as much as possible, instead of blowing all or most of it on toys. Pay off your car. After you're out from under the car I would start a cd or a 401k or an Ira and start saving for the future.

This summer I will be working as much as I possibly can. 2 jobs, a summer class or 2 and saving every spare penny for that rainy day/retirement. I took last summer off(I had a job but the pay was ****), I had fun and what not, but the financial burdon was overwhelming.

Plus if you're looking to start your own business like this, or move up in the company it's always good to be in with the clients and management. Collect business cards like they're made of gold.

 

Jeez, I'm really surprised how many of you supported the working side of this situation. I actually expected this kind of response and in all honesty all these thoughts put out on this thread are thoughts I have had myself. I realize that this would be better for me in the long run and even now, but when your still young its harder to pass up a good summer of having fun. I must have been hoping to have some of you say " party it up ". Every one knows of the devil and angel on our shoulders. I want to play and enjoy my young age while I can but as you all say I have plenty of time for that and planing for the future with anything you do is most important. I was leaning more towards the gold than the late night party's but after your input (exactly alike ) I believe I will be making the choice of putting in my time and looking at my future and opportunities rather than what this summer of partying has to offer me...
I appreciate the positive and truthful advice you all have given, this will just make it easier to commit to the more important things.

Thanks

 

I got a very sound piece of advice from someone I admire greatly, my father. He said 'If you want something in this life bad enough, do not be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.'

To this day I normally put work before play. Given a opportunity to make money in this economy is a god send. Make that money, pay shyt off, have money in the bank and have nice things that are payed off should be a goal for everyone.

Write that down.

 

I worked hard, since I was about 12 I have always had some kind of job (and I am not too much older than you). Mostly they were summer jobs till I was 16 or 17. I cut grass worked at a golf course, whatever paid. When I was 23 I bought for myself (no co-signer) a $33,000 car. Brand new. I don't think there are many people who can say they did that.

Work hard, do well in school (I know it probably sounds like a broken record, but that sheet of paper for a college really makes a difference), and you will be amazed that you have time later on to do fun stuff and the bankroll to support it.

 

If you're going to school, and going to get a decent degree (business, engineering, anything marketable that will make $$) then for chits sake, PARTY IT UP, the money will come later. If not, then work and save.

 

I worked and worked and worked, and i have some nice things to show for it. But i missed out on a lot of things that i can never go back and do. If i had your situation i would take the middle ground. Take some work so you have some play money, pay bills, etc, but dont work yourself to death. Everyone need a break now and then, take a couple months and enjoy the things you worked for the last few years.