I Really wanted to do something in Music and/or Art, but my maternal grandfather, who raised me, vetoed it, and in his big Estonian voice, said "Achh, you can't earn liffing dat fay. Go to VORK, real VORK! He said no college, either, so I did what most other female HS grads did...got a typist job. I worked at NYLife Ins. Co, and hated it. Wound up going to college when I was 24, took up Nursing, graduated With Honor,got my R.N. and enjoyed psychiatric nsg. Now, if I could do it again, I'd have forgotten nursing and gone on to get a PhD. in psych, and had my own practice. I did become an artist, too, and typing still comes in handy, like for this pc. So what cooks with you all out there? What did you do after H,S,? God bless. Kris

Umass, Amherst.

Joined the Navy,served 20 years.

All through HS I worked on race cars - that's what I wanted to do - build race cars. I met with "that's no way for a Jewish boy to make a living". Well go fiigure that by the late 80's crew chiefs were making six figures and car builders even more.

I got a job and then went to college at night starting in 1964 - four years after I graduated HS. It took me eight years and I graduted Hofstra in '72. I wanted to go to law school but by the time I graduated college I had a wife, a house, two kids and a third on the way. I worked a full time job, went to school at night and moonlighted doing wedding photos on the week-end. I was pulling in $300 a week-end (a lot of money in the early 70's) and just couldn't afford to give it up so law school was out.

All-in all it worked out pretty good. I worked for a NY State agency and was able to retire young (in my 50's). I did weddings for so long that I was able to put three girls through college and make three weddings with that money.

I was tired of school ,so I joined the Navy to see the world.Would'nt you know ,the Navy sent me to 4 schools. I joined the nuclear submarine service and got stationed in Groton ,Connecticut. So much for seeing the world . Even when we went to see ,we were submerged.

It's no wonder you sound tired.LOL

After high school had a couple of uninportant jobs. Then 2 years in the army, more nothing jobs. Then had a 32 year career with the phone company, retired 5 years ago.

Went to Bellevue school of nursing for a short time but it wasn't for me. I was married just after my 20th birthday, became a mom at 22. Raised 4 children and have 8 grandchildren. It's only now at 65 I feel I did very little with my life.

Helen, you did enough with your life, are you kidding? At least you raised your children, and 4 of them? That's more than many women do, all the other stuff is inconsequential. Money means nothing, you should know that now at your age, I realize it, I raised my children and I am very proud of the job I did, I'm proud of you too....

Oh My, I totally read your post all wrong Helen. I only read the first three words in your post and I said OH MY,, Helen went to Bellevue after high school, then of course I read more and now I feel much better.

Helen, as Barb has already said, you have done quite a lot with your life raising your kids. This is something to be proud of and your kids will always know how much good you have done in your life.

By the way helen, I haven't seen you here before or I just don't remember, anyway welcome to the forum, make some posts about your life in the Bronx.

I like you Helen didn't do much right out of high school. I worked, for about a year, at Schraffts on 23rd street in N Y C. Then retired to raise 3 daughters. Went back to work after the youngest was in 1st grade and had a great career in banking. Had to put it on hold for a while on 1982 due to daughter # four .

quote:

Originally posted by helen:
Went to Bellevue school of nursing for a short time but it wasn't for me. I was married just after my 20th birthday, became a mom at 22. Raised 4 children and have 8 grandchildren. It's only now at 65 I feel I did very little with my life.

Helen - are you crazy - raising a family is one hell of a job. You should be extremly proud of it.

I think part of my problem is that I have troble walking because of diabetes complications and I spend most of my time at home, alone, my husband is still working and I never learned to drive. When my kids were of an age to care for themselves I worked for 13 years as a classroom aide in my local school district. I worked in special-ed in the Jr. High. this was very rewarding but things caused me to retire and for a time I was busy with my kids starting their lives and welcomeing grandkids and 2 years ago we lost a grandson to a cancerous brain tumor, he was 4 years old and suddenly I feel very old and useless. Sometimes I think I have nothing to offer in life any more. I came on board in late Jan. and have only posted twice. The PC is new to me but I find it very interesting. Thanks for listening.

Helen

Helen, stick with this Board and you will have plenty to offer. Have some fun and some arguments on this Board and your blood will begin flowing.

After high school I did not know what to do. I got a job as a shipping clerk and made $32 per week. I felt I should do something better. I quit after 6 months and went to CCNY and majored in engineering and switched to accounting. It was boring so I enlisted in the Air Force.

After completing my military obligation I went back to CCNY and majored in geology. Good Choice. I worked for the federal government in earth sciences for more than 30 years. Great career.

Helen,again we have something in common, I too had to retire from Banking in 2003 do to a serious illness. I am a driver but I don't drive because I'm not comfortable behind the wheel. So I'm pretty much house bound during the week. I have been feeling a little better and getting out on weekends, but I can really relate to how you feel. Being alone most of the time gives you too much time to think. Keeping in touch with the world and posting on this sight has helped me quite a bit. So don't be afraid to share. Keep posting, I'll keep answering!

Went to college and became a Mechanical Engineer

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I enjoy posting very much and will continue.

Keep on posting

Not to worry Helen...There is a special place in Heaven for Mothers and grandmothers like yourself!