Not programming related but life related wishful thinking helps no one. If I could turn back the clock to when I was a teenager I would change my parents, my

Not programming related but life related wishful thinking helps no one. If I could turn back the clock to when I was a teenager I would change my parents, my socio-economic status, my education, my friends. The only thing I would not change is me. Being flexible is the key. life is full of unexpected challenges and you have to be ready to change, aspire to knew levels of knowledge and grasp new beginnings. Although without any formal qualifications, I had always been highly intelligent. I had always read extensively and gorged on reading psychology books from the age of about 16. A classic introvert (infj) born into a world of extroverts I left school at 14 years old with no formal qualifications. I worked as: A window cleaner I did a 2 year training course as a bread baker Worked as an oily rag and gofer at the local garage where the manager offered me a 4 year apprenticeship. I became a qualified motor mechanic At 28 years old I had to earn more money to support my partner and new born child. I set up my own business as a ceramic tiler. At 36 years old, with the money I had made from my business I went back to college to gain an access to higher education certificate. I then spent 6 years training at university to become a psychotherapist and a further 3 years post-grad. I have since retired in 2015 It wasn't easy but I got where I wanted to in the end