:(

I can’t say that I have it all figured out now, but I’m pretty happy with where I am now. More than anything, I’ve let go of the regrets so I can move forward.

I’ve been reading you for awhile now, and I know you still have some big goals you’re working toward. It’s great that you have figured out many of them by the time you’re 30!

The summary result: I live in another country, I am financially independent, semi-retired, and also a writer (among other things, like the co-founder of a startup). My stuff still fits in a trunk. I have a wife but no children. I am 33.

However, you shouldn’t forget that the sum total of your actions is what brought you to the point where you are today. Possibly some of your success as a pf-blogger has to do with experiencing things like being in debt and getting out of it. If you hadn’t done that, you would not be able to write as well about that aspect and not be able to connect with as many people.

So what I’m trying to say is that the most important philosophical thing to realize is that many of the things you do merely act as means of getting you to the next step. They are part of a process called life. You should never regret single decisions, I think. Any regrets should be in the present and more directed towards your character e.g. I wish I was less arrogant, more gregarious, etc. It is essentially these traits that decide where you’ll be 10 years from now.

The thing is we can’t change the past, but we can change today and tomorrow . . .

Start doing today what you will wish you had done 10 years from now.

You are not going for the classes, for heaven’s sake, you are going for the experience. I didn’t study abroad, but I have lived abroad and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had early financial goals that I threw to the side in order to do so as well…and I have not one single regret.

I know many people who did study abroad though and they would all agree that the experience was worth every penny. My sister did a semester in Finland and made wonderful friends from her host family and would still tell you it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

That being said, there are work abroad programs out there, which is what I did in Scotland, that might be more to your liking.

I could re-write this post as “Things I wish I Had Done When I was 30!” – as I am now 40 :) I have been through the debt thing and am now out the other side but it is still depressing to realize the long-term consequences of my actions. Nothing for it but to try and move on.

Neil

Plus, I find the experience of going on vacation and living like a local far more culturally enriching than touring Holiday Inn’s all across the globe. Not only do you save money by being able to eat in with friends and catch up over a bottle of wine, you can also tag along with their social calendar, and do things like go to picnics, learn to play cricket, hit the museums on the free days, etc. It is also enriching to give someone the opportunity to show you their city, which allows you to create more memories and build your friendship.

What were your reasons for not going? Why do you regret not going? Is there something you could have gained by going that you can not gain anymore?

I wish you could help me make my decision!