The 3rd prompt for 52in10 challenge is ‘What would you tell your younger self?’
Well, I know what I would say…. Go to university – do NOT take the job as a trainee accountant! I was 17 when I met Maurice and although it sounds corny, it was love at first sight! I took my A levels (Maths, Physics and Chemistry) and was applying to university to do Biochemistry. I even applied and sat entrance exams for Oxford! But, we decided that we couldn’t live without each other and wanted to get married. 
So I didn’t go to university, I got a job as a trainee accountant. I qualified as an accountant – and worked in accountancy for 10 years, eventually having my own clients when I had the children.
Well, we have been very happily married for 31 years now, and our children are 18 and 21. I did go to university- when I was 39, and took a degree in Neuroscience. (One of my greatest achievements - I got a first!) I am glad I did go eventually, but it was not the same as going when you are 18. The children were young, and I didn’t have time or inclination to socialise. I really enjoyed my degree, and it bought up huge regrets that I didn’t go earlier, and have a career in Science. It has taken me years to work through the regret, first of all blaming others for not ‘making’ me go (!) and then realising that it was MY decision, and at that time NO ONE would have persuaded me otherwise. So I guess what I would say would be ‘go and get a science job!’ not ‘go to university!’. I have absolutely no regrets about getting married, and have had a very happy life!
3 comments:
Look at you two aren't you cute with your matching shirts.
So sorry you have regrets Linda, you have lived your life and it has been a good one up to now no reason to think that will change. who knows what would have happened to you if you had followed a different route, it might have been a very unhappy disaster. Celebrate what you have, the grass rarely is greener.
A life would really only be half lived without a few regrets along the way. What an amazing achievement to gain a degree whilst bringing up children and running a household...twice as tough as when you are a carefree 18yr old. Look how good life is anyway!!!! Well done you.
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