It did. I had a strong work ethic from an early age so I naturally went right into wanting to earn my keep.

I pretty much just went with what was available. My first job was through a friend of my dad’s, and the one after that was a large retailer that pretty much hires anybody.

I still don’t know what I want to do career wise though. I’ve had too many jobs as needed that it diminished my ability to think of an actual career.

I went to prison in 1984 aged 15. I had to go school in there for 2 hours a day. I got out had to go live with 1 of my older brothers and worked on building sites from then until 24. The transition was easy tbh.

Well .. college was in between HS and what I do now .. though I worked during both HS and college

I had some guidance from my parents .. a counselor at college .. an older friend or two that helped me start out/stay on the right path

Yes. Went to work and to college at the same time. I promoted myself to more technical computer jobs. Got my degree at 31 and never looked back. Now retired.

pretty much. i got temp job at christmas straight away.
i wish i was still working, i miss it like nothing else.

Listened to the drill instructors

Not at all. It was about a 10 year gap and I'd say only about 3 years of that was making actual progress.