I started babysitting when I was 12. I've always loved horses, but my parents couldn't afford riding lessons. So, I used babysitting money to ride. I ended up working in the barn by the time I was 13, and I bought my own horse before I turned 14. I bought another horse when I was 16. so, I was always very tight with money, b/c from a young age, I had large bills to pay (horses are not cheap).
I sold my second horse at 16, when I needed to get a vehicle and a better paying job.
At 18, I moved out, and took my first horse, whom I still had, to a farm I was going to manage. I wasn't making much money, and was often in a position where "in order to buy food for the week, I have to use my credit card. If I want gas in my truck, use the card.." In addition, I suddenly needed things that I had never spent money on before - curtains, bedding, clothes, etc . . .
So, now at 24, I am finding myself in debt. A lot of debt. I've tried the working with horses thing, knowing it is nearly impossible to succeed, and have just come to the conclusion that I need to do something else. I've had to work 2 jobs (waitressing at night) just to survive, but I have been able to save nothing, and only maintain debt, not chip away at it. I haven't even been able to finish college, b/c I have had to work. I've finally accepted that to work with horses, I will have to sacrifice ever having a house, a new truck, and forget having a horse again (I gave my first horse to a retirement farm, where I can still see her, but I don't have any bills for her). I dont want to be 50 years old, and find I have to move back in with my parents, b/c my body can no longer hold up to the physical work a barn requires, and I have no skills for anything else. So, I've made some changes. I have a new job, making twice as much money (with half as many hours) and I'm learning usful skills. I will probably be able to take some classes in the near future, and I am finally knocking out big chunks of debt. It feels great to be able to pay my bills, on time, and to be able to buy life's neccesities with cash.
I also have a friend who has tried the horse thing, owned a racing stable, etc, but there just isn't money in it. At 33, she has just finished school and has just started her first job ever that has potential to support her - she's a teacher.
Point is, no matter what age, it's scary to venture out on your own, and scarier still to not really know where you are going, or how you are going to succeed. But, it is important to learn to be self sufficient, and I think it's great that you are stepping up to the plate, as they say, and are ready to take care of yourself. Better late than never.
Good luck to you. It takes hard work and effort, but I'm sure you will find a the right path for yourself.
I will now step down from my soapbox!
