Lived off trust fund and now my career sucks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think OP lost interest in this thread already.

Heh. I mean, of course.

And here are us strivers still trying to fix the problem.

I literally laughed out loud.

Oh God, hilarious!!! I was just getting ready to tell OP to teach a dance class. Heck maybe even open up a barre studio. Or go into real estate. But oh well I guess she lost interest.

You all understand you are making fun of a non-NT person?

I think op is just lazy actually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What Color is Your Parachute didn't help me at all, and I've been in the same position. You're in a great position to volunteer for whatever cause you think you might be passionate about, and that could lead you down a path to that kind of work. Causes are worth getting up for, and a good network of people working for what they believe in can be better than vacations, etc. Community is important, and in those kinds of jobs, no one has much money or spends lavishly. Another degree isn't a bad idea. Law school? Film/communications? AU has a good program and you can do it on weekends. It would be marketable because there are lots of jobs for communications/video savvy people. And you can take those skills into an interesting, cause oriented nonprofit. You may not make a ton of money but you will have meaning, useful skills, and a way to contribute.

Don't be hard on yourself. You're in a unique situation without much of a sense of community--it's not like there's a support group for people with trust funds. And I believe you, they bring with them their own downsides. Think about what would make you most happy and fill your life most. Don't judge yourself by your resume or your income.

Exactly. You are lucky and in a great spot, which is probably why you raised the ire of so many of the DCUM “I hate my job and life crowd”

OP has the same family cash access as easily 10% of the DC area, who as other posters have noted, get moderate family help. But all those others get up every day and go for jobs. OP is just a million times more lazy and entitled. Sorry, but OP's cash situation does not make her unique. Again, just lazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What Color is Your Parachute didn't help me at all, and I've been in the same position. You're in a great position to volunteer for whatever cause you think you might be passionate about, and that could lead you down a path to that kind of work. Causes are worth getting up for, and a good network of people working for what they believe in can be better than vacations, etc. Community is important, and in those kinds of jobs, no one has much money or spends lavishly. Another degree isn't a bad idea. Law school? Film/communications? AU has a good program and you can do it on weekends. It would be marketable because there are lots of jobs for communications/video savvy people. And you can take those skills into an interesting, cause oriented nonprofit. You may not make a ton of money but you will have meaning, useful skills, and a way to contribute.

Don't be hard on yourself. You're in a unique situation without much of a sense of community--it's not like there's a support group for people with trust funds. And I believe you, they bring with them their own downsides. Think about what would make you most happy and fill your life most. Don't judge yourself by your resume or your income.

Exactly. You are lucky and in a great spot, which is probably why you raised the ire of so many of the DCUM “I hate my job and life crowd”

OP has the same family cash access as easily 10% of the DC area, who as other posters have noted, get moderate family help. But all those others get up every day and go for jobs. OP is just a million times more lazy and entitled. Sorry, but OP's cash situation does not make her unique. Again, just lazy.

I doubt it’s anywhere near that high of a percentage, but even if it is, that’s still a pretty low percentage. She is very lucky, and that’s why she has gotten the anger of the miserable people that make up DCUM. She’s in a great spot. Anytime you get the jealous harpies of DCUM engaged you’re doing pretty well

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, I doubt you're still around but I was in a similar spot.

I'm in NYC, my parents bought my apartment, and incidentals were paid for. I'm currently in a decent spot in my career because I had to eat shit first. I took a job at a small startup, and I worked in their showroom. Within 2 months I was promoted, 6 months later I was given another promotion, and now I'm a VP in HR. Sometimes you just have to take a job that's "below" you, but at a cool company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am just wondering why no one pushed back on the OP's comments about lawyers not making much money? I mean....

OP, JDs or MBAs both have the potential to bring home $250-500 a year but it will require lots of work and focus. You take on debt, school will be demanding and then you will still land in roles like associate at a law firm or analyst at an investment bank. You will need to have discipline to pay back the loans also.

Why has no one suggested entrepreneur? Is there a business you are passionate about building? Lots of successful entrepreneurs did horrible in traditional workplaces, including my current boss. In your situation you can manage more risk than most. Do you have presence? Can you pitch investors?

Because it's true? Unless OP gets into a top-tier law school, performs very well, and gets a job in Big Law.

This is true. With OP's background, I don't see them getting into a top tier law school. They might be able to do well in law school if they are truly fascinated by the law, but I think they'd know that by now. Otherwise, success in the law is endless drudgery, and I don't see OP putting up with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like OP's trust is pumping out $50k per year at most. Which explains why she was able to keep up when her friends were poor students, but now that they're in their 30s with decent jobs, she can no longer keep up (nice apartment, vacations, nice things etc).

I find it incredible someone would blow off their whole working life responsibility based on this paltry sum. DC is literally FILLED with people getting this kind of support from something other than a job. Lots of people with trust funds, and inheritances. But even more common is just people in their 20s and 30s whose parents still pay the credit card bills. A a huge chunk of DC people in their 30s and 40s whose parents buy them a $1m-$2m house (which is the equivalent of more than a $50k annual payment), or pay for multiple kids' private schools at $40k a pop, for instance. People getting five and six figure payments from parents in perpetuity, much like OP. And these people all still work regular DC jobs and still hustle.

That OP never bothered to work hard speaks way more to OP's personality and core qualities, and not because OP has a trust fund.

Thank you. I know people in DC who are in line to inherit billions, and more who are in line to inherit many millions, who still work hard every day. I also know people with minimal or no trust funds and multiple advanced degrees who have done absolutely nothing with their lives.

I'm willing to believe that someone can change, but I don't think OP cares about finding "meaning and purpose." I think OP is just mad that their friends are living better and wants to find a way to get there that doesn't involve drudgery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like OP's trust is pumping out $50k per year at most. Which explains why she was able to keep up when her friends were poor students, but now that they're in their 30s with decent jobs, she can no longer keep up (nice apartment, vacations, nice things etc).

I find it incredible someone would blow off their whole working life responsibility based on this paltry sum. DC is literally FILLED with people getting this kind of support from something other than a job. Lots of people with trust funds, and inheritances. But even more common is just people in their 20s and 30s whose parents still pay the credit card bills. A a huge chunk of DC people in their 30s and 40s whose parents buy them a $1m-$2m house (which is the equivalent of more than a $50k annual payment), or pay for multiple kids' private schools at $40k a pop, for instance. People getting five and six figure payments from parents in perpetuity, much like OP. And these people all still work regular DC jobs and still hustle.

That OP never bothered to work hard speaks way more to OP's personality and core qualities, and not because OP has a trust fund.

Thank you. I know people in DC who are in line to inherit billions, and more who are in line to inherit many millions, who still work hard every day. I also know people with minimal or no trust funds and multiple advanced degrees who have done absolutely nothing with their lives.

I'm willing to believe that someone can change, but I don't think OP cares about finding "meaning and purpose." I think OP is just mad that their friends are living better and wants to find a way to get there that doesn't involve drudgery.

This is so DC area puritanical work ethic coming out.  In most cultures around the world it’s considered fine for someone to live off family wealth, or to do things that they love that don’t make them money.  Good for OP for not signing up for a job she hated of endless drudgery.
Besides, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. If you got outside the DC bubble, and lived in a major city, you would see there are plenty of people who manage to make lots of money from a passion.  Desk work is not for everyone, nor does it have to be.  But most people here are government drones and they have one very narrow minded idea of what it is to have a career, passion, or to make money

[Anonymous]

My advise, as a fellow trust funder, is to get a job at a company where there's room to grow, and just dig in. Plan to stay for five years.

BTW, I always, except for school, banked my family money.

[Anonymous]

People post on this forum constantly looking for career advice and never get anywhere near this many responses. It’s fascinating to me how many are/were genuinely trying to help this woman who already has so much in place, and are continuing to come to her defense long after she’s gone. It’s like this weird rich damsel in distress thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What Color is Your Parachute didn't help me at all, and I've been in the same position. You're in a great position to volunteer for whatever cause you think you might be passionate about, and that could lead you down a path to that kind of work. Causes are worth getting up for, and a good network of people working for what they believe in can be better than vacations, etc. Community is important, and in those kinds of jobs, no one has much money or spends lavishly. Another degree isn't a bad idea. Law school? Film/communications? AU has a good program and you can do it on weekends. It would be marketable because there are lots of jobs for communications/video savvy people. And you can take those skills into an interesting, cause oriented nonprofit. You may not make a ton of money but you will have meaning, useful skills, and a way to contribute.

Don't be hard on yourself. You're in a unique situation without much of a sense of community--it's not like there's a support group for people with trust funds. And I believe you, they bring with them their own downsides. Think about what would make you most happy and fill your life most. Don't judge yourself by your resume or your income.

Exactly. You are lucky and in a great spot, which is probably why you raised the ire of so many of the DCUM “I hate my job and life crowd”

OP has the same family cash access as easily 10% of the DC area, who as other posters have noted, get moderate family help. But all those others get up every day and go for jobs. OP is just a million times more lazy and entitled. Sorry, but OP's cash situation does not make her unique. Again, just lazy.

I doubt it’s anywhere near that high of a percentage, but even if it is, that’s still a pretty low percentage. She is very lucky, and that’s why she has gotten the anger of the miserable people that make up DCUM. She’s in a great spot. Anytime you get the jealous harpies of DCUM engaged you’re doing pretty well

Yeah, it's easily that high a percentage. You don't know who they are, because almost all of them get up every day and go to regular jobs. Just think about the number of people in DC who get significant parent help to buy a house. Whether it's a down payment in the six figures, or the whole cash price. When you sell a house in DC, it's typical to get multiple cash offers. And typical to get people who put down 10%. You think all these 28 year olds just have that cash around from three years of working post-law school? I thought 10% was actually a pretty low number, because in our circle of JD and MA grads, i'd say 80% of them clearly got major family help to buy their house. And easily 25% of them miraculously had the cash to buy houses ranging from $1m to $5m. Those same families have grandparents paying $100k in private school costs every year, or who pay the full ride to college and grad school. All of those financial contributions easily add up to the equivalent of $50k income a year like OP is getting. But other than the handful who buy a ridiculously expensive house, the others lead lives sort of aligned with their incomes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like OP's trust is pumping out $50k per year at most. Which explains why she was able to keep up when her friends were poor students, but now that they're in their 30s with decent jobs, she can no longer keep up (nice apartment, vacations, nice things etc).

I find it incredible someone would blow off their whole working life responsibility based on this paltry sum. DC is literally FILLED with people getting this kind of support from something other than a job. Lots of people with trust funds, and inheritances. But even more common is just people in their 20s and 30s whose parents still pay the credit card bills. A a huge chunk of DC people in their 30s and 40s whose parents buy them a $1m-$2m house (which is the equivalent of more than a $50k annual payment), or pay for multiple kids' private schools at $40k a pop, for instance. People getting five and six figure payments from parents in perpetuity, much like OP. And these people all still work regular DC jobs and still hustle.

That OP never bothered to work hard speaks way more to OP's personality and core qualities, and not because OP has a trust fund.

Thank you. I know people in DC who are in line to inherit billions, and more who are in line to inherit many millions, who still work hard every day. I also know people with minimal or no trust funds and multiple advanced degrees who have done absolutely nothing with their lives.

I'm willing to believe that someone can change, but I don't think OP cares about finding "meaning and purpose." I think OP is just mad that their friends are living better and wants to find a way to get there that doesn't involve drudgery.

This is so DC area puritanical work ethic coming out.  In most cultures around the world it’s considered fine for someone to live off family wealth, or to do things that they love that don’t make them money.  Good for OP for not signing up for a job she hated of endless drudgery.
Besides, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. If you got outside the DC bubble, and lived in a major city, you would see there are plenty of people who manage to make lots of money from a passion.  Desk work is not for everyone, nor does it have to be.  But most people here are government drones and they have one very narrow minded idea of what it is to have a career, passion, or to make money

Oh, please. OP didn't ask "How do I find my passion?" OP basically said, "I used to be the rich one, and now all my friends are making more money and I'm jealous, but I can't seem to hold down a real job for more than 6 months. How do I make money without working hard at something that isn't fun?"

FWIW, one of the most successful people from my HS was an art major in college, and works in his field. This person worked very hard at what they do for many years. Before I retired and moved out of DC to pursue my "passion," I had a job I loved in a field that I found fascinating, but it also involved many hours of just plain hard work. No job is always fun.

OP doesn't want to work. In fact, they didn't even stick around to see the suggestions from this thread.

[Anonymous]

Have you taken those career inventory tests to identify some good fields for you?

You are young enough to turn this around, and it is healthy that you want to!

[Anonymous]

I agree with all the posters who said OP really is not unique for DC. I am not any of the previous posters but I have more friends than I can count on both hands who have trusts that paid for their homes and are hardworking (most are feds). I’m in a similar boat and I go to my job everyday and work really hard. Early on I asked my parents if I could just stop working (my dad controls my trust) and they laughed me out of the room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People post on this forum constantly looking for career advice and never get anywhere near this many responses. It’s fascinating to me how many are/were genuinely trying to help this woman who already has so much in place, and are continuing to come to her defense long after she’s gone. It’s like this weird rich damsel in distress thing.

I think many people are fascinated by glamorous trust fund stories- old money, being born into a life of leisure. It’s captured people’s imaginations forever and OP definitely fits the bill

[Anonymous]

Well after reading this thread all I can say is... I'm extremely jealous. I would love to live a pointless existence of sitting around, collecting money and doing whatever the F I want. You should really gain some perspective about what most people have to deal with, especially now with our current economic instability