For every happy ending there are a dozen that never go back and wake up at 30 or 40yo hating their life, wishing someone smacked some sense into them when they were 20.

Everyone has their own path. And sometimes that journey might not have been the one that you would have chosen, but it is always what is best in the end. Sometimes, people need to find themselves and be able to commit to their life the way they want it, before they can really be happy and productive.

For example, I dropped out of college (Franklin and Marshall) after two years. My parents disowned me. I worked, fell into drugs (heroin), lost my job, and was homeless. After hitting rock bottom, my brother took me in. I spent a year detoxing (physically and mentally). Finally, my brother said enough is enough. I got back into the work force, got my bachelor's degree and immediately got my master's degree afterwards. I built my career and now I have a very good job, make over 6-figures, and I am happy. I just took a different path.

Don't judge. Be supportive. Believe in someone. And let them find their way. Be grateful they are healthy. A live. And wish them happiness.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A weird gap and poor grades (safe assumption) eliminate any chance at a decent job or grad school -- ever. Both of these things are probably not on his mind right now, but one day they will. Facebook photos and positive spin? Ha! I'd be livid my kid just blew 60k, embarrassed around town, and scared shitless he'll never launch.

You've said that over and over OP, but very few people share your opinion.

And sure wasting $60K sucks but wasting $240k is even worse. Some people need to take time off to figure out what they truly want

You're projecting.

Huh how? I went to a top rated engineering school and graduated in 4 years and got a great job that not only paid for grad school but also paid me to go.

OP, I think you're insecure and have a crappy life. No one really cares how long it takes people to get their shit together, they just care that they did. One of the best employees at my firm started out as a janitor and he went to night school to get his degree.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Correction: My nephew turns 21 in January. Is there an age limit when his deluded mother should stop being so thrilled he's home and available for every family function?

None of your business. Mind your own children (or cats).

My kids hard working and charismatic. No flunkies -- we wouldn't allow it.

No-one really cares. It's funny that you think this makes you better than them.

Anonymous wrote:While living at home. She sees nothing wrong with it, "at least he's working ... the money's not that bad." Average summer internship of a McIntire student is more than he could make in 6 months. Even worse, she's all over Facebook posting about how great it is to have all the family together every weekend. The young man is 20 years old.

Am I wrong to judge? It's painful to witness this stupidity. Zero regard for his long term success.

I'm sure it is great to have the family together every weekend...stop being a b*tch and MYOB. You don't have a clue what happens behind closed doors, or why people make the choices they do. In your small mind you only see one possible (and negative) reason for this.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Correction: My nephew turns 21 in January. Is there an age limit when his deluded mother should stop being so thrilled he's home and available for every family function?

None of your business. Mind your own children (or cats).

My kids hard working and charismatic. No flunkies -- we wouldn't allow it.

puke

My daughter did this. She went through a tough time and floundered for a few years. She ended up going back to school when it was right for her. (At 24). She is now on honor roll (straight A's) and working toward becoming a teacher. She worked a lot of dead end jobs before she came to the realization that she wanted to do more. Luckily, my sister (her aunt) was incredibly supportive and loving and didn't judge at all. As a matter of fact, she took her to Italy after she completed her first year of school (summer vacation).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Correction: My nephew turns 21 in January. Is there an age limit when his deluded mother should stop being so thrilled he's home and available for every family function?

None of your business. Mind your own children (or cats).

My kids hard working and charismatic. No flunkies -- we wouldn't allow it.

Anonymous wrote:Correction: My nephew turns 21 in January. Is there an age limit when his deluded mother should stop being so thrilled he's home and available for every family function?

None of your business. Mind your own children (or cats).

Anonymous wrote:Good luck explaining the gap when trying to get a job...

There are a whole host of reasons and employers don't bat an eye. I had a friend leave when her mother died and she had younger siblings. Another took a leave when finances were too tight. A third friend took leave to have a kidney transplant. Gaps are far more common than you think in the world outside the affluent bubble.

Correction: My nephew turns 21 in January. Is there an age limit when his deluded mother should stop being so thrilled he's home and available for every family function?

Anonymous wrote:While living at home. She sees nothing wrong with it, "at least he's working ... the money's not that bad." Average summer internship of a McIntire student is more than he could make in 6 months. Even worse, she's all over Facebook posting about how great it is to have all the family together every weekend. The young man is 20 years old.

Am I wrong to judge? It's painful to witness this stupidity. Zero regard for his long term success.

What can she do? He's not a toddler she puts in a car seat and drops off at daycare or preschool. 1 post of FB would have sufficed for 1 weekend event. Be glad it isn't your child.

Stop going on Facebook and live your own life.

Anonymous wrote:I'm 1000% positive OP does not know the whole story. And she knows she doesn't know the whole story. Keep your eyes on your own paper missy!

Yup.