re: Millennial baws, how you hanging on?

quote:

---

Not saying you’re a liar, but if you joined the military at 18 right out of high school you’re saying that you served at what was for sure a low paying wage, got out, got a job, paid off two cars, and put 20% down on your dream house all with 10 years of working assuming no further education occupying your time.

The timing of this is the one that I’m struggling with unless you started a business right out of the military that is doing very well right now.

---

Joined the military at 19. Turned 20 at Benning. Got out at 23

Worked as a private contractor for a year.

Got hired into corporate America at 25.

Learned a new skill and got into Software Development.

Been with the same company for 8.5 years. Worked my way up from a 40k salary in year 1 to a 115k salary including incentives in year 8. I live in one of the most affordable regions in the country in TN which stretches that. Getting an additional 18k a year in disability tax free. 401k was started at 25 and the % has fluctuated between 6%-11% depending on the economy.

Bought a house with my VA loan in 2015. Sold it in 2023 and made 185k after the realtor fees. Put 100k down on a new house. Paid off the truck, car, etc.