To the members in your twenties and older - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

kv88 · 5th Mar 2010, 05:32 PM

How are you liking life after high school? For me, it's like eh, but I know it will get better. High school, I do miss it at times but its a relief because it was hard for me at times mentally and emotionally.

MusicIsLife · 5th Mar 2010, 05:38 PM

I love it. I actually have friends now, I have a job, and there's no more social ladder in my eyes. Life is good.

kv88 · 5th Mar 2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MusicIsLife

I love it. I actually have friends now, I have a job, and there's no more social ladder in my eyes. Life is good.

I agree, being out of high school is relief from the whole mean cliquey scene. A lot of the I know from high school grew out of it and are cool with a lot of people.

**Victor** · 5th Mar 2010, 05:51 PM

Well, I'm not 20 yet, but I've been out of high school for almost 3 years now, so I'll comment anyway. xD

Life after high school has been nice. I don't have any fond memories of it, but it wasn't a hellhole or anything like that for me. I've just moved on to better things. College has been fun.

Johnnieguy · 5th Mar 2010, 05:54 PM

Well, I have another degree...Looking for work. I feel like I am on the up and up.

The only reason I "miss" high school is because of how "young" I was (I'm 23 years old, so I'm still young, but when I look at HS'ers-they look so young, and take better care of their bodies than I did/do (I'm trying to change though).

I guess I also miss not having responsibility. Not having to make decisions based on professional opportunities, or which place will have benefits (something that would be solved if the US had a national health care system!!)

SolitaryKnight · 5th Mar 2010, 06:04 PM

Well, I've got my BA, been to Europe twice, and now I work and have only small things to worry about. I'd say its gone quite well since I finished high school.

beckyg · 5th Mar 2010, 09:12 PM

I actually just went on a "girl's weekend" with five of my high school friends. We had so much fun we plan to do it again next year and invite more people! We have alot of great memories from high school that we were able to share and laugh about.

I know alot of you have tough h.s. experiences. I hope that you can look back with some good memories one day!

someguy82 · 5th Mar 2010, 09:18 PM

I prefer life in my 20s to high school. I've found a career I'm interested in (although need to make it through final semester of law school first), I finally got over the fact that I was gay and came out, and I finally lost my virginity which was nice (very nice).

But just on top of that I've found that the friendships I have now are much more meaningful, and in general I like being an adult. Sure there are things I miss about my youth, but I've found that as life gets more complicated as you get older it certainly gets better.

Bryan90 · 5th Mar 2010, 09:19 PM

Well.. to sum it all up:

When I was in high school, I thought university would be better,

When I was in university, I realized high school was great; and I thought work might be better.

When I did work, I realized that university is way better.

Along those experiences, I realized that we should just be grateful with what we've got.

riddlerno1 · 6th Mar 2010, 02:54 AM

Yeah life is much better now. I am more assertive and i realise what i want from life. Welll to a certain extent anyway. I am now doing my doctorate and professionally doing well. Just need to sort out my personal life now!

TriBi · 6th Mar 2010, 03:28 AM

I am so far out of high school most of you would probably think I ought to be dead!

But - the thing that I have to say is that, as I have gotten older my life has just gotten better & better. Sure there have been some 'bumps' along the road, but I have seen, done, experienced and lived so much I am really grateful - and I am a long way from finished yet.

Take what life throws at you, make the most of it, take some impetuous or risky decisions every once in a while and 'go with your heart'.

Most importantly - LEARN from what life throws at you - keep an open mind - and keep trying new things. It's a fun ride.

Davo · 6th Mar 2010, 03:46 AM

To be honest I thought I would miss High School when I left, but I don't. I much prefer my view of the world now than the very very bleak and negative view I had back then, though I didn't have a great time at school. Sure, you miss seeing your friends every day, and I miss the breadth of the learning experience which you don't get after you leave school, but I'm quite happy that its in the past, I hate all that stupid baggage that comes with being at school.

And I didn't particularly enjoy Uni, I do at times miss the freedom of it, but a lot of my experience of uni was very negative. I suppose I do wish I had seized more of the experience of both uni and high school while I was there, but I am glad to be out of both as they were a struggle a lot of the time.

Currently life is good, I'm still stiving to improve it as there are some issues that are really bothering me, I am currently undergoing a change of jobs to try and sort that out, but I love what I do, I love being paid for what I do, and working with other professionals. Its not perfect, but it can be improved and I hope to do that.

Zume · 6th Mar 2010, 08:39 AM

High school was painful for me. I was that overweight, nerdy, card-playing band geek who has little to no friends and was always looked down upon and spat on by the jocks and people higher on the social ladder. Seeing all of those same kids outside of high school..them looking like hell

.. and myself being a happier, healthier person than I was in high school.. It's much nicer being out even though I do, like others, miss the bliss of having no real responsibilites like jobs, bills, taxes..it's still much better.

malachite · 6th Mar 2010, 09:48 AM

I hated high school.

Colege was much more fun, but life now just seems sort of: eh.

Emberstone · 6th Mar 2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kv88

How are you liking life after high school? For me, it's like eh, but I know it will get better. High school, I do miss it at times but its a relief because it was hard for me at times mentally and emotionally.

I am currently in college, so it is about the same. I love it until dead week and finals (this week and the next for me).

**Meropspusillus** · 6th Mar 2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor

Well, I'm not 20 yet, but I've been out of high school for almost 3 years now, so I'll comment anyway. xD

Life after high school has been nice. I don't have any fond memories of it, but it wasn't a hellhole or anything like that for me. I've just moved on to better things. College has been fun.

This essentially.

RaeofLite · 6th Mar 2010, 11:25 AM

Highschool=your neighbourly pond or mudhole
Life=the ocean

That's pretty much my analogy.

And the ocean's beautiful some days and ugly others. But that's part of life. Keep riding the currents and taking things as they come while shooting for the stars.

Taylor · 6th Mar 2010, 01:39 PM

I LOVED highschool. I had a wonderful time, I loved being a part of things there. I really miss being in the drama club and stuff and having real responsibilities and working with people to put on a show (I did lighting design). A lot of people from my home town hated high school and they'd rather just forget it, but I think that's just because they thought they were supposed to hate it because that's what society says we should do.

That being said, I'm loving college too! I love the program i'm in. I went to a different college my freshman year and hated it so I changed that and now i'm where I want to be.

To be honest I think life is what you make of it. If you want it to be fun and exciting and you want to be able to love all of it, you will! Hating things is really just you convincing yourself that it's bad and you should be hating it.

Also I should mention that there was no clear social hierarchy in my high school (to me atleast) so I guess I never had to deal with bullies or anything. Everyone did their own thing and no one really cared what you did so long as you were nice. (Yay Massachusetts!)

Zumbro · 6th Mar 2010, 02:53 PM

High school kinda seems nice when you're there. See your friends all the time, not a ton of work, don't have to worry about money. It seems terrible looking back on it though. After high school is so much better, even if just because you don't have to live with your parents influence or approval for everything anymore.

7th Mar 2010, 04:37 AM

Well a big difference from school to now. If you are percieved to be different then you are the outcast then which I was. Now life is much better.

5th Mar 2010, 05:32 PM	#1
kv88 Well Known Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Mostly, if someone ask I will tell the truth. Location: AK Age: 23 Posts: 155 Join Date: Feb 2010	To the members in your twenties and older How are you liking life after high school? For me, it's like eh, but I know it will get better. High school, I do miss it at times but its a relief because it was hard for me at times mentally and emotionally. Last edited by kv88; 5th Mar 2010 at 05:35 PM..

5th Mar 2010, 05:38 PM	#2
MusicIsLife EC Addict Full Member Gender: Not even sure anymore. Something in between. Orientation: I like girls :) Out Status: Everyone on orientation 7 people on trans issue. Location: Montréal, QC Age: 23 Posts: 1,595 Join Date: Dec 2007	Re: To the members in your twenties and older I love it. I actually have friends now, I have a job, and there's no more social ladder in my eyes. Life is good.

5th Mar 2010, 05:51 PM	#4
Victor Moo EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Pretty damn out Location: California Age: 21 Posts: 1,972 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Well, I'm not 20 yet, but I've been out of high school for almost 3 years now, so I'll comment anyway. xD Life after high school has been nice. I don't have any fond memories of it, but it wasn't a hellhole or anything like that for me. I've just moved on to better things. College has been fun. __________________

5th Mar 2010, 05:54 PM	#5
Johnnieguy EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Twin Cities, MN Age: 25 Posts: 510 Join Date: Jan 2010	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Well, I have another degree...Looking for work. I feel like I am on the up and up. The only reason I "miss" high school is because of how "young" I was (I'm 23 years old, so I'm still young, but when I look at HS'ers-they look so young, and take better care of their bodies than I did/do (I'm trying to change though). I guess I also miss not having responsibility. Not having to make decisions based on professional opportunities, or which place will have benefits (something that would be solved if the US had a national health care system!!) __________________ Minnesota Vikings: 2010 de facto Super Bowl Champions!

5th Mar 2010, 06:04 PM	#6
SolitaryKnight EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: the family knows and some other people Location: Atlantic Canada Age: 27 Posts: 360 Join Date: Oct 2009	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Well, I've got my BA, been to Europe twice, and now I work and have only small things to worry about. I'd say its gone quite well since I finished high school. __________________ To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one's own nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat. ~ Plato

5th Mar 2010, 09:12 PM	#7
beckyg PFLAG Mom Community Liaison Gender: Female Orientation: Straight Out Status: Out to everyone/Yes, parents come out too! Location: Middle of Oregon Age: 50 Posts: 7,572 Join Date: Mar 2007	Re: To the members in your twenties and older I actually just went on a "girl's weekend" with five of my high school friends. We had so much fun we plan to do it again next year and invite more people! We have alot of great memories from high school that we were able to share and laugh about. I know alot of you have tough h.s. experiences. I hope that you can look back with some good memories one day! __________________ "When we're free to love anyone we choose, When this worlds big enough for all different views, When we're all free to worship from our own kind of pew, Then we shall be free" ~ Garth Brooks

5th Mar 2010, 09:18 PM	#8
someguy82 ... Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Age: 29 Posts: 313 Join Date: Jan 2009	Re: To the members in your twenties and older I prefer life in my 20s to high school. I've found a career I'm interested in (although need to make it through final semester of law school first), I finally got over the fact that I was gay and came out, and I finally lost my virginity which was nice (very nice). But just on top of that I've found that the friendships I have now are much more meaningful, and in general I like being an adult. Sure there are things I miss about my youth, but I've found that as life gets more complicated as you get older it certainly gets better.

5th Mar 2010, 09:19 PM	#9
Bryan90 EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 22 Posts: 668 Join Date: Nov 2006	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Well.. to sum it all up: When I was in high school, I thought university would be better, When I was in university, I realized high school was great; and I thought work might be better. When I did work, I realized that university is way better. Along those experiences, I realized that we should just be grateful with what we've got. __________________ "But only in their dreams can man be truly free. 'Twas always thus, and always thus will be." - John Keating, Dead Poets Society

6th Mar 2010, 02:54 AM	#10
riddlerno1 EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: All but family Location: London Age: 29 Posts: 712 Join Date: Aug 2008	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Yeah life is much better now. I am more assertive and i realise what i want from life. Welll to a certain extent anyway. I am now doing my doctorate and professionally doing well. Just need to sort out my personal life now! __________________ Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind

6th Mar 2010, 03:28 AM	#11
TriBi Cheers! Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Bisexual Location: DownUnder Posts: 3,899 Join Date: Dec 2004	Re: To the members in your twenties and older I am so far out of high school most of you would probably think I ought to be dead! But - the thing that I have to say is that, as I have gotten older my life has just gotten better & better. Sure there have been some 'bumps' along the road, but I have seen, done, experienced and lived so much I am really grateful - and I am a long way from finished yet. Take what life throws at you, make the most of it, take some impetuous or risky decisions every once in a while and 'go with your heart'. Most importantly - LEARN from what life throws at you - keep an open mind - and keep trying new things. It's a fun ride.

6th Mar 2010, 03:46 AM	#12
Davo Is mise Daibhidh Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Almost out to everyone Location: Scotland Age: 25 Posts: 434 Join Date: Sep 2007	Re: To the members in your twenties and older To be honest I thought I would miss High School when I left, but I don't. I much prefer my view of the world now than the very very bleak and negative view I had back then, though I didn't have a great time at school. Sure, you miss seeing your friends every day, and I miss the breadth of the learning experience which you don't get after you leave school, but I'm quite happy that its in the past, I hate all that stupid baggage that comes with being at school. And I didn't particularly enjoy Uni, I do at times miss the freedom of it, but a lot of my experience of uni was very negative. I suppose I do wish I had seized more of the experience of both uni and high school while I was there, but I am glad to be out of both as they were a struggle a lot of the time. Currently life is good, I'm still stiving to improve it as there are some issues that are really bothering me, I am currently undergoing a change of jobs to try and sort that out, but I love what I do, I love being paid for what I do, and working with other professionals. Its not perfect, but it can be improved and I hope to do that.

6th Mar 2010, 08:39 AM	#13
Zume Furry Full Member Gender: Transgender - MtF Orientation: Bisexual Out Status: A few people Location: Oakbank, Manitoba Age: 23 Posts: 962 Join Date: Dec 2009	Re: To the members in your twenties and older High school was painful for me. I was that overweight, nerdy, card-playing band geek who has little to no friends and was always looked down upon and spat on by the jocks and people higher on the social ladder. Seeing all of those same kids outside of high school..them looking like hell.. and myself being a happier, healthier person than I was in high school.. It's much nicer being out even though I do, like others, miss the bliss of having no real responsibilites like jobs, bills, taxes..it's still much better. __________________ "Don't like sugar? I reject your title of gamer." ~ Zume Frostpaw

6th Mar 2010, 09:48 AM	#14
malachite EC's realist Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Orlando Posts: 6,480 Join Date: Apr 2009	Re: To the members in your twenties and older I hated high school. Colege was much more fun, but life now just seems sort of: eh. __________________ It's the 21st century, your bigotry is outdated. Either upgrade or go away.

6th Mar 2010, 11:25 AM	#17
RaeofLite I've got the moves like Jagger Full Member Gender: ♀ Orientation: Sapphicly inclined Out Status: My closet is for clothes! Location: BC, Canada Age: 23 Posts: 3,111 Join Date: Apr 2009	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Highschool=your neighbourly pond or mudhole Life=the ocean That's pretty much my analogy. And the ocean's beautiful some days and ugly others. But that's part of life. Keep riding the currents and taking things as they come while shooting for the stars. __________________ People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Bonnie Jean Wasmund (and the lesbians)

6th Mar 2010, 01:39 PM	#18
Taylor EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Boston, MA Posts: 765 Join Date: Nov 2009	Re: To the members in your twenties and older I LOVED highschool. I had a wonderful time, I loved being a part of things there. I really miss being in the drama club and stuff and having real responsibilities and working with people to put on a show (I did lighting design). A lot of people from my home town hated high school and they'd rather just forget it, but I think that's just because they thought they were supposed to hate it because that's what society says we should do. That being said, I'm loving college too! I love the program i'm in. I went to a different college my freshman year and hated it so I changed that and now i'm where I want to be. To be honest I think life is what you make of it. If you want it to be fun and exciting and you want to be able to love all of it, you will! Hating things is really just you convincing yourself that it's bad and you should be hating it. Also I should mention that there was no clear social hierarchy in my high school (to me atleast) so I guess I never had to deal with bullies or anything. Everyone did their own thing and no one really cared what you did so long as you were nice. (Yay Massachusetts!) Last edited by Taylor; 6th Mar 2010 at 01:41 PM..

6th Mar 2010, 02:53 PM	#19
Zumbro EC Addict Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: 5/6 on the Kinsey scale. Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Troy, NY Age: 22 Posts: 434 Join Date: Jan 2010	Re: To the members in your twenties and older High school kinda seems nice when you're there. See your friends all the time, not a ton of work, don't have to worry about money. It seems terrible looking back on it though. After high school is so much better, even if just because you don't have to live with your parents influence or approval for everything anymore. __________________ If you want to love the world again, you can't just sit back and wait for it. You have to go chase it, and it will be entirely worth it when you catch up.

7th Mar 2010, 04:37 AM	#20
dude99 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: To the members in your twenties and older Well a big difference from school to now. If you are percieved to be different then you are the outcast then which I was. Now life is much better.