In my late teens actually earned quite a good wage (largely because at the time there were outstanding penalty rates for working late hours, saturdays, sundays etc which worked out well for me whilst in school). Started investing in the stock market just prior to the '87 crash too so learned some important lessons).
In my twenties mucked about at university (should never have gone) ended up with two degrees and never used either for anything since.
Lived frugally as a student most of the time, started investing again - shares, options, futures (never played the currency market) made some spectacular wins but also some incredible losses. Biggest mistake in that time was that I didn't back myself and when the going got tough I allowed myself to be vulnerable to suggestion from others and lost big time.
Thirties - I started a career - late starter - changed it a few times and now I'm doing what I do not because I enjoy it but because I have a massive mortgage and the other usual bits and pieces of a working stiff.
Now I'm in my early 40's and I'm doing well, not rich, but comfortable, married to a lawyer, I'm a professional (still want to do something else) but realising my biggest mistake in life thus far was two things when it comes to aquiring money - not believing in myself and being risk averse (especially when I was younger)
My advice to anyone who wants to make it bigtime - take big but calculated risks, and when you win don't overcapitalise and listen to that little voice inside you and nothing else. Seek other peoples advice but only when you are in a good place, level and sane not when you are fully invested both financially and emotionally etc. If you are asking advice at that point you are basically screwed - your due diligence and homework should be that good that when you talk to others all you are soliciting is their opinion and that is the perspective you should have - just an opinion, not sound advice.
