I’m 20 yrs old. I moved out hastily at 19 and spent that year trying new things, losing my virginity, and living dangerously. I’d learned about the Red Pill while still trapped with my folks, so I was a loose canon and it was so much fun. In hindsight, I should’ve been saving money and making smart career moves, and I’m currently in less of a favorable position than I’d hoped I’d be by now. I didn’t realize just how quickly things could go downhill.

I was self taught. I managed to get into community college and I was a smart student, but it got me nowhere. I tried starting a business right out of college, but I didn’t have the time or the money to build something and feed myself at the same time. Then I figured I’d work, save up, and quit when I had the passive income to do so, but employment in the American Midwest is inconsistent and quite frankly, pretty much trash in general.

My new plan is to join the Army. Have all my living expenses paid for. Save up, invest, and build credit to purchase a house while I’m in. Work on my music and photography. Start a business in both when I get out. I’ve seen it done before and I’ve seen it work for people with similar economic disadvantages as I. Serve time, collect bonuses + GI bill + retirement, buy a house, start a business. Unless I play it like one of those dumb grunts that blow all their money at bars and strip clubs, I’ll be set for life.

My one doubt is that when I get out at 28-30 years old, I’ll have missed my window for fun. I worry that if I work hard now and reap the benefits later, there might not be any benefits to reap anymore. I’ve read the material. I know what the Red Pill says about older men and dating. But I also see a lot of conflicting views. Older men dating younger women are seen as creeps, men are in their prime by 25, older men will have no choice but to date post-wall women in their age bracket, older men should focus on their careers and not worry about dating, etc, etc.

Trust me, I’m not trying to get my shit together solely to better my chances with women. I’m doing it so I can pursue what I love without having to worry about finances. But I do miss it. The parties and events, the social life, hot girls that turn out to be easy when you know what to do. My first summer on my own was a blast, but I want to do it right this time. Can someone help me sift through the noise here and explain how this shit actually goes? Does the sexual marketplace truly change for the better with age, and if it does, how so? What can I expect to be met with when I re-enter the dating world nearing the age of thirty with a lot of good things going for me?