> Most real jobs aren't open to us. babysiting [my main occupation-- 5 days/week for one family] pays less than minimum wage.

That won't change any too soon. I'm in my junior year (of college), and I work two jobs, both of which pays minimum wage. 'Course, neither of them require me to do any real work... :-}

> So, if you're in my boat, or you were, tell me:
> are these the best years?

I'd say no, but, then, I canna really speak for you. This past year was what I would refer to as the "best" of my life (to date), but I haven't any idea what the future will bring. Judging from the fact that the best part of this best year was the March-to-May period, I'd say that everything seems to be getting better as I go along. I'm at a low point right now (since I'm hundreds of miles from certain people), but that will pass momentarily, and it will be business as usual. Yes, I think that, if you allow it to do so, life will only get better as it goes along. Don't worry about it, just go with it. :-}

DariZen