Hi, I'm currently in my 2nd/3rd year of university studying accountancy and yet I can't seem to manage my own finances.
I have a loving family who have always supported me but I have a growing problem with gambling and always have. I won 9,500 from 2 playing poker aged 18, began work at a casino shortly after for 3 years and my general love for cards and otherwise have slowly got worse.
I am at a stage in my life now where I am gamble excessively. Over the summer I took $300 from my dads wallet in his cupboard which I of course squandered and I'll never even know if he's aware of it, but he went on holiday to US shortly after and said nothing, but deep down I think he knows.
I love my father my father massively, he truly is a role model and I have been feeling guilty about it for a while. Even as I write this I have 100 on a womens tennis match right now, two unknowns. It's almost 8am. I have a lecture at 12 on little or no sleep.
I love an accy on the weekend, I live for sport and a horrific knee injury I had 18months ago has pushed me further into a vicious cycle.
I am sorry to ramble on, not entirely sure what I should say but I am aware of my problem. I am aware it is making me a person I never wanted to be. I hate my university degree I hate waking up in the mornings to do something I dislike but I do feel if I wasn't constantly considering gambling that I would be able to see out the university course and move forward with my life as I once did.
I have health, relative looks, I'm a pretty decent guy, but I make bad choices. I prioritise the moment I live in above more important things in the near future (staying up gambling over sleep before uni a good example) and if anyone out there can offer me advise, even if it's real and or cutting, then I'd really appreciate it.
x
Hi IbetU,
Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. It sounds like you've got some pretty good insight as to what's going on, so that's a positive thing. Now you just need to start taking some practical steps to do something about it, if that's in fact what you want.
For example, if you're gambling a lot online, have you thought about downloading blocking software on your computer? Programs like Gamblock or Betfilter would prevent any gambling sites from opening up, and a lot of gamblers find them to be great protection. Something else to consider might be individual counselling. That could help you sort out better why you gamble like this, prioritizing it above all these other things, and could help you work on ways to manage your urges more effectively. That's something we could point you in the direction of if you were to get in touch.
Another thing to think about: Is this really the career path you want to take? It doesn't sound like you're too happy with accountancy already; is that how you want to spend the rest of your working life? I know you're a couple years in, but it's a lot easier to change things now than years from now. Plus, sometimes when you've got things like this that nag at you, it's easier to find yourself escaping into unhealthy behaviours. It's a lot nicer to be in a career you enjoy than one you dread going to everyday, and you'll have a lot more life satisfaction. You sound like a pretty smart guy; something in sports medicine, perhaps? Just giving you some food for thought.
If you'd like to chat with us about any of this, feel free to get in touch on either the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or the Netline from 8am to midnight every day.
Hope this helps, and that you find the forum to be a supportive place.
Travis
Hi mate. I'm also 23 and in bad debt etc but have a very good job in London.
Send an email or check my twitter out. Happy to help and offer support - always good when it's very relative.
@AdamRPearson
Adam.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
