Am I Normal for Not Having a Car at 21?

One of the things you will find out when you get older is that there is no such thing as normal. Society tends to pigeonhole us into certain expectations based on our age, but in reality, we get to decide what makes us happy. For some, the convenience of public transportation, the financial savings on car payments, insurance, and repairs, outweigh the benefits of having your own vehicle.

For me, passing my driving test at 33 and not getting a car for a few more years was completely normal. My first "car" was a van, and my first actual car was not until 9 years later. For the past 23 years, motorcycles have been my preferred mode of transportation, except for a few weeks "between motorcycles."

Choosing Public Transportation

Depending on where you live, owning a car is more or less usual. In some countries, getting a car is not obligatory, and it doesn't matter what age you are. It's no longer solely about financial situation. People decide not to have a car based on factors such as difficult traffic, pollution concerns, or an active, non-car-based lifestyle. Walking, cycling, train, and bus systems provide viable alternatives.

No Obligation to Drive

Sometimes, people simply don't like to drive. It's important to remember that you don't have to feel diminished or different because you don't have a car. Even if you couldn't afford one in the past, it's okay to continue living a life without a car. As long as you are driving your own life, living your dreams, no one else needs to know or judge.

Personal Experiences and Stories

I didn't get a car until my sophomore year of college. Instead of driving, I used the UT shuttle bus system. Another story that comes to mind is a guy I dated whose roommate was never decisive about his engineering degree. He moved through several types of engineering before finally switching to the UT Business school and taking more than 6 years to graduate. Sometimes, it just takes some people longer to reach their goals.

Despite his indecisiveness, my father was tough but fair. He offered to cover my room, board, and tuition as long as I maintained a C average. If I was on academic probation, I had a year to improve. If not, I was responsible for paying my own way. College was supposed to be a 4-year plan. A single semester class to graduate in 4 years was acceptable, but not a 5-6-7 year plan.

College Planning and Academic Progression

The first two years of college are crucial for getting core classes out of the way or even exempting yourself through AP credits. By the junior and senior years, you'll be focusing on electives that pertain to your chosen major. Higher-level accounting classes if you're a CPA, specialized business law or marketing classes if you're focusing on those areas. College is more than just a financial or logistical burden; it's an opportunity to explore different interests and find your true academic path.

So remember, whether you have a car or not, it doesn't define your worth or your future. Embrace the freedom of public transportation, the financial benefits of not having a car, and the sustainable lifestyle it can offer. Your path in life is unique and meaningful, and that's perfectly normal and okay.