<prompt> Human: Hi PF,Long time lurker here. I decided to create a throwaway to discuss my current personal finance situation and hopefully garner some information to grow and expand my future nest egg and education.I also have a car question which Id like to get feedback on.Background:I am 32 years old, male, unmarried and have lived in SE Florida most of my life. On educational surveys I check the box that says some college completed, as I dropped out of university in my second year. Professionally, I have supplemented my lack of a degree with real world teeth cutting in retail management and some technical certification coursework. I also have earned some learnings, of course, through the school of hard knocks. :Income History:I consider 2003-2006 my lost years, with an average annual income of approximately 17k. During this time I amassed a significant amount of personal debt credit cards, over 15k, which I have been working to pay off.From 2007-2012 I began working in software help deskIT support for two companies and my average annual income increased to 41,200.In 2013 I earned a promotion to a salary 65kyear, with a 1-5 bonus option. This year I stand to earn a taxable salary of 65k.Assets:I have been with my employer for 5 years, and as of this month am fully vested in the provided 401k program, contributing 10 of my pre-tax income. I also have an open 401k loan of approximately 5k, due for final repayment in 515.Unfortunately, I have gutted my 401k a few times over the last two years to pay down credit card debt. Thus I consider my 401k balance paltry at best, weighing in at 30,074.I own a 2005 Honda which is currently valued at approximately 5.2k on KBB. My car has approximately 134k miles and needs about 2.5k worth of suspension work, based on Hondas estimate. I could probably find a cheaper mechanic, but negative past experiences with independent mechanics has left me wary to consider.According to Mint, my current net worth is rough 29k. I feel like for my age and current income, this is terribly low.Debts:I have accomplished what I consider major personal finance milestones this year, having paid off my car note and student loan.I have also moved my existing credit card debts to 0 APRNo Annual Fee accounts with American Express and Discover due to a increase in my credit score.I am currently sitting on a little under 7k in credit card debt and have created a 2015 debt repayment strategy which will allow me to pay off both accounts by mid-July.PF Questions:I think the car question is the philosophically easier of my two questions, so I think Ill start with that. Q1As mentioned previously, my car is a 2005 with 134k miles with a Honda service estimate of 2.5k. The car is completely drivable, but the Honda technicians advised strongly that I at least spend 800 for new struts, and 348.12 for new motor mounts. Should I put the full 2.5k into the car and get it completely serviced, go with the minimum of 1.2k service, or start pricing out a replacement vehicle? If I were to buy a replacement vehicle, I should also mention that Im not sitting on a lot of cash for a down payment, so I would either need to borrow from my retirement or save up over next year. Q2Please bear with me, this one is a bit all over the place.I dont want to sound ungrateful, but I feel a little bit like Im stuck in a rut. My job is good stable, predictable, decent benefits and Im good at it, but I dont believe I have any more financial growth opportunity with my employer, or my existing skill set and knowledge. Im also not particularly inspired by the work I do. I joke sometimes with my family that a good job is difficult to leave. In lieu of an outright career change, would you suggest I consider becoming a part time student? School is expensive. Also, theres a more pragmatic part of me that thinks I may just need to suck it up, count my blessings, get out of debt, stop bitching and continue traveling the world. Thoughts? For those of you financially successfully, mentally health and happy - what drives you to succeed?Closing comments:For anyone unsure about investing in their future, I would like to add one thing: Watching my 401k balance grow from 151.47 to 30,074 in five years is an amazing thing. Now imagine how much further ahead I would be had I started earlier and not gotten! I try not to lament my misspent youth too much, and you shouldnt beat yourself up too much either. I see a lot of posts on PF of people extremely well off. Unfortunately, some folks just roll a luckier hand of dice. Do the best you can with what youre given, and dont ever forget to appreciate the little things in life.Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate any feedback you may provide here. Oh, and happy holidays!  <response>: I just want to say congratulations. You may feel like you are coming in to the game a little late at 32, but figuring it out and getting your shit together at 32 is a lot better than waiting until you are 42. Keep up the good work. 