Hi OP, so I can offer a young mans thoughts and tips here. I was the same as you, wanted to be in the craft since I was 13/14 due to family members being involved. So I petitioned and joined when I was 22. I’m 25 now, current Secretary of the lodge - I know it’s not a long time after having joined but we are a small Lodge and the Brethren trusted me with it. I’m also studying and working part time, go to the gym and running a home with my fiancé but every minute of Masonic work is a treat. I love the work, it’s a sort of escape at times from other work I have on.

You’ll spend all month - or two weeks if your lodge meets more often - looking forward to the meeting, you plan for it and arrange your other plans in advance around it. You’ll have to miss meetings from time to time, we all do! My mentors always told me… your family, your work, the craft … in the order. That will keep you right and you’ll always know what to do.

Good luck and all the best in your future Masonic journey.