Conversation

Sofía: I wish I had learned to play an instrument when I was young.

Tomás: It's never too late! I started playing the guitar at 35.

S: Really? I wish I had that kind of patience. If only I didn't work so many hours!

T: I know the feeling. I wish my job wasn't so demanding [dɪ'mændɪŋ]. But I make time for the guitar on weekends.

S: Do you have any regrets?

T: I wish I had traveled more before getting married. I always wanted to go to Japan, but I never did. If only I had taken that chance [tʃæns] when I was in my twenties.

S: I wish I had studied abroad. All my friends who studied in another country say it changed their lives. I wish it weren't so expensive.

T: I wish the government ['gʌvərnmənt] would offer more scholarships ['skɑlərʃɪps] for students.

S: I wish that too. If only more people had access ['æksɛs] to those opportunities.

T: Well, at least we're learning English now. I wish I had started sooner, but better late than never!

Notice how Tomás says I wish my job wasn't instead of weren't. In conversation, people often use wasn't instead of weren't. Both are correct.