My family was with my parents last week and my Dad casually shared that he had been working for 50 years. Fifty! I can’t even imagine this length of a career because many people in my generation regardless of their industry seem to aspire to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early).
He’s in IT and seen the evolution of his own field from his earlier days programming with punch cards, to working on computers that took up an entire room, to now essentially working with a supercomputer in his palm. My Mum looked over at me at one point of his nostalgic story and said he should retire now. He sort of scoffed and asked her what she wants him to do – sit at home and play golf all day? (He doesn’t play golf). He enjoys keeping busy and yet spends plenty of time with his whole family. I told him it’s awesome he still keeps at it. He’s been an immigrant twice – once in his early 30s to Australia and then rebuilt his life again in his late 40s in the US.
His journey has taught me many things:
1/ Don’t believe the naysayers. When he was younger in India – many people only considered you successful if you were an engineer or doctor. Also people questioned why he was heading to Australia (and why not the US/UK). Australia was awesome to our family, and he turned out just fine by picking a career path that the future favored. He worked hard and remained a lifelong learner (he got a part time MBA when I was an infant).
2/ If you choose to have a partner in life – they will make or break you. My Mum has been the ultimate cheerleader and copilot to his success (I think about that frequently and how absolutely supportive my own wife has been for me).
3/ Always be ready for change. It’s inevitable. If it’s on your terms you maybe a bit happier but the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Even when it’s not on your terms…You can survive many things you thought would “end” you.
4/ You don’t have to love every job but you have to do it with 100% effort. You’ll build skills and also your reputation and it’ll serve you well down the line to land in other roles.
5/ You need a grand vision, because without it you’ll be going somewhere but most likely will end up nowhere in particular.