I was 23, starting a new job and living on my own for the first time. It's hard to believe that 20 years have already gone by. Everything seemed so fresh and new back then and I suppose it was to someone of that age. Nowadays it seems like a rarity for a person to stay employed with one company for so long. All and all it has been a good place to work even though it too has had it moments. Nevertheless, things have changed over the years or maybe I'm the one that's changed, probably a combination of the two.
The last few years I'm finding it harder to keep myself motivated and relevant to an always evolving industry. All the new technology and fresh faces coming in the door.
It leaves me wondering if I have the stamina or for that matter the desire to keep pace.
I had always hoped to retire from here when I turned 50 years old, but that's still 7 years away and with the downturn in the stock market sending my 401k into the crapper it doesn't look like that's going to be possible now. It's almost like running a 26 mile marathon and I'm at the 20 mile marker and fading fast.
I wasn't just going to quit working altogether, but by then I could start fresh again and get into something I always wanted to do. You see, I had this dream of someday buying a little place in the country, in the backwoods somewhere, setting up some greenhouses and let my love for growing things shine. Even now after all this time on this earth it still amazes me as I watch, come March, as winter loosens it grip on the land and all of nature starts reaching out to the sky as waiting for an embrace from the sun. There is truly nothing better on this earth, it is a part of me, it is in my blood, it is who I am.
But for now it will have to remain that, just a dream, one in which I will hold on to at least until reality settles in.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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If anyone can make their dream become reality, it is you who will realize that dream! The beautiful fruits of your labor have always amazed me, whereas mine have wilted and died.
ReplyDeleteWalking out on your own terms has to be more refreshing than being forced to take that plunge. It will be 10 years in December since timecard #11 clocked out for the last time. It hasn't been easy because it sent me into an abyss of nothingness as if I lost my place in this world. You know where you want life to take you, walk out that door with a smile on your face knowing you gave them your all while you were there. Your life will bloom in an array of beautiful splendor!
I do believe Mom said it all... never give up on your dream Jeff...keep the Faith and never give up hope..all things are possible and if anyone can do it...you can!
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