Do you have a real job?
#466
I was asked to be interviewed as a "successful" person in my industry. So here is a perspective:
When people are young, "smart" is usually taken to mean our potential to do things. It's measured by tests, how quickly one seems to think, how quickly one can learn academic things, how good one's memory is, wit, etc.
When people are old, "smart" seems to be judged by what we actually did, what we accomplished. It's measured by things like recognition by peers, social impact and influence, money, etc.
We all know people who seemed smart when they were young, but wouldn't be judged so smart when they are old. We also all know people who didn't seem smart when they were young, but could be judged to be smart when they are old (based on achievements). I think that luck plays a role here, but it's not mainly a matter of luck.
I count myself as lucky, but I also worked hard, thought deeply about things (background in philosophy helped here), took on responsibilities, was persistent, sometimes ventured off the beaten path to explore and try things, and was willing to take some risks. I tried to "be all I can be," else I would feel I kind of wasted my life. I think those attributes describe just about all "successful" people?
When people are young, "smart" is usually taken to mean our potential to do things. It's measured by tests, how quickly one seems to think, how quickly one can learn academic things, how good one's memory is, wit, etc.
When people are old, "smart" seems to be judged by what we actually did, what we accomplished. It's measured by things like recognition by peers, social impact and influence, money, etc.
We all know people who seemed smart when they were young, but wouldn't be judged so smart when they are old. We also all know people who didn't seem smart when they were young, but could be judged to be smart when they are old (based on achievements). I think that luck plays a role here, but it's not mainly a matter of luck.
I count myself as lucky, but I also worked hard, thought deeply about things (background in philosophy helped here), took on responsibilities, was persistent, sometimes ventured off the beaten path to explore and try things, and was willing to take some risks. I tried to "be all I can be," else I would feel I kind of wasted my life. I think those attributes describe just about all "successful" people?
Anyone who has turned jack **** into millions or on their way to it is smart in my view. What problems have you solved? What are your achievements? What's your output or impact on the world or others around you. Great point that these things typically come with risk taking, hard work, thinking outside the box. Yes luck does play a small role though if I am honest personally but its mostly the other stuff.
And yes I do have real job but my work is mostly done.
Last edited by roadawg1608; 02-23-2024 at 01:52 PM.
#467
I am grateful to be living my childhood dream. I am an independent equity sponsor, which is private equity without a dedicated fund, so I raise capital on a deal-by-deal basis. To prepare myself, I spent 15 years in M&A advisory, private equity, and corporate development learning how to buy companies.
Regarding "smart," I graduated in the ninth decile of my high school class and went to one of the few colleges that would accept me. The year I applied the school got a thousand applications and accepted 1,069 students. Fortunately, it was located 25 minutes from Stowe and also had a great ski team, of which I was a part. (One of my college ski team buddies races vintages Porsches, is a multi-time national champ, and has beaten Patrick Long in several Rennsport Reunion races. Of this friend, ProCoach says he's an excellent driver.)
I grew up in a family with no money and that, as Robert Frost said of the two roads that diverge in the woods, has made all the difference. Being the class dummy has cut both ways. It took me a very long time to realize how smart I was. But, more importantly, it helped me develop grit such that a former CEO coach I worked with (who had been president of a multi-billion dollar company) referred to me as a gritty MF (but he didn't abbreviate). It was, perhaps, the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me.
Regarding "smart," I graduated in the ninth decile of my high school class and went to one of the few colleges that would accept me. The year I applied the school got a thousand applications and accepted 1,069 students. Fortunately, it was located 25 minutes from Stowe and also had a great ski team, of which I was a part. (One of my college ski team buddies races vintages Porsches, is a multi-time national champ, and has beaten Patrick Long in several Rennsport Reunion races. Of this friend, ProCoach says he's an excellent driver.)
I grew up in a family with no money and that, as Robert Frost said of the two roads that diverge in the woods, has made all the difference. Being the class dummy has cut both ways. It took me a very long time to realize how smart I was. But, more importantly, it helped me develop grit such that a former CEO coach I worked with (who had been president of a multi-billion dollar company) referred to me as a gritty MF (but he didn't abbreviate). It was, perhaps, the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me.
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#468
Rennlist Member
Profession: Financial Engineer. Triathlon Winner. Fortune 50 Finance Executive. Steady Investing for many years. “Time is Money” Hustle! Hustle! Hustle! Invest in yourself and never stop learning. Strive to be the best at what you do! Key is be passionate about what you want to do in life and the rest will come easily. My saying “the most motivated people are the most successful in life!” Get out there and grab life by the horns! Be humble and give back.
Last edited by Gbos1; 02-23-2024 at 10:29 PM.
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Watson (02-28-2024)
#469
Intermediate
I grew up surrounded by porches and BMWs as my dad was really into them, so I've been obsessed since a very young age. He was relatively successful in the wealth management business and I grew up exposed to markets and interesting clients of his, so naturally I went down that path as well. After building my own business for 10 years (something I wanted to do before joining my father) I was fortunate enough to be in a place where I could buy his business and now I'm running the firm and continually pushing for growth. I'm 34 so I really feel like I can create something great if I keep pushing. I employ my dad now and it's a rewarding experience for us both. Always had the dream of owning a Porsche like my dad and finally pulled the trigger on a dream car in '22 (2019 GT3 Touring).
I always thought there was a secret to successful business and the top dogs all knew something I didn't, but as I've been lucky and found success myself my biggest takeaway is it's a slow grind every day, and the consistent blocking and tackling and progress towards goals with baby steps are really the key. This group is an honor to be a part of and I aspire to be in a position to own multiple awesome P cars in the future.
I always thought there was a secret to successful business and the top dogs all knew something I didn't, but as I've been lucky and found success myself my biggest takeaway is it's a slow grind every day, and the consistent blocking and tackling and progress towards goals with baby steps are really the key. This group is an honor to be a part of and I aspire to be in a position to own multiple awesome P cars in the future.
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#470
Rennlist Member
As I mentioned in my earlier post here, I develop luxury resorts, in US and Mexico. And love Porsches. My 15yo daughter's friend is convinced that I launder money for the cartels. He said to my daughter "Your dad goes to Mexico a lot, is fluent in Spanish, drives nice cars, and you live in a nice home. Therefore..."
It's a fun rumor I don't spend too much energy refuting. ;-)
It's a fun rumor I don't spend too much energy refuting. ;-)
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Brainofjjj (04-01-2024)
#471
Retired Engineer / Operations Exec with multiplant experience in US and MX. I'm the only one in my family that ever had much interest in cars. When I was a kid, my parents drove Ford Pintos, Chevy Citations, etc., but my High School physics teacher had a '69 Z28 and a '70 Corvette with a 454, both which he bought new. He's the reason I got into cars, and my first one was a '70 Z28 that I completely loved, but it sucked up almost all my time and definitely all my money. At this point I'm trying to pass on the love of cars to my kids and grand kids.
Last edited by Hawkeye2; 04-01-2024 at 12:53 PM.
#472
#473
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Hey everyone, new guy here! Love the light hearted debate about real jobs and these incredible cars. While I can't exactly relate to the "affordability question" (living on ramen noodles for now!), this whole conversation makes me wonder – is a passion for cars enough to turn it into a career?
For someone who bleeds octane but has a day job in a different lane, are there realistic ways to break into the automotive world? Technical schools, apprenticeships (those still exist, right?) – any advice for a newbie to explore these options?
Just curious! Seems like this forum is full of folks with tons of experience.
P.S. Always dreamed of working with animals too, but that's a whole different story (https://www.veterinaryschoolsu.com/ might come in handy someday though!).
For someone who bleeds octane but has a day job in a different lane, are there realistic ways to break into the automotive world? Technical schools, apprenticeships (those still exist, right?) – any advice for a newbie to explore these options?
Just curious! Seems like this forum is full of folks with tons of experience.
P.S. Always dreamed of working with animals too, but that's a whole different story (https://www.veterinaryschoolsu.com/ might come in handy someday though!).
#474
Instructor
blue collar millionaire
BS engineering started my own firm providing welding inspection services to the industrial clients, not the cleanest work but makes lost of cash , very few folks do this stuff , 2106 gt3 , 06 997s with x51 kit track car
#475
Hey everyone, new guy here! Love the light hearted debate about real jobs and these incredible cars. While I can't exactly relate to the "affordability question" (living on ramen noodles for now!), this whole conversation makes me wonder – is a passion for cars enough to turn it into a career?
For someone who bleeds octane but has a day job in a different lane, are there realistic ways to break into the automotive world? Technical schools, apprenticeships (those still exist, right?) – any advice for a newbie to explore these options?
Just curious! Seems like this forum is full of folks with tons of experience.
P.S. Always dreamed of working with animals too, but that's a whole different story (https://www.veterinaryschoolsu.com/ might come in handy someday though!).
For someone who bleeds octane but has a day job in a different lane, are there realistic ways to break into the automotive world? Technical schools, apprenticeships (those still exist, right?) – any advice for a newbie to explore these options?
Just curious! Seems like this forum is full of folks with tons of experience.
P.S. Always dreamed of working with animals too, but that's a whole different story (https://www.veterinaryschoolsu.com/ might come in handy someday though!).
#476
Rennlist Member
ER doctor. Shareholder in a private/independent group which is fairly uncommon in these days of consolidated corporate medicine. Live in a low COL area and come from blue collar family so I still have some frugal habits. Just thrilled to have a GT3 and the opportunity to track it.
#477
Rennlist Member
I (now retired health care exec/trauma surgeon) had the privilege of canning one of the major players from my organization a few years ago. They were raping us financially, understaffing the ED putting us in jeopardy with stroke and trauma designations and raping the docs. I'm not completely against physician employment, just not by VC.
Last edited by ldamelio; 04-02-2024 at 07:39 AM.