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1) what you've done in your life to get where you are
Relatively young for this forum... 30. I work in advertising technology as a program manager, previously worked in ad sales and campaign management. It's a fun and constantly changing field, but absolutely not the reason why I'm a p-car owner.
My dad passed away from colon cancer last June, a result of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero (he was an NYPD first responder to 9/11). As a bucket list gift, I wanted to go for a drive with him in a fun car. Long story short, the COO at my previous job lent us his 992 for a weekend, and we had a great day driving, enjoying scenery, and most importantly sharing each other's company. I thought that was it, until a couple months later he told me "we should get a Porsche." We were not in a position to buy a Porsche, and I was pretty much a car neophyte. But knowing my dad was an unstoppable force, I had to do my research and see if I could steer him in a "reasonable" direction. That ended up being a 2013 991.1 C4S, which we got last February CPO with 47k miles. He only drove it a handful of times, but I know it made him unreasonably happy that we had it. After he passed I had friends and family asking if I would keep it (car was registered in my name). There was never a doubt. Is it the most prudent financial decision? No. But I'm lucky enough with where I am in my career to be able to make the payments, keep it at my mom's house, and enjoy the hell out of it. Just as he would have wanted.
2) a great learning you've had along the way.
It's a great day for a great day.
I have enjoyed great succeses and endured many unbearable failures in my journey. Now semiretired after a career in sales & marketing with a detour to tax accountant in later years. After an almost 30 year span without a Porsche, finally got back in the saddle a couple of years ago with a 991 Targa 4S. Began planning the spring/summer road trip almost immediately.
Well, some lessons are learned over & over. This one was a reminder. Due to health reasons, had to turn around the first day out. Did an instant replay the next year.
The lesson; don’t put off doing the things you want to do. It may not always be the best timing or very prudtent at the time, but do it.
You may not get the chance.
My goal was to not have anything to put on a bucket list by the time I reached that point. Made it, but want to do one last long 911 road trip. Feeling pretty good, so maybe this spring :-)
1. Nothing spectacular…40 and too many years in Strategy, Ops and Finance in Tech, Financial and Consulting companies. Big believer in working hard and staying consistent.
2. Lesson I remind myself often: You only get what you ask for. You’d be surprised when you ask!
interesting and fun thread. got a few good/great laughs
my "career" has been like a road that twists and turns all over the place......and headed nowhere specific (enjoyed it/no regrets). mostly finance but lots of other stuff
two things i've learned that have stuck the hardest/longest is don't sweat the small stuff (lots of big stuff to stay focused/worried on) and enjoy the little *and* big things (just enjoy what you can, while you can)
Excellent posts, and some awesome thoughts shared here!
What do I do? I exist to serve about 300+ employees providing them with a meaningful income and hopefully life changing opportunities.
What have I learned?
- Take chances, it's ok to be calculated and it's also ok take take risks. The more they scare you the likely larger risk vs reward proposition exists.
- #1 rule for professional success in my life has been to surround myself with people more talented than me. Then get out of their way and support them.
- End every conversation with friends, coworkers or clients with the following question and mean it. "Is there anything you need or need help with?"
- People over profits. Take care of people and profits will happen.
- Where the energy goes the result follow.
- Have a purpose, understand that purpose and drive after it.
The pandemic gave me the opportunity to completely change my lifestyle. I'm down from 6 days a week in my retail stores to 1 or 2 days for 3-4 hours at a time (I'll still work a bit more when someone is away on vacation, and it's a good excuse to work the trenches). I learned that I value my free time, or at least, the ability to decide what I do with my time, rather than having a rigid schedule.
In a nutshell, I took the opportunity to teach myself to be highly productive. I've always been a productive person, but the difference now is that I try to focus on the really important stuff that no one else can do. I've gotten way better at delegating and trusting my employees to do their part. It was hard to give up control, but my businesses are all the better for it. It's nice to be a mostly stay-at-home dad at 38 years old.
I also took the opportunity in 2020 to teach myself the miles & points game (I'm still learning a ton, and will keep learning - no different than the car hobby). In 2022 I took what I learned and travelled to 9 different countries all on points and nearly all in J or F. I have some aspirational trips lined up for this year and next year as well, but I put a pretty big dent in the points I accumulated from 2020-2021, so I'll have to slow down my travel a little bit.
Excellent posts, and some awesome thoughts shared here!
What do I do? I exist to serve about 300+ employees providing them with a meaningful income and hopefully life changing opportunities.
What have I learned?
- Take chances, it's ok to be calculated and it's also ok take take risks. The more they scare you the likely larger risk vs reward proposition exists.
- #1 rule for professional success in my life has been to surround myself with people more talented than me. Then get out of their way and support them.
- End every conversation with friends, coworkers or clients with the following question and mean it. "Is there anything you need or need help with?"
- People over profits. Take care of people and profits will happen.
- Where the energy goes the result follow.
- Have a purpose, understand that purpose and drive after it.
Love all of this, thank you. I’m going to use this more consistently with my patients from now on: “Is there anything else you need or that I can help you with?”
A couple nuggets I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t live beyond your means.
- You have two ears and one mouth, use them in that ratio.
- Marry the right person the first time.
- Take time to enjoy the simple things in life.
- Don’t play the “I’ll be happy when…” game. Enjoy what you have and where you are now in your life.
- Be scrappy and curious, don’t be afraid to ask people questions.
- RTFM - Read The *Fine Manual.
I came to the US at 25 looking for opportunities and a better life. I'm now 46, two amazing kids, a beautiful wife (a Jersey girl so the attitude is a package deal?) and a great life.
The American dream exists even though some people don't believe in it. Work hard, help others, be a good person. I'm very grateful and proud to be an American by choice.
Similar story here. When I arrived in the US in 1987 on a 747 at JFK, I had 2 suitcases and $18 as the sum total of my worldly possessions. 36 years of hard work later, I am blessed with a wonderful family, a comfortable life, and I drive a 911 Turbo S as my daily driver.
Although there are times that I don't necessarily agree with the political leadership of the country, I will forever be indebted to the US for giving me the opportunity. As the previous poster said, I am proud to carry a US passport by choice. It is truly a great country.
1) Dentist - I've operated a traveling surgery practice for last 5 years.
2) Be your own boss if possible, my only regret is that I didn't start my business sooner. My success depends on me and only me - no excuses. I've grown my part-time "hobby" practice into a full-time machine now that supports my family. I'm 43 yo and have 4 young kids to get through college so my wife wasn't excited on me buying an expensive "fun" car, my 911 replaced a 2004 Nissan Altima LOL! I had the cash on hand and purchased my 2016 Targa 4S from a private seller in San Diego about a year ago.
02-17-2023, 04:46 PM
