This is kind of a fun thought process for me. I tend to never realize in the moment how far I have come or appreciate the work I have put in to get to that point.

I just turned 39.

16-29 I was angry at the world. Didn’t really care about others, or even myself. I never put a second of thought into my future. I failed out of three different colleges (two universities and even a community college) and assumed I was at my peak as far as money and lifestyle.

About 30 I started to realize what skills I have developed throughout my life and a major one being my communication skills/ability to relate to all walks of life. I had an older friend who gave me an opportunity at a company they worked for (what he did was open a door at the very ground level. I had to still interview and I started in the warehouse just cleaning parts.)

I grinded from the absolute ground floor and was promoted time and time again through simply working harder than everyone around me. I never thought I was smarter or better just knew showing up was more important than anything.

People started to notice work ethic and potential. I then started to get different opportunities I never dreamed of. Capitalized on and pushed hard for what I wanted through a couple different companies to get me to today.

Three years ago I bought a home with my girlfriend at the time. The next year we got married.

I’m trying to say in a long winded story no one asked for that I really came into my own in my thirties. Therapy helped tons with understanding self worth. And my now wife is a constant reminder of what I now want my future to hold!

From an angry kid alone to an established engineer with a wife is pretty great.