Making my way to 34.

So I’ll be 34 in less than an hour and just doing a little reflecting on my journey and life in general. I can’t say I’ve had any great epiphanies or moved closer to any kind of enlightenment about life to be honest. Everything seems pretty much the same. Lots of highs and lots of lows over the years. Lowest low would probably have been the death of my grandmother and highest high would be when my better half, during a severe break from sanity but to my great luck, agreed to marry me.

The most significant thing I see is family (parents) getting older and less memories being made. About 6 months ago I made a conscious decision to plan trips together with my family (just came back from the Snowy Mountains and yes I got them to go) in order to continue to make memories and also make my parents happy and give them some sort of adventure as they get older. Over the last 12 or so years I’ve probably been a little guilty of neglecting time with the family and just been focusing on my stuff…probably to a selfish extent. My parents never said anything and have always supported me but hitting 34 and reflecting how much time I realistically have left on earth with my family… I realise that they (and my wife) are really the most important thing to me.

So onwards and upwards making my way to 35… I would like to see myself become a more devoted son to my family, an even more cherishing husband to my wife and a solid and reliable friend to others who support and continue to care about me. There are also quite a few people on PC who I consider friends (they know who they are) and I am grateful and humbled by their generosity to share their knowledge and time not only with me but with many others over the years.

At the end of the day…I’ve realized that all the ‘wealth’ in the world is really useless unless you have family, friends and others who care about you so you can share what you have together with them.

 

34? Strewth...
You are a bit over the hill?

Interesting observations though.

I'm much the same. I ticked over 34 about 3 weeks ago.
I was (am) highly driven to 'retire'*. I was planning on doing it in about 2-3 years.
However those sacrifices that I was making have taken their toll. It's time for me to slow down.
'Retirement' at 36is nice. In reality retirement at 38 if it means you can really enjoy the next 3years is even better.
Spending time with everyone is far more valuable to me now than having 'more'.
In saying that. Time to do another project I think.

Blacky

*i define retirement in my own way.

 

And p.s happy birthday

 

@Leo2413 Happy Birthday!
Any plans for kids in the future? Sure fire way to leave significance - your DNA is in them and they don't get say in it

 

Happy birthday @Leo2413 yes money isn't everything, relationship is.

 

I like that you're 1 day older than me Leo, means i can be the mischievous one

 

Sounds like you have had an epiphany now @Leo2413

Happy Birthday Mr Mindset, have a good one!

 

Don't be too hard on yourself. With age comes wisdom! (Says the 30 yr old haha).

 

Well done Leo,some people will envy you both for your success and wealth..
But at 4 in the morning being "Wealthy" in some ways is meaningless,your family and who you wake up next to is all that matters..

 

Happy bday @Leo2413

 

Happy birthday Leo
Whatever - you are awesome regardless.

 

Happy birthday Leo . You have learned many things that most people don't learn for many more years if at all .

No point being the richest guy in the cemetery right? .

 

Have a great birthday Leo. I agree, looking out for family and spending time with them is everything.

 

Happy birthday!

Thinking out loud, the mantra that sticks with me is: Quality of time at work, Quantity of time at home.

Spending time with loved ones, and having the freedom to do what I want to do, is my end goal.
Working backwards, that requires $x/yr passive income.
Which in turn requires $y investment portfolio.
Which in turn requires a strategy that ensures all the hard work will achieve $y-sized portfolio in a defined time frame.
Which in turn requires action. Now.

If the hard work will not achieve that portfolio, either:
1) find better work
2) move the goalposts closer
3) realise that passive income for my circumstances is not viable and instead devote time to loved ones now, before it's too late.

 

That's exactly how I feel too @Blacky. I think there comes a point where having 'more' just seems insignificant compared to spending precious time with the family. Especially when that 'more' really won't make any difference anyway. It's just chasing the next wealth level... It will never end really, but precious time with our loved ones seems more and more ephemeral..

Thanks @neK. Yes we plan to have kids in the near future..That's probably been one of our biggest sacrifices..not having kids earlier. It was a joint decision (obviously my wife had last say as it affects her in ways it won't affect me) and one we still don't know if it was the right thing to do or not. We just felt it would be too hard to do all we're doing now plus have kids at the same time. I am in awe how so many members on here have a few kids and great careers and build wealth all at the same time. It's just amazing... I don't know how they do it tbh.

@D.T. I knew your B Day was near mine somewhere! Not long to go now mate

 

Thanks @Xenia. My other goal is to work on my flaws so at 35 I can be a better version of who I am now. I want to try to be a 'nicer' person in general, humbler, less judgement and a little more easy going. It's not easy to admit but hey, can't identify the flaws then no chance to fix it I guess...

 

Thanks @ellejay.

My wife knows I like surprises... so she sprung on me my gift not long ago! So excited for it! Two tickets for us both.

 

Happy Birthday @Leo2413.

At 34, you are still a "baby in nappies", says this person who turned 60 last week .

I find the 'conveyor of life' both a magic and scary thing. When I was a kid, I can remember seeing my Dad in front of me on the conveyor and my Grandfather in front of him. I was very happy.

Then my Grandfather dropped off the conveyor belt. Although that was a sad time, I felt comfortable as Dad was still in front of me.

Then my Dad dropped off the conveyor belt. That was sad and scary. Scary because there was no-one in front of me on the conveyor.

When I turned around, I saw my daughter behind me and my son behind her. I then realised I had been 'promoted' and it was my job to guide them through their journey through life. I was totally motivated and inspired by this challenge.

That was 21 years ago. I have managed to stay on the conveyor belt (not everyone does - one of my sister fell off when she was 10, due to a car accident).

Today, when I look behind, I now see my granddaughter also on the conveyor. I am trying to stay on the coveyor as long as possibly can.

@Leo2413, my apologies for getting so heavy on your birthday but you started it!!!

 

I thought you were going to say "I am perfect!!!".

Haha.

Nice present from the wife. My favourite past-time to taking photos from helicopters such as 12 Apostles, Hall's Gap (NT), Gold Coast, White Island (NZ), Rockies to name a few.

 

You bugger.. I'm not supposed to have tears on my birthday.... I am fearing the exact same thing with my dad now as he gets older....It's so scary to imagine going on without him as I look up to him so much...Your post has really hit home with me. The way you've put it both makes me smile and sad. A bittersweet really... Great post mate.

 

Sorry about that. I had so much respect, adoration and love for my Dad and Grandfather. It was so sad to see them go.

I know you are considering having kids. That is a decision that only you and your wife can make.

As I said, for me, I found the challenge of having kids (and it is a challenge!!!), totally motivating, inspiring and rewarding.

If I can be half as good as my Dad and Grandfather, then I will know that I have done a good job.