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My Dad had a pre-WWII high school education. He worked in
government service for 30 years. He grumbled about his job the
whole time – that is until the last few years. In his last
assignment, he finally found a role that made him happy.
He was mentoring a group of programmers as they built a new
system for the state of Pennsylvania. They were clueless about
Health and Human Services. They really needed somebody that new
how the system should work – he loved it. Then he hit mandatory
retirement age and they kicked him out.
My Dad wasn’t a dummy. He knew that he had a good deal, but
he really missed his job. He never moved from Harrisburg, PA.
For years, he made a monthly visit to his old department, to
visit the folks he trained.
Now - I never did anything the same way as my Dad. I went to
Carnegie Mellon. I spent some time as an over educated ski bum
and I traveled a lot before I settled down. As a management
consultant, I worked all over the world. I moved from company to
company and even started a few, but I made a mountain top on the
coast of California my home base.
But, guess what? My dad and I ended up in just about the same
place after all.
I now own my own business and I work with a solid network of
business professional. I spend most of my time mentoring and
consulting with entrepreneurs and business owners. My role is
remarkably similar to my Dads – but there is nobody that can
kick me out.
I just returned from two weeks in Kauai. My bride and I had a
great time in one of the loveliest places in the world. But
toward the end, I was really ready to get back to my office.
Unlike my Dad – I am looking forward to my working retirement in
paradise – doing more of the same that is.
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