High School Reunion - Back to the 80's

The other night was my 20-year high school reunion. I cannot believe twenty years have passed since graduating. Looks like it’s time to reflect and take stock of the things I’ve done – and haven’t.

I recall being eighteen – so young and idyllic. I had big plans – go to school, get a job with a fancy title in a big corporation and then spend the rest of my working days there until I was ready for retirement. When I went to school, that was what was expected of me and I gladly followed suit. How times have changed … not to mention the styles!

Of course, my biggest concern – and I’m sure everyone was the same – was how would I measure up? Has my life been a success so far? Have I done everything I set out to do? So, lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about these things. Do I earn enough money – do I have the right job – or do I have the right car or house?

So, I said hello to a few old friends and of course, the topic turned to our careers, and I have to say, I could sense the same nervousness from them that I was feeling. Conveniently, I had printed up some new business cards and I handed them out! Suffice it to say, most people seemed to have followed the expected career paths and they seemed genuinely happy. I also was reminded how great and fun these people were during my school days.

I had a good time and left early for the long drive home. I felt strangely satisfied. Not that I’m rich or have an amazing job, but I’m amazed how my goals and desires have changed since graduating from high school. Now, my goals are more focused on getting my time back and doing the things I really want to do – no longer are they tied to material things (for the most part.) I’ve also learned to stop caring what people think, which I think is my biggest change in me over the past twenty years.

The world has also changed around me. No longer, is it a sure thing to stay with a company for life – as a matter of fact, those days seem to be over. The days of fat, defined benefit pension are also over, unless you work for the government. While having a great job is still important it no longer defines who I am. I now know that the sole responsibility rests with me when it comes to my financial health and retirement and that I may not be able to rely on the government or the company I work for.

So, anyways, I'm glad I went and look forward to my thirtieth reunion. I look forward to charting the changes over my life in the next ten years.

I have to admit, though, there was one thing that hadn’t change since high school – I still didn’t have a date.