Work / Life Balance
Work / Life Balance
(OP)
Hello,
I am a 25 yr old Engineer with a Bachelors employed for 4 years so far. The company I work for is decent, but I don't find the work all that interesting and I'm basically stuck doing the same thing for the next 10 years +. I am still living in my parents basement - although I do pay them rent it is not much.
My life outside of work is in bad shape right now. I've got two real friends I hang out with. One has a degree and one doesnt. I do not know any females - the ones I used to know have all disappeared along with other friends to different states. Right now the weeks keep churning and all I do is go to work and the gym and sleep. How can this be changed? Is life really this dull outside of work until retirement?
Now its not all doom and gloom I'm sure I've got it better than a LOT of people in life but its still frustrating and depressing most of the time. Any reccomendations?
Thank You.
I am a 25 yr old Engineer with a Bachelors employed for 4 years so far. The company I work for is decent, but I don't find the work all that interesting and I'm basically stuck doing the same thing for the next 10 years +. I am still living in my parents basement - although I do pay them rent it is not much.
My life outside of work is in bad shape right now. I've got two real friends I hang out with. One has a degree and one doesnt. I do not know any females - the ones I used to know have all disappeared along with other friends to different states. Right now the weeks keep churning and all I do is go to work and the gym and sleep. How can this be changed? Is life really this dull outside of work until retirement?
Now its not all doom and gloom I'm sure I've got it better than a LOT of people in life but its still frustrating and depressing most of the time. Any reccomendations?
Thank You.





RE: Work / Life Balance
In a lot of communities there are church clubs, social clubs and groups with hobbies. Alternately look up a hobby on the internet that is of interest to you. Perhaps remote controlled cars or aeroplanes. Fishing and hunting are popular activities enjoyed by groups or pairs.
Enjoy a sports game, big league or amateur, with a friend.
Travelling is also another alternate. It doesn't have to be an extravagent trip but could be one or two hours away to see different things.
Good luck.
Regards,
![[pipe] pipe](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pipe.gif)
Qshake
Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwz2lVASHns
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Johnny Pellin
RE: Work / Life Balance
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
Definitely leave the parents' basement. Cut the apron strings and get out on your own- forget about the money.
Try on-line dating. Talk about "dating" myself- I met my wife through a telephone predecessor of that kind of thing. I went from meeting maybe one date-worthy girl a year to meeting one a week. I was working in small companies where the majority of my co-workers were guys, and she was new to the city and working in a female-dominated profession where there were a few guys, but all of them were gay...We'd have never met otherwise, and it's been 15 happy years.
Working too much is an easy thing to get out of: just say no. Work your core hours and a REASONABLE amount of O/T when it's truly required, and say no to the rest, otherwise your work/life balance problem will become a self-fulfilling prophecy: it's not possible to have a life when all you do is work! Right now you're probably filling in what's missing from the rest of your life with work just to keep yourself busy. There's only one way to stop, and that's to stop.
Best of luck- keep your chin up, things do get better if you don't just let them happen to you.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Don't wait as long as I did to find this out:
Work isn't what I "do". Work is only what I do to pay for what I "do".
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Life is too busy to go searching for others to join its fun. If you want Life to be a part of your existence, you will have to go in search of it.
Death, on the other hand will seek you out no matter which basement or gym you hide in.
RE: Work / Life Balance
What about your co-workers? What do they do? Do you get along with them? Do you have anything in common with them? Most of the peole I know that have lots of friends met most of them through work (apparently its also a part of the network building process).
What about the professional organizations in your area? They might have people your age that you have things in common with. You could get involved in those activities (also a part of the network building process).
I agree with Snorgy; work should be what you do so you can really do what you like to do. The key is to find a passion and run with it. It's important to have something to look forward to. I know that gets me through the work week.
To meet females you have to get involved in things females are typically involved in. You might not like some of those things but find a balance.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I also did a few other things, and eventually I managed to put together a pretty decent social life. It does take time though. I'm not sure if you're living in the same city you went to high school in, but that can make things tough.
One thing I might suggest, instead of a doing grad school, take some courses at a community college that are hands on that might help you get a job more suited for you. They often don't have the same homework aspect as a graduate eng course. It'll get you out of the house, you'll meet people and it would add something to your resume.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I highly recommend it if you live anywhere near ski country.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
I think that you'll get a better idea of how un-unique your situation is.
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
I know a few folks that met their significant other in that most classic of places - a bar. While taken too far it can go horribly wrong, alcohol does tend to lower inhibitions a little which can help introverted folks speak to the pretty girl at the other end of the bar...
As to work, there are plenty of vaguely relevant threads around here, take a look.
Maybe a new job, perhaps in a new location, will be the jolt you need not just for work but your social life too.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
Or, get an apartment in a large complex. I bet they'll have a single woman or two, maybe even a singles club.
As for social activities, go after what you like or what you think you might like. Racing, dancing, church, skiing, scuba diving, volunteering, coaching (lot of single Moms out there), etc.
The key is get up off the coach and do something (even if it is wrong).
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Work / Life Balance
Remember Work to live, don't live to work.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
If you find an opening in local government - go for it. It's where I, and a lot of other engineers, married well above our own looks. tons and tons of hotties work for local government. same in every state i've been in.
not an option? hit the clubs. as for work - it's always going to suck. sorry to disappoint.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
If you want recommendations on what to do about your job/career then you may need to give a bit more information to get useful feedback.
Not having much of a social life can be a boon to a career as it means you don't feel you're missing out on anything and are willing to become a workaholic. However, I'd doubt many of us would suggest this is the optimum life balance.
If you want recommendations on how to improve your social/love life, well this site may not be the best source of advice.
While I'm somewhat from the stiff upper lip/pull your socks up camp when it comes to these types of things, depression is a recognized medical condition - perhaps you should seek some professional help.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
=)
RE: Work / Life Balance
Went to work, met up with friends after work, went home and slept. went fishing etc on weekends with friends. Did that for about 3 years then met a great girl (She was a trainee back then) at work and I'm still together with her now. been almost 3 years.
However, i still find myself thinking about work a lot. In fact i am always up to solving some long standing problem from the past when i was still in school. This involves plenty of reading - technical articles, papers, engineering books etc. I generally refuse OT unless absolutely necessary. yet i find myself working when i have nothing better to do which is probable not too healthy.
but i also play soccer, squash and tennis. I even play guitar and started a band for a while. i also started repairing my car for myself.
anyways, the point is that if you think a female is the only element required to brighten up your life, think again.
Don't wait for life to happen, make it happen. take chances, try new things. living is personal, nobody can do it for you.
At least that's what i'm doing and i'm ok at least for now. i'd still like to think about work less though. hope this helped.
RE: Work / Life Balance
You don't have to feel guilty about enjoying problem solving, even if it overlaps with your work.
Hopefully every engineer went into engineering because they enjoyed it.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I don't feel guilty. In fact there aren't many things i like doing more that problem solving. But sometimes, i envy some person's ability to forget work, after work. I just enjoy it too much and i've always been this way. even before i had an engineering degree. Most of what i do is really for my own personal satisfaction.
anyways, this thread is about peterso2 and his concerns.
I hope these discussions are helping him in some way.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I moved to a different city. Although I was lucky enough to have my collage gf follow me (which is now my wife). We struggled for awhile to meet and make friends. Although we got involved in community volunteer work and have since met alot of nice people.
The process takes time and take going to places were people are.
Good luck
J
RE: Work / Life Balance
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Work / Life Balance
I met others of the opposite sex at ski clubs, singles dance organizations, church groups, and the extended family network. The bar scene is not the place to meet your life partner. A good friend married a girl thru a city wide singles group. They had dances, ski events, etc.
My younger son met his fiance' at the upscale apartment complex pool.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
- Steve
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Hmm, well if I were to look at the divorce rate of folks in the US I know, then actually meeting in a bar is doing a lot better than meeting at church. On the other hand, I know a couple in serious trouble after some ski club inspired adultery. So, I'm hesitant to completely rule out or excessively condone any one location for meeting potential spouse's.
The OP hasn't logged in since 25th so maybe they solved their social life problem and is out having fun?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
akastud
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
You can decide on a wifey later.
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
- Steve
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Work / Life Balance
that's a requirement...
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
One of the first ways to meet people are in professional organizations (ASME, EWB-USA etc) since you'll already have some common ground.
Volunteering is another alternative and if you're really committed, Peace Corps, Americorps, and Habitat for Humanity are always looking for volunteer engineers. The engineering would be <25% of what you do now but hey you're asking about developing your interpersonal intelligence.
A dog, hobbies, or church (or maybe service organizations and yoga if you're not religious) are other great ways to develop your emotional intelligence. I know it's hard but think outside the box.
Whatever initiatives you take be committed to them and don't get discouraged if you don't succeed right away. Start with being happy with yourself first and then worry about the girls.
RE: Work / Life Balance
So, you can't really love someone else until you can love yourself.
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
Badum chh
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
Does the guide dog manage to shave your hands?
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Work / Life Balance
- Steve
RE: Work / Life Balance
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
"they'll do the cleanup, as well"
you're talking foreign outsourcing. I could name a few suggestions.
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
1) Embrace the basement, because it'll never again be that simple. Fix it up. Get a pool table, etc.
2) Get into martial arts for fitness and self-confidence.
3) Get a hobby - for me it's old cars.
4) Learn to cook so you can eat the best foods available.
In thirty years you'll only wish things were as simple as they are now, because they won't be. You'll have limited freedom, and you'll be serving many masters.
John M
RE: Work / Life Balance
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
Civil Development Group, LLC
Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com
http://www.civildevelopmentgroup.com/blog
RE: Work / Life Balance
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Work / Life Balance
Twoballcane/Ben/IRstuff/Kenat (and the others): this is his troll account!
Just read all the posts - my suggestion would be a warm bath, bottle or two of bourbon (or better still, Scotch) and a razor blade...
H
www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk
RE: Work / Life Balance
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
Kenat: Irstuff is a closet hippy (or really takin' the p*ss)
H
www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk
RE: Work / Life Balance
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
Be good.
H
www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk
RE: Work / Life Balance
(Oh, and let's just say - unlikely)
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
RE: Work / Life Balance
I'm still around - its not that all my problems were solved magically. I'm just having a tough time dealing with the fact I only have like two close friends and no females to hangout with, yes its tough. I think biggest step like many said would be to move out - but I've always been nervous about living alone. Which is why I haven't done anything yet. My employer is ok right now - I was looking at resumes, to maybe look elsewhere but I don't know. Perhaps the lack of a drive to make a change is causing this rut. However, within the last 3 months or so I'd say its gotten progressively worse. From what people say I think I should get an apartment maybe a bit closer to work and perhaps look for a new job in a new city? I don't know if that would force me to find people or not. But I'll agree with the other posters, I'm the one who put myself in this situtation. I've got to find a way out...the replies were helpful though.
RE: Work / Life Balance
No really now, you just need motivation.
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Why?
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
I mixed it with strangers for the first 5 years after graduation. And experienced a fair amount of "strangeness" during that time, mostly good. Thought I couldn't cope with the silence of living alone.
Living alone is rewarding though, so long as you get out. There's nothing quite as satisfying as throwing closed your own door, opening a beer and watching rubbish TV.
- Steve
RE: Work / Life Balance
Well, that's part of growing up, so until you do so, you cannot really claim to even be an adult.
Yes, the world is a scary place, and you may run across roommates that cheat on the rent or steal your liquor, but that's all part of the process. It's not supposed to be easy. it's like "work hardening," and unstressed material cannot become stronger.
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
drawn to design, designed to draw
RE: Work / Life Balance
Fe
RE: Work / Life Balance
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Work / Life Balance
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
1.) Living at Home Issues: Find an appartment within a 20 minute drive radius from work, or between work and home. That way, you'll be able to visit your parents and you'll be on your own.
2.) Physical Issues: Do P90x first - join the gym later. You will feel a difference in your energy levels after the first two weeks.
3.) Wife and Other Social Issues: It will be of great benefit to find your wife on a Sunday morning rather than a Friday or Saturday night if you catch my drift. The same advice goes for your friends.
4.) Don't be afraid to try new things (within reason)
Hope this helps.
RE: Work / Life Balance
A smart capable professional at your age should experience independence and cut the umbilical cord. Your parents are not doing you any favors. Unless you have some condition or cultural reasons to justify you living at home it is my opinion it is time to leave the nest.
You are nervous about being on your own, you will get over it. Just do it! You need to experience the responsibility of being an adult, the bills, the mortgage/rent, and fending for yourself. You could solicit a roommate if you really cannot handle being alone and this in itself might provide some more social avenues.
You might find it fun and exciting looking for a new place, buying furniture, dishes, bed sheets, etc. Tip: get the highest thread count you can afford.
It is an excellent time to purchase a house. Interest rates are low and the money you would be paying in rent could be building equity instead.
Love, believe in yourself, live in the moment, and what will be will be.
Wishing you love, health and happiness!
RE: Work / Life Balance
I AM ALSO 25 YEARS OLD. So I think my answers can be a bit more applicable to you.
1. I live with my mom, women don't mind, my current girlfriend doesn't mind as long as your relationship is healthy and normal with your parents. We all understand its a recession.
2. Volunteer somewhere, now. I do it, its great and I meet lots of interesting people.
3. Volunteer in politics whether you're liberal or conservative, so many attractive women in both parties and its the easiest way to meet people you automatically have something in common with.
4. Start reading GQ, Details and Men's Health, you'll learn how to dress well, everyone loves a person who dresses well. Also, they advocate a simple, timeless and work ready wardrobe.
5. No more gym, no one talks in the gym anymore. Start rock climbing, take Scuba classes, run on the beach or at the park. Gym's are nice, but only to meet a goal, then get out and use that physical fitness for real things.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Discard your TV and don't be sucked into banal internet distractors.
Life is a banquet, there are other people sitting at the table starving though.
If you are socially conscious go do volunteer work. If your life is emotinally dull, nothing like helping someone dig out of a true disaster to gain an appreciation for how good dull is and to tap into a sense of purpose. The tradegy of a disaster scene is emotionally rich, not a theme park for thrill seekers, but to empathise with true sadness of others and experience the reward from making at least a small difference can make you feel really alive.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I was at a similar point at about the same time in my career. I met my wife while traveling and then took the plunge and got a holiday working visa to the uk for two years to spend time with her.
I definitely recommend London as you WILL meet other people from all over the world and who knows..
RE: Work / Life Balance
Even your job will seem better once you move to your own place.
Kurt
RE: Work / Life Balance
Hang in there. There's nothing wrong with getting established in your career, putting some money in the bank, and seeing a bit of the world before you settle down.
Don't get discouraged and don't rush into anything.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Since it sounds like you have a fear of being alone, which is common and almost natural (especially when you are younger), one of the easiest ways to get over this is to force yourself- take a trip alone, preferably to another country. Get yourself a ticket to Europe sometime in the spring or summer and a 10 day rail pass, bring a guide book and have NO RESERVATIONS. Hopefully you drink socially (I know, not the healthiest hobby) as pubs in Europe have been the start of many, many fun times and I have met some very interesting people that way.
Had an awesome time in Scotland by myself. You are approachable when you are alone, and don't be afraid to mix it up. Many foreigners are just as curious about you as you are about them, and they may think Americans are like what they see in the movies or TV so don't be afraid to break down some of those stereotypes. And yes, this can lead to some nice conversations with a pretty girl with an even lovelier accent. Just don't dress like you are going to a ballgame and mine your Ps and Qs and you will be very surprised most of the time with how nice people can be. I thought I was going to get jumped on the subway once in Glasgow by a bunch of young guys and then they just started a friendly conversation with me, and thought it was way cool I chose their country to go on a holiday (that's what they call it) by MYSELF...
If you are somewhere with less friendly locals, maybe a language barrier - spot an Aussie and buy them a beer, and you won't regret it. Aussies are like the cool, fun loving cousins of Americans, and you can learn a lot about how to live from them, they work hard and play harder. And there is a good chance you'll get an email or number and have a place to stay in another country for a visit. (I have also had good experiences with many other people from other countries, be very careful drinking with anyone from England, Scotland, or Ireland, they are better at it than you.)
The other advantage of traveling alone is you choose to do and go wherever you want, whenever you want.
If that's too much for you take a buddy, just one, easier to book hotel rooms and meet people if its just two of you. Surprising how often two other young, single girls also travel as a pair.
When you get back you will feel different and have a new lease on life. You will see there is so much to see and do out there beyond your basement, town, state and country. You will have gone someplace new and alone and been FINE. This will give you confidence in new ways you will not understand for a while.
Maybe none of this will work exactly the way it has for me, but at the least you could cross the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the canals of Amsterdam off your bucket list. Don't burn yourself out on museums, find a party in Spain (Barcelona is a good place to start), spend a couple of days in an Alpine village, and Scandinavia has models working at McDonald's... And Belgium has over 1000 breweries which is a lot for such a small country, if you are so inclined..
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
At work, speak with your supervisor or HR person. Not all companies are good at letting you know what potential advancement or opportunities are available to you. If you ahve something to work toward it can add some new motivation.
Good luck!
http://www.EngineeringGuideBook.com
RE: Work / Life Balance
plasgears,
You really do sum up to me what is going wrong with america. Too many of you see your country as a closed system and have no appreciation of the rest of the world.
There are cultures at there that have such a completely different take on life that you will never grasp it. The variety of humanity never ceases to amaze me when I travel.
But the US runs the risk of falling behind in this global economy if it continues to have an inward facing attitude.
I would recommend overseas travel to anyone, it will open your eyes to what an amazing thing life is.
RE: Work / Life Balance
peterso2, I'm 28 and in a similar situation. I've lived on my own for years now, having jobs in different states from my parents and before that I was at college a few hundred miles away. My current situation is pretty poor, as I'm in a very small town in midcountry USA with the nearest major city being close to two hours away. Pretty tight-nit group and I don't really feel like I fit in very well as a college-educated engineer from outside. Point though is that life is not going to change just because you're not in the basement. Being independant is not hard. Being content with life is something else entirely. In fact, there are times when I almost wish I still was at home. At least then I'd know there are two people close by that will always have my back and I'll always have theirs. Most of my friends have never come close to that.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Yes, travel is not for everyone but if you dont try it you can only take other peoples word for it that these places exist. Though to me travel is about experiences rather than seeing things.
Also, living in the US is no excuse. You have borders with 2 amazing countries and you are only a 10 or so hour flight from europe.
The country that I grew up in had nothing but thousands of miles of ocean in all directions and was a 20 hour flight from the US and 24 hours from Europe!
I do admit that your lack of holidays stinks but this is no excuse when you are backpacking.
But I think the main thing is that you have to find a passion in life, mine are travel and climbing. Thankfully every persons passion is different.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Not exactly easy to see the big wide world from the US? That's rubbish really. I am from New Zealand, a country far more isolated from the rest of the world geographically, yet I've found it pretty easy to see the world so far (well only Europe and Australia, but Asia is on the horizon).
I'd also recommend peterso2 does a bit of travel to Western Europe. It won't be too far out of his comfort zone culturally, and he'll be bound to have a great time.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I knew i would get another antipodean backing me up on that point.
Actually it is more than the 2 countries that the US has borders with, there are a few in the carribean also.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
If you don't want to travel and see the world, stay in your basement in your S-town playing X box your whole life then. Only you are missing out, the world is not holding their breath to meet more close-minded Americans (I am not a self hating American, some of my friends have this don't travel ignorant attitude too).
No other single form of experience has changed my life or made me happier than travel, in this country and others. And I have seen it in other people's lives too, even my conservative, older parents, who started traveling the world late in life.
I am sick of groveling, complaining, whining, etc. from everyone about everything. There is no pill or quick solution in life. The world is your oyster but nobody will serve it up on a TV tray in your living room.
Foreign travel is about opening up your mind and gaining perspective, having experiences and stories to tell. You should also at least once go to a much less wealthy country to see how people without much material wealth live and survive and can be very happy. Back to the perspective thing...
I've been planning a trip to New Zealand for a year now, and think about it with excitement every day and its not for 3 months. Its been a dream of mine for a long time to go there, as everyone I know who has gone said its the single most beautiful country they have ever seen. I look forward to tipping a few with some Kiwis. The other thing about a big trip is just the fun of planning it and looking forward to it.
Or you can be like my Grandpa who rarely left a 10 mile radius of his small town in Wisconsin. He seemed pretty happy with his existence, and got homesick after about 48 hours- but I always saw it as a bit sad. But to each his own, you won't know what you are missing (or not) until you try.
RE: Work / Life Balance
I agree with every word.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Be bold and go for what you want. I remember one college dance where my fellow nerd engineer and I got rejected so many times we made a game of it. With perseverance, I got a dance on my 31st try. My friend was so jealous.
Learn from your mistakes. When I started dating in Italy, I went to the Disco Di Fimon where thousands of young women were. Almost immediately, the Italian lady in the booth asked me for a dance. I didn't realize until she left the booth that she had been standing on the seat and came up to my navel. We had a nice slow dance, and I learned to not make decisions based solely upon a pretty face.
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
Reminds me of a friends old pickup line. He used to just walk up to ladies and simply say 'do you want a £$%@?'. He would get at least nine slaps in the face until he got his one yes.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Sure, don't forget New Mexico or Hawaii...
TTFN
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
Chinese prisoner wins Nobel Peace Prize
RE: Work / Life Balance
- Steve
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
2) But a guitar. A decent starter acoustic. Taylor makes some good ones, and HIRE someone to get you started. You will never regret it; music, especially music that you, yourself are generating, (no matter how crude) clears the mind.
3) Open yourself to opportunities. There is NO LUCK, only the chance to maximize events to your advantage.
4) Dale Carnegie ( no commercial interest, of course) no matter how lame you young whipper-snappers think this is, it will teach you personal interaction and build your confidence in a great way.
5) Consider an online dating service, if indeed that is an issue to you. I met my wife (nine years now) on "Match.com".
6) Don't watch the rabid talk shows, no matter what your political leanings are. Don't watch ANY "reality shows". This is important.
7) Lower your expectations. Life is NOT for our entertainment. It's a bitch, sometimes.
RE: Work / Life Balance
Yes, life in America, in my mind.
I have traveled in the far East, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, The Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, The UK, & Ireland, South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, and of course, our neighbors to the South (in happier times) Mexico.
And while much of my time spent overseas was 1)Being shot at, 2) recovering from being shot at, 3) working in the Bush, or 4) Simply on holiday, I have always felt like Dorthy, clicking my heels, and thankfully saying "there's no place like home, there's no place like home"
RE: Work / Life Balance
Yes, sometimes thats what travel does. Thankfully not everyone is into it as there would be a lot more people flying around.
Not sure what you were doing to get shot at but I am sure that I would probably feel the same if the same happened to me.
But it did make you appreciate life?
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
RE: Work / Life Balance
"Reminds me of a friends old pickup line. He used to just walk up to ladies and simply say 'do you want a £$%@?'. He would get at least nine slaps in the face until he got his one yes."
I knew a guy just like that!!!
A "John Candy" type, but cruder. He had no fear of women, rejection did not phase him. And I NEVER knew him to be without female companionship, and attractive, intelligent women. I have never understood this process, that seemed to be at work with him.
I used to hang with him, just to get his castoffs.
He got a job as an "Orkin Man" doing residential pest control, and had to give it up, because, to paraphrase General jack D. Ripper, (Dr. Strangelove, 1964) his "precious bodily fluids were sapped and impureified" by the lonely housewives of the mid-60's.
RE: Work / Life Balance
One thing I learnt is that most women cannot tell the different between arrogance/indifference and confidence. This is why the arrogant ones get all the girls.
RE: Work / Life Balance
6) Don't watch the rabid talk shows, no matter what your political leanings are. Don't watch ANY "reality shows". This is important.
7) Lower your expectations. Life is NOT for our entertainment. It's a bitch, sometimes. "
Excellent Advice!
RE: Work / Life Balance
A guy runs into a buddy of his at a singles convention, and asks him:
How's it going?
Other guy replies:
I'm holding my own.
tg
RE: Work / Life Balance
The chorus from Jackson Browne's "Rosie" ( "Runnin' on Empty" 1975)
"Rosie you're all right, -- you wear my ring.
When you hold me tight, -- Rosie that's my thing.
When you turn out the light -- I've got to hand it to me....
Looks like it's me and you again tonight,.... Rosie"
Sorry, couldn't resist.
RE: Work / Life Balance
"All my friends fell about the place
Nice legs, shame about the face."