This is my first blog I have written since Angela set this up, and since we are sharing, I thought I would write about where we are in our life and what things we both have been enjoying as of late.
I like to think that I have taken a dramatic change in my life and Angela too, but I will talk about mine and she can talk about hers later. The last six months have opened my eyes and I have learned more in this time than I ever did in 4 2/3 years of college. I will say this: FORMAL EDUCATION CAN NEVER GIVE YOU WHAT REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE CAN GIVE YOU. Therefore, if you are a recent high school graduate and you are not sure if you want to go to college or you have an idea and want to start your own business... Go with your heart and take that idea and turn into a business. Life is about taking chances, and I think I did that with becoming an insurance agent. It has not been the greatest job in the world, but the experience has been priceless.
Most of you know I became an insurance agent right after graduating college. It was a chance I took at the time financially, but I was in a low risk situation because I had no debt and a lot saved. Insurance is not a steady business; it is up and down with pay and activity. As much as I felt I did not belong, I realized it has been a life changing experience. I have met some great people and have matured as a business man. Needless to say, it has not worked out for me. I picked the worse time in the world to become an agent because of the economy; but I will not make excuses though. I was flat out not meant to be a salesman. I do not have the right personality for it. I care about what people think, I care about being honest, and I look out for other's best interest; which, as a sales person, is not a good thing necessarily.
Skipping ahead:
I was offered an excellent position at a small corporation called Xenium. Everyone is great there and I fit in really well within the corporate environment. I am the happiest I have been in a long time for that very reason. I will update on this position in other blogs; I want to get to other topics before this entry goes on forever!
Reading
During my time as an insurance agent, I met a guy named Doug. What first started out as a life insurance lead, it turned into a friendship, but most importantly, a life altering experience for me. Doug single-handedly has guided me into making rational financial decisions by pointing me to books and free information that furthers my education in the subject of personal finance. I have never read so many books in my life than I have in the last 3 months. As much as I hated reading before, I love it now. I am learning so much every day I pick up a book or listen to a podcast... I encourage others to do the same.
Snow
Not going to lie... I hate snow. However, without this snow and ice I would have never probably learned how to drive in it. Driving from Hillsboro to Tualatin in the snow/ice will teach you a lot about yourself as a driver, and about others too! As much as Angela and I enjoyed the snow on Sunday, I think we both agree that snow just makes it stressful to those people who need to get somewhere. The other day, I watched a SUV spin and crash into a barrier on I-5 right next to me. Right then, I realized how dangerous this weather really is; so do not take it lightly when having to travel in it!!!
The Future:
Angela and I are very clear with each other which direction we want to go. I think we are the couple that knows exactly what we want and where we are going to be. For me, I know we will be financially independent sooner than most people retire because I am a hard worker and I will invest and save my money correctly. I also see myself making a good salary that will help me achieve that goal. For Angela, I see her working, but not too much. She will be a great mother someday, and I honestly believe she was meant for that. If we can have it our way, we would live in Tualatin/Sherwood, I will work and make a good living for us as she stays home with the kids. I honestly see that happening someday, but for now, she will work until we can get rid of all of her school debt.
We are on the right track though. We are getting married in August, together we have little to no debt, we know where we want to be in 2 years, and we have great friends and family to get support from along the way. I think that is the biggest thing. People around us have influenced us so much. We have seen what kind of people we want to be, and what kind of people we do not want to be. I think the people around us have showed us exactly that.
Until my next entry....peace out!
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