It has been awhile since I last wrote. I've been concentrating on my new Celtics blog, and haven't really been in the right mindset to write. But I'm back and ready to write more random thoughts about nothing. I thought I'd start my comeback by writing about life as a 20 something.
The 20's have long been said to be the time where you try things out. It's that transition period from college to the working world, which is a blurry line in itself. It's silly to think people become mature adults right after they graduate.
In your 20's the general thinking is you're supposed to date around, try out new jobs, travel, do things you can't do later in life. Essentially you're supposed to figure out just what the hell you want to do with your life, which is pretty scary in its own right.
The 20's are a blast in part because you don't have to feel bad about not knowing what you want in life. It's like the excuse people in college give " well it's college." You say "I'm in my 20's that is why I can still drink 12 Natty Lights and have late night 711 runs. You bar hop, date around, have money for the first time. You can live a pretty carefree life.
However, as fun as this all is, it is a scary time too. The unkown is frightening, and that is what the 20's are. In terms of your career, sure it's nice to think you can change jobs, but what about paying rent and your bar tab? Sure, it would be great to travel, but where is that money coming from? With the state of the economy, how can anyone afford to take that risk. Also, do you go to grad school, do you get certifications? How do you know if the job you are doing makes sense for your future?
For relationships, you wonder if it's the right girl, or are you too young for commitment. Or even for life in general. When are you too old to play beer pong all night and eat 711 Hot Dogs. Notice another 711 reference, I can't get away from that place.
The 20's are the most exciting and frightening time in a person's life. Sure, suburban family life may seem monotonous, but at least it's stable right? At least you have direction, experience, and an idea of what you want. In the end though, I say just enjoy the moment. I think too many people, me included, live according to societal standards. We overthink and overanalyze. Maybe it's better to just let things play out as they will.
All in all the 20's are a time in life you can never get back, so it's important to live them to the fullest. Whether that be changing jobs or changing relationships, do what makes you happiest and the rest will figure itself out.
Next blog: Things I don't understand about people
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The College Days(Part 2)
I was going to talk about my junior and senior years in college, but realized that would just be an extremely edited version of events anyway. That is the problem with trying to market this blog to a wide audience, I can't say everything I want to say. Anyway, I feel like I experienced everything there was to experience in my time at Umass. I met some of the best people around, and was able to really see how the real world lived for the first time. I encourage anyone who can afford it to live in another state for a few years, it really gives you a new perspective on life.
Like I said before, I always heard that college is the best 4 years of your life, and in a lot of ways it was. At the same time, I don't necessarily think it is the best, but rather the most unique. There are so many people you meet, and so many different experiences you have that you will probably never have again. It is the only time in life that you can have a 1 hour work day. Free time in college is immense. I wish I had started my blog then, I'd have so much more time to work on it.
What do I miss about college? I miss the freedom of not having to worry about what the hell I'm doing with my life. Sure, I worried about getting a job my senior year, but for most of the time I was in a 4 year safety net from the real world. I miss the house parties at college, and the $2 beers at the bars. Now, there is no such thing as a house party for the most part. You may pregame, but you always end up going out and paying $5 for a Bud Light. I miss going out with the Boys to cheap bars and all the stories that would come out of those nights. I miss the Patriots games at my apartment with Jim, the late night runs to Antonio's pizza, the legend of Wild Bill.
Most of the people that read this have already graduated from college. For those that haven't, make sure to live it up every chance you can and appreciate the moment. I remember driving to graduation listening to the song Learning To Fly by Tom Petty with two my best friends Jim and Steve. I realized at that moment that this was the end of an era. It was bittersweet but also exciting at the same time.
Thanks for reading everyone. Have a great week.
Like I said before, I always heard that college is the best 4 years of your life, and in a lot of ways it was. At the same time, I don't necessarily think it is the best, but rather the most unique. There are so many people you meet, and so many different experiences you have that you will probably never have again. It is the only time in life that you can have a 1 hour work day. Free time in college is immense. I wish I had started my blog then, I'd have so much more time to work on it.
What do I miss about college? I miss the freedom of not having to worry about what the hell I'm doing with my life. Sure, I worried about getting a job my senior year, but for most of the time I was in a 4 year safety net from the real world. I miss the house parties at college, and the $2 beers at the bars. Now, there is no such thing as a house party for the most part. You may pregame, but you always end up going out and paying $5 for a Bud Light. I miss going out with the Boys to cheap bars and all the stories that would come out of those nights. I miss the Patriots games at my apartment with Jim, the late night runs to Antonio's pizza, the legend of Wild Bill.
Most of the people that read this have already graduated from college. For those that haven't, make sure to live it up every chance you can and appreciate the moment. I remember driving to graduation listening to the song Learning To Fly by Tom Petty with two my best friends Jim and Steve. I realized at that moment that this was the end of an era. It was bittersweet but also exciting at the same time.
Thanks for reading everyone. Have a great week.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The College Days(Part 1)
With the beginning of fall I feel like it's an appropriate time to reflect on the college years. College was a great time, but during that last semester I was ready to move on. It's interesting to me how people miss it so much, almost not being able to accept it's over. The fact is it is like anything else in life, it has an ending.
Fun doesn't end after college, in fact in some ways it's more fun cause you have money. I don't buy the notion that you have to suddenly wake up and be responsible and stop drinking after college. You should take steps in cutting down, but you can't expect to wake up the day after graduation a new person. Life doesn't have to change unless you want it to. That is until you are married with kids, then that life is over for good.
It is true though that there is no other time in your life like college. I remember always hearing that it will never be the same, and now I realize that is true. It's not that it is bad, it's just different. You meet a ton of new people, hang out with them for four years. You keep in touch with some, but many you never see again. Kind of sad when you think about it.
College is a time like no other. It's the last time everyone is on the same playing field. It's a four year safety net from the real world. We're supposed to go to college for an education, but let's be honest, it's all about how we grow as a person. I remember when my parents left that late August day. I looked at the massive campus in front of me scared as hell, but excited too. Starting over is always tough, but especially when you are in a different state and don't know anyone. I think the moment your parents leave the dorm your adult life begins.
Each year of college took on a different theme for me. Freshman year was all about adjustment. Adjusting to living with a roommate, adjusting to doing my own laundry, basically adjusting to having the freedom to do as little or as much as I wanted. Sophomore year was the party year. Junior year saw my first serious relationship, senior year the year of the wing man.
Let's start at the beginning. Freshman year was awkward for me. I knew no one and had to adjust to living with a person in a small little dorm room. Thankfully my roommate was a really chill kid and also happened to have a girlfriend who lived a few floors down, so essentially I had my own room for most of the year. I'm a loner at heart, what can I say. That first year I took classes on insects and natural disasters. I met a 23 year old hippie named Nat, who to this day is one of the chillest guys I've ever met. He'd cook up food for me and a couple girls from upstairs and we'd watch Aqua Teen Hunger Force every night during that spring semester. I played ball at Boyden gym in the winter, and at the Southwest courts in the couple months it was nice out. I witnessed campus riots after Red Sox games where the true meaning of being an angry Boston Sports fan was put on display. I went to my share of frat parties which were in retrospect, a lot like the Guards in Georgetown; hot, crowded, and dirty. The only difference was the beer was cheaper. I also probably told the story of why I chose to come to Umass about a 1,000 times. For those of you who don't know, I wanted to get out of Virginia and I figured Amherst was a lot like Cape Cod. All Massachusetts people are laughing right now.
Sophomore year was probably my most "college year." Let's just say my floor liked to do their share of partying. The good thing is, for the most part we all got along and no one got seriously injured. I lucked out again with another great roommate in Taylor Buckoski. He was 6'8 so everyone would always ask him if he played basketball. I'm not the tallest guy anyway, but looked like a smurf next to him. I also met one of the most unforgettable people I've ever met that year in Erik Draugsveld, or "Draugs" as we called him. To this day he is probably the most unique person I've ever met, a true Viking at heart. He would go on these philosophical rants that may have been far fetched, but were interesting all the same. Meeting someone like Draugs is the reason I went to Umass. There is no way I would have met a guy like that in Northern Virginia. At the end of that year I would meet my first serious girlfriend(Shannon), my best friend for life(Jim), and the person that is most like me(Steve). Steve Perry, I would never have though I'd meet someone that loves 2pac,Phil Collins and basketball as much as me. A lot of people say they like 2pac and Phil but it only takes a few minutes to know they aren't true fans.
Sophomore year was a year I'll never forget. The Red Sox and Patriots won titles that year, and I was on campus to see the deciding game 7 win against the Yankees to cap off the greatest comeback in playoff history. I even delivered pizza for a month missing the entire Super Bowl, on my first day at work. In retrospect I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I will forever hold a soft spot for all delivery drivers. My car smelled of pizza for at least a year after that. Sophomore year was the year I broke out, the year that changed my life forever.
Well that is part 1. I've probably left out a ton but I'm sure I'll be back to this topic in the future. Look out for Part 2 later in the week. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Fun doesn't end after college, in fact in some ways it's more fun cause you have money. I don't buy the notion that you have to suddenly wake up and be responsible and stop drinking after college. You should take steps in cutting down, but you can't expect to wake up the day after graduation a new person. Life doesn't have to change unless you want it to. That is until you are married with kids, then that life is over for good.
It is true though that there is no other time in your life like college. I remember always hearing that it will never be the same, and now I realize that is true. It's not that it is bad, it's just different. You meet a ton of new people, hang out with them for four years. You keep in touch with some, but many you never see again. Kind of sad when you think about it.
College is a time like no other. It's the last time everyone is on the same playing field. It's a four year safety net from the real world. We're supposed to go to college for an education, but let's be honest, it's all about how we grow as a person. I remember when my parents left that late August day. I looked at the massive campus in front of me scared as hell, but excited too. Starting over is always tough, but especially when you are in a different state and don't know anyone. I think the moment your parents leave the dorm your adult life begins.
Each year of college took on a different theme for me. Freshman year was all about adjustment. Adjusting to living with a roommate, adjusting to doing my own laundry, basically adjusting to having the freedom to do as little or as much as I wanted. Sophomore year was the party year. Junior year saw my first serious relationship, senior year the year of the wing man.
Let's start at the beginning. Freshman year was awkward for me. I knew no one and had to adjust to living with a person in a small little dorm room. Thankfully my roommate was a really chill kid and also happened to have a girlfriend who lived a few floors down, so essentially I had my own room for most of the year. I'm a loner at heart, what can I say. That first year I took classes on insects and natural disasters. I met a 23 year old hippie named Nat, who to this day is one of the chillest guys I've ever met. He'd cook up food for me and a couple girls from upstairs and we'd watch Aqua Teen Hunger Force every night during that spring semester. I played ball at Boyden gym in the winter, and at the Southwest courts in the couple months it was nice out. I witnessed campus riots after Red Sox games where the true meaning of being an angry Boston Sports fan was put on display. I went to my share of frat parties which were in retrospect, a lot like the Guards in Georgetown; hot, crowded, and dirty. The only difference was the beer was cheaper. I also probably told the story of why I chose to come to Umass about a 1,000 times. For those of you who don't know, I wanted to get out of Virginia and I figured Amherst was a lot like Cape Cod. All Massachusetts people are laughing right now.
Sophomore year was probably my most "college year." Let's just say my floor liked to do their share of partying. The good thing is, for the most part we all got along and no one got seriously injured. I lucked out again with another great roommate in Taylor Buckoski. He was 6'8 so everyone would always ask him if he played basketball. I'm not the tallest guy anyway, but looked like a smurf next to him. I also met one of the most unforgettable people I've ever met that year in Erik Draugsveld, or "Draugs" as we called him. To this day he is probably the most unique person I've ever met, a true Viking at heart. He would go on these philosophical rants that may have been far fetched, but were interesting all the same. Meeting someone like Draugs is the reason I went to Umass. There is no way I would have met a guy like that in Northern Virginia. At the end of that year I would meet my first serious girlfriend(Shannon), my best friend for life(Jim), and the person that is most like me(Steve). Steve Perry, I would never have though I'd meet someone that loves 2pac,Phil Collins and basketball as much as me. A lot of people say they like 2pac and Phil but it only takes a few minutes to know they aren't true fans.
Sophomore year was a year I'll never forget. The Red Sox and Patriots won titles that year, and I was on campus to see the deciding game 7 win against the Yankees to cap off the greatest comeback in playoff history. I even delivered pizza for a month missing the entire Super Bowl, on my first day at work. In retrospect I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I will forever hold a soft spot for all delivery drivers. My car smelled of pizza for at least a year after that. Sophomore year was the year I broke out, the year that changed my life forever.
Well that is part 1. I've probably left out a ton but I'm sure I'll be back to this topic in the future. Look out for Part 2 later in the week. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Weddings
Last night I went to my friend Brian Crane's wedding at a beautiful wine vineyard in Leesburg. It was a surreal experience and an amazing time. If you've read some of my past blogs you probably can tell I have skepticism about marriage and commitment in general. But as I watched the emotion of both the bride and groom I realized how powerful marriage is. Think about it, you are committing yourself for eternity to another person. That is some really deep stuff and not to be taken lightly.
Wedding are such happy events. In fact, besides Obama's inauguration, I've never been to a place where there is such universal happiness everywhere. Weddings are crazy in that you have total strangers with all different political,religious, and cultural backgrounds coming together to celebrate. In any other setting these people would probably never hang out but for at least that night they are all dancing up a storm. Hell, even I dance at weddings and for those unfortunate souls that have seen my dance moves, you know that isn't a pretty sight. Everyone is drinking beer, dancing to sappy love songs, just generally catching that wedding fever. Special shout out to Pat Dean who made a great speech about Brian. That guy has a career in stand up ahead of him.
I've got awhile to go before I walk down the aisle but I sure hope at some point in my life I will be able to be that sure of something. You could tell that both of them were completely in love and that is something that all of us should be lucky enough to feel at some point in our lives. Happy Labor Day everyone. Blog about college is next.
Wedding are such happy events. In fact, besides Obama's inauguration, I've never been to a place where there is such universal happiness everywhere. Weddings are crazy in that you have total strangers with all different political,religious, and cultural backgrounds coming together to celebrate. In any other setting these people would probably never hang out but for at least that night they are all dancing up a storm. Hell, even I dance at weddings and for those unfortunate souls that have seen my dance moves, you know that isn't a pretty sight. Everyone is drinking beer, dancing to sappy love songs, just generally catching that wedding fever. Special shout out to Pat Dean who made a great speech about Brian. That guy has a career in stand up ahead of him.
I've got awhile to go before I walk down the aisle but I sure hope at some point in my life I will be able to be that sure of something. You could tell that both of them were completely in love and that is something that all of us should be lucky enough to feel at some point in our lives. Happy Labor Day everyone. Blog about college is next.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Best Friends
A couple weeks ago I saw the movie I Love You Man, and it got me thinking about the importance of having a best friend. Having a best friend or a couple close friends is one of the most important relationships a person can have. Relationships come and go, but that best friend or group of close friends is always there. I've always believed in quality over quantity in all aspects of life. Friendships is no exception. In my opinion, it's better to have 2 or 3 great friends than 10 acquaintances. Being best friends means you can be yourself with that person and have no filter. You feel comfortable saying anything or nothing at all.
For me, my best friend is Jim Gallant. I've only known him since college, but he is the only person, besides my Dad, that I could hang out with everyday and not get tired of. In fact, that is essentially what we did for the better part of my junior and senior years in college. Jim and I are extremely alike in that we are have simple tastes. We both are laid back, like drinking beer, and love Boston sports. We appreciate the little things, and are just as happy drinking a few cold ones at home, as we are raging at a party. Hell, he's the only guy I know that is lower maintenance than me.
In college we were the duo, almost inseparable from junior year on. He helped me through one of the hardest times of my life in the Summer of 06. He is a great listener, which I think is probably the most important quality in a friendship. Whether it be throwing the football around, ordering Wings for the Patriots games, or jamming out to the song "Roxanne" in the apartment before a night out at Charlie's, it was always a good time. We bring out the best in each other, which is essentially what friendship is all about. Jim's the best friend a guy could have, and he will always be my wing man for life.
I've been lucky enough to meet some great people in my life. I've always had high standards for friends because I just don't see the point in wasting time on people that frankly aren't chill. Here are a few notes about some of my other closest friends. If I've left you out I'm sorry.
Hayley Shelton: This girls knows everything about me, the good and the bad and still talks to me,haha. She is one of the only people that will call me out when I'm being an idiot. She challenges me to be a better person and sincerely cares about me more than anyone else besides my parents. She has made the biggest impact on my life besides my father.
Binns and Chambers: My lifelong childhood friends. I've known Binns since I was 2 years old. We went to preschool together, grew up playing sports, and I still talk to him even though he's a diehard Duke and Cowboys fan(unbelievable). I grew up with Chambers as well and he is to this day the most loyal person I know. This kid would take a bullet for me. He's saved my ass on multiple occasions. One of the most genuinely good people I've ever known.
Pogo: Along with Jim and Hayley no one knows more about me. Some of the best conversations I've had with anyone have been on the canoe trips on the Potomac with Pogo.
Caren Plummer: One of the best female friends I've ever had. Unfortunately I don't get to see her enough with her living in Arizona but we still talk and vent to each other about everything. Hoping she moves back here sometime soon.
Boston Crew: From top to bottom the most solid group of friends I've ever been around. Jim, Billy D, Mark, Doug, Tom, and Smilin Mike. Unfortunately we only met senior year in college, so we haven't had enough time to chill. Some of my best times have been with this crew. Special shout out to Billy D whose optimism and positive attitude is something we all should really learn from. That guy deserves the best in life and I know good things will happen for him.
These are some of the people that have shaped my life. A lot of times, people(especially guys) don't stop and appreciate friendships. It is truly one of the most under appreciated relationships in life. Everyone always talks about marriage, family, kids and those are all obviously important. But having close friends should be right there in the mix. A best friend will be there when your down to listen to the bullshit, and be by you to party it up during the good times. I'm so thankful to have met so many great people in my life and I look forward to all the new people I will meet in the future.
Thanks for reading everyone. If you enjoy the blog sign up to become a follower by simply clicking on Follow toward the middle of the page on the right. As always comments both negative and positive are appreciated. Have a great night!
For me, my best friend is Jim Gallant. I've only known him since college, but he is the only person, besides my Dad, that I could hang out with everyday and not get tired of. In fact, that is essentially what we did for the better part of my junior and senior years in college. Jim and I are extremely alike in that we are have simple tastes. We both are laid back, like drinking beer, and love Boston sports. We appreciate the little things, and are just as happy drinking a few cold ones at home, as we are raging at a party. Hell, he's the only guy I know that is lower maintenance than me.
In college we were the duo, almost inseparable from junior year on. He helped me through one of the hardest times of my life in the Summer of 06. He is a great listener, which I think is probably the most important quality in a friendship. Whether it be throwing the football around, ordering Wings for the Patriots games, or jamming out to the song "Roxanne" in the apartment before a night out at Charlie's, it was always a good time. We bring out the best in each other, which is essentially what friendship is all about. Jim's the best friend a guy could have, and he will always be my wing man for life.
I've been lucky enough to meet some great people in my life. I've always had high standards for friends because I just don't see the point in wasting time on people that frankly aren't chill. Here are a few notes about some of my other closest friends. If I've left you out I'm sorry.
Hayley Shelton: This girls knows everything about me, the good and the bad and still talks to me,haha. She is one of the only people that will call me out when I'm being an idiot. She challenges me to be a better person and sincerely cares about me more than anyone else besides my parents. She has made the biggest impact on my life besides my father.
Binns and Chambers: My lifelong childhood friends. I've known Binns since I was 2 years old. We went to preschool together, grew up playing sports, and I still talk to him even though he's a diehard Duke and Cowboys fan(unbelievable). I grew up with Chambers as well and he is to this day the most loyal person I know. This kid would take a bullet for me. He's saved my ass on multiple occasions. One of the most genuinely good people I've ever known.
Pogo: Along with Jim and Hayley no one knows more about me. Some of the best conversations I've had with anyone have been on the canoe trips on the Potomac with Pogo.
Caren Plummer: One of the best female friends I've ever had. Unfortunately I don't get to see her enough with her living in Arizona but we still talk and vent to each other about everything. Hoping she moves back here sometime soon.
Boston Crew: From top to bottom the most solid group of friends I've ever been around. Jim, Billy D, Mark, Doug, Tom, and Smilin Mike. Unfortunately we only met senior year in college, so we haven't had enough time to chill. Some of my best times have been with this crew. Special shout out to Billy D whose optimism and positive attitude is something we all should really learn from. That guy deserves the best in life and I know good things will happen for him.
These are some of the people that have shaped my life. A lot of times, people(especially guys) don't stop and appreciate friendships. It is truly one of the most under appreciated relationships in life. Everyone always talks about marriage, family, kids and those are all obviously important. But having close friends should be right there in the mix. A best friend will be there when your down to listen to the bullshit, and be by you to party it up during the good times. I'm so thankful to have met so many great people in my life and I look forward to all the new people I will meet in the future.
Thanks for reading everyone. If you enjoy the blog sign up to become a follower by simply clicking on Follow toward the middle of the page on the right. As always comments both negative and positive are appreciated. Have a great night!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Love and Happiness
I have been a hopeless romantic most of my life. I've always believed that finding love was the most important part of life. However, I've come to realize, that this is simply not true. Sure, love feels great, and anyone who has found a person that they connect with on that level and love unconditionally is very lucky. However, it's most important to be happy with yourself and independent. It's cliche, but it is really is true that you have to be happy with yourself before you can make someone else happy.
One of the hardest things to do in life is to let someone you love go. I've had to do it and it isn't easy. It's hard to let someone go who you've been close to for so long and who has been there during so many of your best moments. I think a lot of times that's why people stay together or get back together. We all want to believe that those best times can come back and that the fighting will stop. That the doubt will eventually go away. We all want to be loved, but the reality is sometimes it takes breaking things off to put things in perspective. In retrospect you realize how unhealthy the situation was. Sometimes, the most unselfish act is letting someone go.
Everyone deserves to beloved unconditionally. If you can't give a person that, then what is the point of staying together, especially when you are young. I don't believe in love at first sight, but I do believe when you meet the right person you will know. Maybe not right away, but pretty soon. I think there is definitely a difference between loving someone and being in love with someone.
I've realized that I don't need to be with someone to be happy cause I relish my independence. I feel like people rush into relationships because they see everyone else doing it. What is the rush? Have fun and when that love does come around you will know, at least that is what I'd like to believe. Sometimes the way you show you love a person is letting them go. Letting them have the chance to meet not necessarily someone better, but better for them.
I wrote this entry because like most of my blogs, I have gone through a situation like this recently. I was lucky enough to spend a long time with an amazing girl, but I realized I'm not mature enough for a serious commitment in my life at this point. Like anything else timing is everything. Would it be different in 5 years, who knows. All I know is I'm confident that we will both be happier because of it.
Thanks for reading everyone. I'm going to Boston Thursday to visit the only group of friends without a weak link I've ever heard of. The guys are truly great and all bring something unique to the table. Until next time.
Next Blog: Looking back on the college days
One of the hardest things to do in life is to let someone you love go. I've had to do it and it isn't easy. It's hard to let someone go who you've been close to for so long and who has been there during so many of your best moments. I think a lot of times that's why people stay together or get back together. We all want to believe that those best times can come back and that the fighting will stop. That the doubt will eventually go away. We all want to be loved, but the reality is sometimes it takes breaking things off to put things in perspective. In retrospect you realize how unhealthy the situation was. Sometimes, the most unselfish act is letting someone go.
Everyone deserves to beloved unconditionally. If you can't give a person that, then what is the point of staying together, especially when you are young. I don't believe in love at first sight, but I do believe when you meet the right person you will know. Maybe not right away, but pretty soon. I think there is definitely a difference between loving someone and being in love with someone.
I've realized that I don't need to be with someone to be happy cause I relish my independence. I feel like people rush into relationships because they see everyone else doing it. What is the rush? Have fun and when that love does come around you will know, at least that is what I'd like to believe. Sometimes the way you show you love a person is letting them go. Letting them have the chance to meet not necessarily someone better, but better for them.
I wrote this entry because like most of my blogs, I have gone through a situation like this recently. I was lucky enough to spend a long time with an amazing girl, but I realized I'm not mature enough for a serious commitment in my life at this point. Like anything else timing is everything. Would it be different in 5 years, who knows. All I know is I'm confident that we will both be happier because of it.
Thanks for reading everyone. I'm going to Boston Thursday to visit the only group of friends without a weak link I've ever heard of. The guys are truly great and all bring something unique to the table. Until next time.
Next Blog: Looking back on the college days
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Work vs.College
I've been out of school for two years now and working in "Corporate America." Upon leaving my alma mater Umass-Amherst I wondered if I would miss it. I had heard about the monotony of everyday work life and had taken everything from my favorite movie Office Space to heart. The idea of spending 80% of your waking hours for the next 40 years of life in a small office is pretty scary. What I've realized after all this time is that their are good and bad qualities about work and school.Ultimately though, I'm as happy now as I've ever been. I've realized that I am more antiquated toward the 9-5 lifestyle then the college life.
Don't get me wrong though, college was awesome. You are in a place with all people the same age, and it is the really the only time in life that you are essentially equal to everyone else. No one has any money, so people are on a level playing field. At a big school like Umass it is a virtual guarantee you will meet at least a few people you can get along with and hang out with. It is the safety net of life. One last time in life to use the excuse "well I'm in college."
Everything is all in one spot on a college campus. You usually have food provided, you have gym access that is usually free of charge, and generally always have enough people to play. You have libraries with computers, places to study, groups to join. All within a couple mile radius. There is so much freedom, and depending on your major, little responsibility if you have even decent time management.
The negatives of college and school in general were homework and the ridiculousness of course requirements. In fact, this goes for all levels of schooling. Most of the knowledge I've used in the working world I learned in elementary school. Why do I need to take a class in Ancient Chinese History. It all depends on your major I guess. If you are trying to be a doctor or engineer it is one thing, but it is hard to concentrate and write papers on things that you know are utterly useless to you in the real world. By the end of college I don't think I could've written another paper. You learn the art of BSing starting in high school, and those that are best at that I am convinced are most successful in college, especially on papers. Hell, they are probably the best in the working world too. For me, I've always needed to do everything for a reason. In high school you tried for good grades to get into a good college. In college, sure it looks good to have a good GPA on your resume, but it really doesn't matter that much. It really all depends on who you know.
The 9-5 really suits me for several reasons. First off, my brain shuts off after about 6:00pm , so I do my best work in the morning. I did homework at night in college maybe 2 or 3 times. I'm telling you I'm a freaking weirdo. I'm an old man, 24 going on 64. Also, I'm extremely routinized. In college I had no real set schedule to follow so I made up my own. I would go to class, do my homework, hit the gym, go home, and play basketball at night. Basically everyday the same thing and you know what it worked for me. I'm the most predictable man on the planet. Sure, work is monotonous at times, but overall I like and am pretty good at what I do. I work with some great people and my manager is great and let's me work at my own pace. In saying that, everything that is stereotyped about corporate America is true, and probably even more extreme. But I will get into that on another blog.
To be honest though, the debate to what is better all comes down to cabbage. By cabbage I mean money. I had pretty much no money in college. I frequently had to choose between having dinner and buying 2 40 ounce Busch Light Beers. If my car broke down, sure my parents would help out, but I couldn't afford it myself. When you don't have money you don't have freedom. I'm not saying I have a lot of money now by any means, but I don't have to worry about buying a slice of pizza anymore. Working for money is a lot easier than working to graduate because it is a short term goal. In college, you did a paper and there was always 50 papers afterward with nothing concrete to show for it till graduation. At work at least you know your getting paid for being there.
Don't get me wrong though, college was awesome. You are in a place with all people the same age, and it is the really the only time in life that you are essentially equal to everyone else. No one has any money, so people are on a level playing field. At a big school like Umass it is a virtual guarantee you will meet at least a few people you can get along with and hang out with. It is the safety net of life. One last time in life to use the excuse "well I'm in college."
Everything is all in one spot on a college campus. You usually have food provided, you have gym access that is usually free of charge, and generally always have enough people to play. You have libraries with computers, places to study, groups to join. All within a couple mile radius. There is so much freedom, and depending on your major, little responsibility if you have even decent time management.
The negatives of college and school in general were homework and the ridiculousness of course requirements. In fact, this goes for all levels of schooling. Most of the knowledge I've used in the working world I learned in elementary school. Why do I need to take a class in Ancient Chinese History. It all depends on your major I guess. If you are trying to be a doctor or engineer it is one thing, but it is hard to concentrate and write papers on things that you know are utterly useless to you in the real world. By the end of college I don't think I could've written another paper. You learn the art of BSing starting in high school, and those that are best at that I am convinced are most successful in college, especially on papers. Hell, they are probably the best in the working world too. For me, I've always needed to do everything for a reason. In high school you tried for good grades to get into a good college. In college, sure it looks good to have a good GPA on your resume, but it really doesn't matter that much. It really all depends on who you know.
The 9-5 really suits me for several reasons. First off, my brain shuts off after about 6:00pm , so I do my best work in the morning. I did homework at night in college maybe 2 or 3 times. I'm telling you I'm a freaking weirdo. I'm an old man, 24 going on 64. Also, I'm extremely routinized. In college I had no real set schedule to follow so I made up my own. I would go to class, do my homework, hit the gym, go home, and play basketball at night. Basically everyday the same thing and you know what it worked for me. I'm the most predictable man on the planet. Sure, work is monotonous at times, but overall I like and am pretty good at what I do. I work with some great people and my manager is great and let's me work at my own pace. In saying that, everything that is stereotyped about corporate America is true, and probably even more extreme. But I will get into that on another blog.
To be honest though, the debate to what is better all comes down to cabbage. By cabbage I mean money. I had pretty much no money in college. I frequently had to choose between having dinner and buying 2 40 ounce Busch Light Beers. If my car broke down, sure my parents would help out, but I couldn't afford it myself. When you don't have money you don't have freedom. I'm not saying I have a lot of money now by any means, but I don't have to worry about buying a slice of pizza anymore. Working for money is a lot easier than working to graduate because it is a short term goal. In college, you did a paper and there was always 50 papers afterward with nothing concrete to show for it till graduation. At work at least you know your getting paid for being there.
Plus, weekends are amazing. No homework on Sunday's to distract you from football. On Friday afternoon you know you have two days to do whatever you want. Nothing like waking up on a Sunday morning, eating some waffles, and kicking back with a few friends, some wings, and some beer and watching football. Especially when you are a Patriots fan.
The work vs. college debate is a good one. I would venture to say that most people my age probably still miss college but I definitely don't. I miss the people Jim, Billy D, Mark, Steve, and all the others who were and will always be some of my closest friends, but I don't miss college as an institution. The fact is you have to move on in life and in the big scheme of things college is just a small blip. That is the scariest thing about work, it is practically never ending, but at least your getting paid along the way.
Sorry for the long blog but I figure I hadn't written for 2 weeks so why not. I'd be interested to hear your opinions on what you like better. Back to work!
The work vs. college debate is a good one. I would venture to say that most people my age probably still miss college but I definitely don't. I miss the people Jim, Billy D, Mark, Steve, and all the others who were and will always be some of my closest friends, but I don't miss college as an institution. The fact is you have to move on in life and in the big scheme of things college is just a small blip. That is the scariest thing about work, it is practically never ending, but at least your getting paid along the way.
Sorry for the long blog but I figure I hadn't written for 2 weeks so why not. I'd be interested to hear your opinions on what you like better. Back to work!
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