How did I get here?

Posted by castille on September 23, 2007 7:45 am

I used to think of myself as a pretty smart guy. Reflecting back a few years, I've come to realize that's not the case. At least not in the personal aspect. I've made good profits for my employers, but I haven't always been in the right job. At 49 I really don't have a sufficient nest egg to get me through, and certainly not one that's going to help me much in retirement. I suppose it's a good thing that I'll look forward to another 20 plus years of employment. How did I get here? Why didn't I pay more attention? Where did that "pretty smart guy" go?

I'm unemployed and feel like I'm in the fight of my life. I spent many years in an industry that I really was never suited for. I compensated my faults with my strengths, but in the end, I've just job hopped, left a few, and got fired a few times. The tenure aspect of my resume isn't pretty, and right now it seems like it must put up red flags for future employers.

The savings I've attained will soon start going to just support the monthly bills. And there's no "fall back" place like parents to go to, or an inheritance somewhere down the line. (That's a tough thought in of itself, but one I'm sure sometimes gets considered.)

The question for now is, "how do I start getting smarter"?

My next choices better be be good. The right job. One I can survive in, that fits my personality and capabilities. Get some better savings plans going. Maybe a period of really tightening the belt. I'm obviously at a crossroads. I better make it work, because this intersection of life feels like it's either going to keep me afloat or make me sink.

Tags: retirement,employment,finances

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