Now that I’m a father I’ve become way more strict with my time. Not only with work time but with free time. I have fully paid for my house in a record time. Even with a 15 year mortgage we managed to become debt free in just under 5 years. As a family we have managed to put some additional income aside in order to invest in additional technology ventures. I do not work on those ventures, I advise and guide teams from afar.
I have managed to develop the habit of exercising 3 to 4 times a week. Sometimes I miss one or two days but I don’t stress about it since the habit is there and I know I will pick it up without issues next week. This is an example I want to set for my kids. Cardiovascular conditions run in my family so a lifestyle of good nutrition and exercise is a must. I know my parents tried their best but healthy living was not top priority for them. They were brought up in scarcity so financial security was their goal, which they achieved. The situation with my family which was not at its best has finally been resolved. We have put our differences aside and are getting together more often.
As ambitious as I sound, money and work are not everything. I try to give back to my country, helping people that need it the most without getting involved in any type government, which is an awful play. This becomes a habit that I pass to my children. They will learn to share the joy of helping those in need.
I decide that before any other big move. I want to take a long trip with my wife, a retreat to meditate and to recharge.
My last job is my trump card when applying for new jobs. We did great things there. I was a big part of it but I recognize I was lucky to work with such a talented team. Now I pick where I want to work and all these companies are fighting over me. I love the startup life so I will pick the smallest, the funnest, and the one with the purpose closest to my heart.
When I think how I feel about it all, I know that all the hard work has paid off. That my parents’ sacrifices were not in vain. That I know better to stress about stupid stuff. That achieving great stuff is sweeter if you have fun, you do it right and you share it with your loved ones.
