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Saturday June 12, 2004

If I could go back and do it again.

Recently I was having a conversation with my brother-in-law who is the Principal at one of the schools here in Palo Alto, about what you would do differently if you could go back and do it again.

Well for me there are lots of little things, but really only two big ones:

I'd go to university and get a degree. Not only for the life enhancing experience but because I meet so many people (especially here in the U.S.) that don't seem to realize that almost 30 years of profession experience in the computer industry and a good work attitude can mean so much more that a piece of paper from some Random University. It's a pity but it's true.
I would have married and had kids 10-15 years earlier. Not only for the sheer pleasure of being (hopefully) in a good marriage and the fun of watching your child grow and experience life, but because even though I'm at the appropriate fitness level for my age, an hour of playing ball with my son (who's not quite 6) can wear me out. I'm dreading this sort of thing when he's in his teens. Hopefully he'll rely on friends his own age.

I'm curious what things others would go back and change...

[Technorati Tag: thoughts]

( Jun 12 2004, 10:08:25 AM PDT ) [Listen] Permalink Comments [3]

Comments:

You may have enjoyed the course more back then too. The tuition was free and I got a grant to cover most of my living expenses. Most of the folks on my course were basically doing their hobby (like me) Once you got past the 1st year maths it was fun all the way. Just programming and hacking. Final year project just write a large program!

Posted by Calvin Austin on June 12, 2004 at 06:50 PM PDT #

About having kids early or late. I am like you, had the kids later. The youngest will graduate from college when I'm in my early retirement. However, in my 20's and early 30's when others were suffering through the challenges of raising a family I was travelling the world. I believe both being a young or an older parent has advantages - you pay the price and reap the rewards early or later. What I can't understand are those guys who reach late 50's or early 60's and become dads all over again! Seems to affect aging movie stars with trophy wives.

Posted by Ian on June 13, 2004 at 10:53 AM PDT #

Here is a poem that relates to the topic of the post. Apologies to those who do not understand spanish. http://www.dlh.lahora.com.ec/paginas/poesia/paginas/poesia379.htm

Posted by Arieh Markel on June 15, 2004 at 09:01 AM PDT #