With the beginning of a new president, we all start to reflect on life and what is to come. My question is: What is the one thing you wish you could have done over and what is the one thing you are going to do now?

I, myself, should have gone to college to make a better life for myself and thus not have to work so hard to make a living. This year though, I intend to start doing more for myself and my wife and let the children spread their wings. Heck they are 22 and 20 respectively so I think it is about time!

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Permalink Reply by SassySweetBren on January 20, 2009 at 11:12am

Yes my dear, it is time for you and your wife to let go to allow your daughters to live their own lives.

I have been sitting here all morning while watching the events in Washington thinking; what can I do to make a difference in our great nation?

We all need to take time out of our lives to make a difference in the lives of others who have less than us.

Giving is one of the greatest joys in life.

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Permalink Reply by Spiderich on January 20, 2009 at 5:02pm

One is a boy and the other a girl Bren, but you would not know that. :) I do agree with you about looking out for those that are suffering due to this economy. I have done my fair share and will continue to do so for money has never been my primary motivation in life.

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Permalink Reply by I am EJ on January 20, 2009 at 11:16am

I wish I would have went to college 2 years ago instead of trying now to get into school.
But money is tight.

Hopefully I can get into school soon.

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Permalink Reply by Spiderich on January 20, 2009 at 5:04pm

Now is actually a great time if you can stomach the loans. There are not many jobs so great time to be in school and when you graduate hopefully the economy will be on the mend. I am hoping my daughter graduating in May is not a recipe for disaster but we will cope all the same.

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Permalink Reply by The 64-bit geek on January 20, 2009 at 11:27am

I would have studied some more at school.
But I was very tired at school back in the days and wanted to make some money.
Now I have to suffer for that mistake.
I normally work in the electronics business but I can´t even get a job as a "cleaner" today.
You know, the people that cleans floors, toilets and stuff.
In Sweden you basicly have to have a masters degree to clean toilets today. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Errol on January 20, 2009 at 11:37am

Well, I'm not one to have very many regrets... so I don't really have anything I wish to do over.

Now what am I going to do? I dunno, beat my kids more?

:D

That's a joke.

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Permalink Reply by Spiderich on January 20, 2009 at 5:05pm

lol Those days are over for me. Now I just have to beat them to the car. :)

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Permalink Reply by Greg De Santis on January 20, 2009 at 4:56pm

At the crossroads of my life in the early 1980's I had the choice of going to either the medical field or technology field. - I chose the technology field - I chose wrong. Now all I have is a life full of regrets and "what if's" with an uncertain and shaky future. The only jobs advertised in my are all medical related and no technology jobs in site. I feel I am really good at what I do (I've had 22 years of practice), but when there is no demand for Information Technology jobs, then it doesn't matter how experienced or talented you are. At least being medical I could earn a "wage of cost of living" salary instead of being an unemployed contractor. At my age, how can I have my own family and own my own house when I cannot even pay my bills. I am sick and tired on working on perspective projects for 12 to 15 hours a day for however long it takes, just not to get paid. Yes, I want a "do over".

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Permalink Reply by Spiderich on January 20, 2009 at 5:13pm

Greg I hope that all does work out for you. Like they say, it is easy to have 20/20 vision when we look back at the past. You thought you chose correctly but perhaps there is a different area of IT that you can venture into. I do not have the answers but I would hope that like myself you just keep plugging along. I am working and quite a bit actually but it is back breaking and long hours but I am still thankful for at least having a job and my heart goes out to all who are now struggling because of this economy. I wish you the best good sir and hope that in the end it does work out for the best. Keep me posted and I mean that! We really are all in this together.

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Permalink Reply by Greg De Santis on January 21, 2009 at 2:20am

Thank you for your kind words. I am a resume distribution machine and I carry a stack of business cards where ever I go. I was a Submarine Sonar Tech, Novell Netware Admin, SCO Unix server / workstation / software helpdesk Tech, District Windows Server Admin, District Network Engineer for a school system, Network Communications (wired / wireless) Tech, Computer Installation / Repair Tech, PC Builder / PC Installer. The only thing that I have not done yet is programming, but that would mean to go back to school - which is not possible right now. If it was not for me being a primary care giver to a family member that gave me a room, then I would just be another homeless, unemployed veteran with a college education (That is my biggest concern). And because of this I cannot relocate or be more than 30 minutes away from home. I have been out of work for 1 year and 3 months and counting, so it looks like no more wearing a three piece suite and tie for a while. I have been running on empty since April 2008 when what I had ran out. I am a workaholic that just want to work, I just want to regain the ability to buy food, gas and pay my bills - instead of relying on charity, no matter how grateful I am. It stinks when the ratio of health care jobs vs. tech jobs is literally 100 to 0. I want to use my talents, knowledge and that college education for use to an employer that needs it, but I just end up giving it away for free because friends and family expect it - it's a weird catch 22.
My situation sounds worse that what it is, but it is not good and it is my situation and I am surviving, my equipment is working and my tools are at the ready. Thanks again for your kind works and I will keep you posted.

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Permalink Reply by Spiderich on January 21, 2009 at 3:40am

It is a sad state in this country when a vet is out of work no matter the reason. Obviously you do want to work and that in itself is a huge asset. The fact that you are looking after another family member is also honorable and I, for one, know the value of doing the right thing. The health care industry has taken huge strides forward with the baby boomers beginning to age and retire. Perhaps there is someway to make that work in your favor. IT has to have a place in hospitals and medical offices and maybe just printing up a flyer to hand out at such might give you a lead. Again I don't have the answers and know that it is extremely difficult out there right now and in some areas employment is just about nil. Heck I have a 20 year old son who can not find a job at all and he has no skills whatsoever. But I am optimistic about the future with our new President and hoping that he can turn things around and make this a great country once more. As far as your situation, like I said, see if there is some way to combine the two paths so that it works in your favor. Again easier said than done, but if nothing more something tells me you are a resourceful person. As I said keep me posted and try and keep positive. Toughest thing to do right now but heck you lived in a submarine for god's sake and that must have been really tough. :)