The "Are you Happy"? question is great. I would say that it is true on average for me. I came into this career around 2010 and by the time I was on my own, it feels like this career is in a declining orbit. I have a degree in Civil Engineering and thought I could tie that knowledge together with my tenacity to create a growing business that I could expand from. Fee competition and government contract cancellation has led to a frustration that this is a career for the scrappy and stubborn. Two things that are true about me. Expansion and growth are difficult in an industry that isn't in a growth phase. I thought I could be patient and outlive my competition but I'm realizing that I may be forced to compete with a few newbies into my late 70's. I've picked careers that haven't kept up with the cost of living, percentage wise, and I had hoped I could have done better for my kids. That said, I'm thankful for this group and the experience you've shared. I think my take aways in life are that comparison is the thief of joy but that can also extend into hope and expectation especially. I'm turning 50 this year and I had a period of my life where I set 5-year goals. I missed enough goals to realize how little control of my life I have. I think if you can focus on working hard and being a good person, keep your head high because the world will be a better place with you in it.
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