How do you all feel about this year, objectively?
For me, professionally, it was an absolute nightmare. Shit clients, shit juniors, far too many all nighters and blown up weekends. Definitely has me questioning my longevity and looking at other career paths.
Personally, not that bad, got settled into the new house, kid is doing great, wife is happy, elected treasurer of a foundation. Still out of shape and don't see friends as much as I'd like, but those can be fixed.
Interested to see what you all think of your year.
not the worst year, tried to start a company (failed), did some cool stuff with my music project that I started in June, been working in a warehouse lately trying to figure out what I want to do next, could be worse I guess lol.
Your grammar could be worse. But with the joking aside, staying up on your finance/accounting skills despite working working in that warehouse?
Random tangent, but I'm guessing you have a college degree? If so, what about becoming an Air Force officer or Coast Guard officer for the time being? Good way to pay for pilot training which would then get you into an even wilder world of opportunities. Anything from bush pilot / RFD / or all the way up to PIC for AA or Delta. Or going into intelligence which could grow into some TLA masqeurade or elsewhere to FAANG. Hell, getting commissioned could also get you the opp for a JD to then go on to become GC for an F500 company.
yes I have a finance degree. I have no interest in becoming any kind of military officer or pilot. I'm not sure that I want to do another finance job, I did not like my last finance job very much. the warehouse job is only temporary so I need to figure out what I want to do once the job is over in a month or so, I worked 55 hours last week in the warehouse and it wasn't that bad, the main problems with working in a warehouse is that there is no upward mobility or development of a real skill even though the pay is pretty decent for the time being.
Pretty good year in a lot of ways but nowhere near where I know my ultimate potential is. Guess I'd give it a soft 7/10, I know next yr can be at least an 8 but shooting for 9+
Pretty meh overall. I graduated in May from college and moved to a new city for an analyst job. About 5 months in and feel overwhelmed on some things but I’m happy to have a great team who are all supportive. On a personal side not as great- i barely know anyone in the new city ive moved to which sucks and not something im really used to. Just joined a rec sports league and exploring the dating scene so hopefully things turn around for 2023
No idea how I’d rate it but can provide some analysis pertaining to what I did/did not accomplish.
Accomplishments below:
First time living by myself.
Sent my parents on a nice vacation.
New job that is flexible on in-office, and my boss has told me numerous times I’m doing well.
Got in better shape but this past month has been rough.
Have reached a level of financial stability where I feel comfortable spending $100k+ on a car and not feeling irresponsible, but am still being frugal and keeping my budget $80k.
Family has come to me for advice ranging from financial decisions to college decisions, which makes me feel good knowing they value my judgement.
Failures:
Did not reach the physical goals I wanted. If you saw me in public, you’d say “he works out”, but I want to be sub 10% body fat moving a lot of weight in the gym.
Still single - not that I had the goal of getting a gf, but my actions definitely did lot lead towards a relationship. Hooked up with a lot of strangers and did the whole emotional catch and release.
Drank a bit too much a few times and threw up - I just feel I’m too old to be acting like this.
Ask anyone who knows me and they’d say I’m killing it, but I have high expectations for myself. The issue is I never follow through on achieving my goals and feel like a fraud because I am (too an extent). Maybe a 6/10 for the year. Could be better, but could be much worse. Think the saying “complacency is the enemy” applies here. I’m comfortable and need to make my life uncomfortable which I don’t want to do because I’m a pussy.
curious, how old are you? asking because you mentioned first time living alone and sub 10% body fat. i've seen some of your posts in the pasts so thought you were maybe like early 30s or something. fully aware it sounds like a judgy question. for the record: mid 30s here and sub 10% would be real tough. dream died in my 20s haha
it's not impossible, I'm in my mid 30's and have been sub 10% at least a decade. I will say I'm mixed (black & white) and I believe genetics really helps but what also helped me (I believe) was the following
the keys for me were playing with my diet and realizing that if my real goal was looking my best and being in shape for surfing, this meant I would no longer be able to hit my college maxes in big lifts, so I had to check my ego. everyone's body is different, it's very possible that you could shadow me for 2 years and not get below 10% body fat because of genetic differences, so tinker. use myfitnesspal, try different shit for 6mos and then if it's not trending appropriately, pivot.
my year? my year was fine, hit my goals at work, got better at surfing and languages, got a dog, got some passport stamps, hoping to do it all again next year. only shoulda coulda woulda is reading more, I hit my goal of 1 book a month but was hoping for more. more important than judging the current year is pulling on threads of what worked well/poor and why it went that way? I then try to break it down into daily/weekly actions that get me closer to my goals and create systems to allow the space for that.
hope everybody continues to crush it into 2023 and beyond
Early to mid 20’s
As thebrofessor stated, being in your 30s and being sub-10% body fat is very much possible. I'm 32 and sitting around 6% body fat and have been very lean for at least the past 4 years.
I do a lot of cardio, predominantly swimming which is an incredible fat burner. I also spend the winter months taking dips in a pool with sub-50 degree water and sleep in a very cold room for most of the year.
Diet is meticulously managed which is very important. No refined carbs and zero sugar aside from what I get from fruit. Lots of fats believe it or not but predominantly omega fatty acids from seafood, nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, coconut, etc.
I'm very happy with 2022.
Why?
I have done an excellent job of taking care of my family - they are very happy with me. Also, I got a new job this year in my desired industry that gives me the flexibility to work when I want and also in my desired location.
Also, I'm really close to my parents and they are 84 (mom) and 86 (dad). I'm happy they are still alive and relatively well. I'm not ready to lose them yet.
Incredible year for me!
For a long time my quest for a front office brought me nowhere and I had a tough time getting internships, but I took a big risk after my graduation and it worked out. I feel so relieved that all my hard work finally paid off.
I started as an analyst at a great place and everything has been great: great culture, the work we do is interesting and impactful, I’m learning a ton, I’m getting paid much more than what I planned on and I’m working with really fun people. I have now move out of my parents place and started to live with my girlfriend, which is great.
Not too shabby. Would give it 7.5/10. Got my dream IB offer, am in my best shape and appearance ever. Family and friends are doing great, which is something I truly am grateful about. The only regrets are that I'm not getting any actions with girls and taking too many hard classes. Hopefully things would turn around in 2023 as I have more free time
Left my first job in March on a leap of faith for a job I wasn't sure I could do, eventually achieved my goal of making six figures by doing so. Family is healthy, hanging in there. Met a good woman, new relationship but we’ll see where it goes.
Been thinking a lot about my next career steps. Tech is great but the upside is limited. I don't want to look back and feel like all I did with my life was collect a paycheck. But I'm a bit lost on what I should do next. Only 24, so I have some time. But I know I can't just wait around for something to happen to me
Gotta say, these replies make me pretty happy. I'm glad everyone is doing pretty well.
I know it sounds stupid because I don't know any of you, but I'm pleased everyone is generally feeling good about the past year.
Bought a condo, had a kid, and moved my family to Miami from NYC. Lots of milestones to feel good about.
IMO next few years will be very tough with a long recession, so this year was a good year to set yourself up to weather the coming storm...i.e. having a game plan on how to either tread above water or leap out ahead of others during trying times.
congrats on the kid! couple questions
Been alright, 6/10 or so. Settled into my first job, just hit officially a year in. Passed several licensing exams, have gotten better at the day-to-day operations. Living on my own and gotten used to that too. But, still underpaid. Been looking for a new role but that has been slow and has gotten slower given macroeconomy and time of year.
Still trying to stay as optimistic as possible about my current position but it’s a bit difficult. Well underpaid, not even given clarity about whether or not to expect a bonus.
2022 was solid. Did well at my job, failed (then passed) CFA level 2, had a casual gf thing for ~6 months, read a lot, wrote a good amount of personal philosophy.
Also started running, maintained most of my strength, and have been going to the driving range and playing squash on weekends.
2023 goals: meditate more. New job. Pass L3. Get GOOD at running while maintaining strength. Some golf/squash. Some reading. Get into a serious relationship.
Should be doable
I did not like this year at all tbh, pretty much nothing went my way.
happy to help you think through it pierogi, you're good people. my inbox is always open for anyone needing help. bad years happen, I've had many of 'em, keep your chin up bro
thank you, I very much appreciate it. Your advice is always great, whether it's addressed to me or anyone else.
Awful year for me. Tried to kill myself but unfortunately it didn't work. Wish I never found this website.
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad year, I am not a physician but if you need to vent, I will listen, my inbox is open
https://988lifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-8255
Excellent year. Thanks to Elizabeth Holmes and SBF for teaching me what not to do!
No clue to be honest. Worked my ass off in school and networking to get a FT offer postgrad. 400 Applications > 30 interviews > 4 super days >1 FT offer. I probably would have had better results in hindsight if I chose a more target school, but I got a fairly strong offer so I cant complain too much. I'd like to get my ER certifications (ASAP) and CFA by the end of next year. Solid 7/10.
Nah this was the worst year of my life, literally everything in my life went wrong. Don't even want to get into it, far too much to type.
Really interesting year. Company had a tough year due to the beating the REITs took in the markets, also one of our CMBS investments had its first default on the underlying, and one of our big tenants blew out of their lease. Plus a big JV we were hoping to close coming out of 2021 fell apart during the April jitters. Personally-professionally, had a great year because I did the workouts on the CMBS and the insolvent tenant. Played a big role in the failed JV, but not expecting any credit on that when bonuses roll in next year.
Sometimes bad news can be good news for some people, definitely hoping next year is good news again though.
Great year overall.
Ups:
-Started as an IB Associate 1 in a group with a great culture. Hours have been very manageable, so able to see my wife and son a lot.
-Wife able to leave her job and be a full-time mom, which is what she has always wanted.
-Graduated with my MBA (first in my immediate and extended family).
-Watching my son grow is the most fulfilling thing I've ever experienced.
Downs:
-Lost one of my grandmas and gave the eulogy at her funeral. I'm glad I did it, but that was very hard. I've lived 10 minutes from her for most of my life.
-Watching my other grandma, who I am also very close with, deteriorate rapidly is hard to witness.
-Worst shape of my life (still <15% body fat, but that's more fasting/portion control/genes). Started feeling the itch to lift again, but not enough to actually make it happen. I'd rather just hang with my son.
A lot to be thankful for.
Decent year
Upside: I find my job interesting and like it better than my last job, with more upside and opportunities in the company beyond my current role. Annual review is this week, but I have already gotten feedback the past month or so that I’m doing good.
Downsides:
In sum, had a decent year professionally, and there is ample opportunity to change things in my control so it’s just about execution right now.
Solid year overall
Just got admitted to the LBS MFA program for 2023 which already makes the year great and marks the end of a lot of hard work to get here. I'm also finishing my university degree next week with top grades and I am moving to a different country in January to join full time the VC fund where I have been working for the past year and a half as a remote intern (which is a big deal for me, as I live in a latin american country known for instability and horrible macro conditions).
There were some downsides like spending too much time studying and working and not having enough time to have a social life, but I think it was worth it.
Overall, good year with a lot of hard work and effort that ultimately paid off. I expect 2023 to be the year I start collecting the fruits of the work I did during the last few years.
Hope everyone had a good year too.
So, reflecting back this year...this year has been a very challenging year. I am glad I am able to finish off strong then I was at the beginning of the year.
Pros:
Better situation financially.
Restarted school, realized a few things I hate/love about online learning (I prefer on-campus).
Received a lot of guidance and mentorship from WSO and from professionals (VPs, MDs, and other executives from various companies).
Started a skincare routine and doing Minoxidil (until I get my hands on a transplant in Turkey (FUE)) for hair loss. I am on month 2. 100% makes a huge difference. It is noticeable on the facial skincare routine.
Increased fluid and eating a lot healthier of a diet - getting better rest/sleep.
Trying to get a gym routine in. I love doing strong man exercises.
Diagnosed with astigmatism and near/far sighted - got glasses for both along with blue light reflection. Did not get the Transitions because doctor said it may worsen my condition. Yes, driving at night can be a nightmare. If you do have my condition, make sure to get the anti-glare/anti-reflective added on. Made a huge difference and many of the headaches I got went away.
Travel - headed to the east coast for a week at the end of this year. Will be in NYC. HMU if you are around.
EDIT: Also wanted to add Invisalign - best life choice so far.
Cons:
Dropped $3k fixing a car that I will trade in now because the other half of the car needs a similar repair. Will likely get a TACO since I love trucks (or even a Rav4/X1/VW SUV).
Employer changed their minds and I got hurt in the end. At the end of the day, companies only care about if you can do the job or not, and everyone is replaceable.
Dating/Still single, trying though to find a girlfriend. Any advice will appreciated! Most women I've met from other countries so far have tried to only scam me, so trying to do a different approach to dating.
Most classes are all online/hybrid, no fully onsite classes within my time schedule I need (would like more options).
Watching parent age, and seeing old photos of parent being healthy before all the illnesses came in. Time flies.
Overall - I do expect 2023 to be a better year. I am going to switch to a hybrid or fully remote schedule once I find work, along with online school. I am a CS/Stats major at a univ that does online as well. There's a lot happening and a lot of execution that needs to happen on my end. Many of it will be hard to do, but needed.
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