Life Hacks – hard lessons learned:

Filipino American – arrived in a slow boat from the Philippines landed in San Diego California as a small child with my older sister and Mother.  Born a Gen Baby Boomer of good health and little wealth who at a young age was taught the English language from a patient first grade Teacher, Mrs. White, my first of many mentors.

A military brat led to this young little man attending 11 schools before graduating high school..

I see now that was NOT normal..

Innate adaptability became a treasured trait that framed and tempered the demands of a young life full of socioeconomic challenges.  It proved unpopular to have darker skin, a foreign speech, and a defensive demeanor which incidentally fed into an easy target for bullies.

That became the first week of every new school – the second week we were given permission to defend ourselves. Mom always had hopes that a new school would be easier to integrate. In a short time, mostly after a small demonstration; most every time the bully moved on to other easier targets. All six of us eventually were trained in basic self defensive techniques. AS we each grew older the art of talking someone down became the go to solution.

A natural subscription to a military career followed. 

After several wartime related deployments, fell in love and married an American Indiana native who I met through writing ‘two years’ worth of letters – eventually, we married in a small town outside of Copenhagen Denmark.  

A highly successful Military career became the catalyst for heightened personal growth all while making the best attempt to growing a new (somewhat displaced) family – memories we still hold dear.

Military life fed the dreams of a young boy’s deep desire to experience the world; reality is – some places I would never visit again. Funny how your intent or reason to visit will shadow your expected enjoyment of your stay – hated almost every deployment along those lines.

Twenty years full of deployments and many (most – unplanned) coupled with full family moves brought the decision to retire earlier a welcomed one – placing family first never brings regrets, a fact later realized.

Not surprisingly – post-military retirement created a personal identity crisis.  You never realize how high a pedestal you were placed in responsibility and respect till your first post-military interview –  “truly a fish out of water experience.” Starting all over – having to recreate yourself and relearn new skills with no expectation of success – no respect. You felt the superiority in the eyes and mannerisms of the young person across the table – like nothing you ever did or accomplished even mattered and how your old age now will certainly be a liability – lifelong experiences had no place in the new workplace. Basically, our young can now just do a quick – Google search! or watch a YouTube video to find the answer.

It seemed the world outside of military life quickly became distant and sometimes disrespectful.

Later I found the solution became a change in personal perspective.

Knowing that I must always provide a happy and secure life to my bride; I tried and excelled in various degrees on just about every money making opportunity I felt would work.  From a number of Multi-Level companies, (till they went under or became a full fledged scam), sold cars, did contract construction, retail, and starting three cutting edge technology businesses only to close the door due to a newer technology made each obsolete.  

Why the personal history rant? Found that we are where and who we are due to our past experiences; in new friends, new places, new challenges, eventual successes, and failures.  Having many vantage points garnered through these personal experiences became the bright light of reality and if given the proper value in attention and nurturing.

You know when I say it, the mantra, ‘get a good education to land a good JOB, (Just Over Broke), stay there and retire after 30 years with the promise all your obligations paid – then quietly fade away in your later years’ – what a lie!

Many would say that we Boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) are the cause of our nation’s economic woes, debatable in some circles.  The truth is it could be because since January 2012 – 10K a month would reach retirement age beginning the ‘mass draining’ of social security funds? This group bought into the whole JOB forever solution so much so it became a surprise to many to return back to work?!

In reality, soon you will find that your station in life is of your own doing vs what year or group you were born into. More of this later.

Besides, the status of your health, where you stand financially, and an overriding urge to find personal happiness – please ask yourself, why haven’t you found happiness yet, or at least financial peace of mind?

It is my hope sharing these life lesson hacks in tips, techniques, and secrets (personally experienced) will help you too to find a happier life.  

Lots of free stuff enclosed, FREE BOOK responsible for 1000 newly minted millionaires; and even access to a copy of the popular book, “Fallen Soldier” illuminating the story of a broken family fleeing their homeland struggling to understand the United States of America and the new definition of Freedom.

Like in one of the sections you will be given the Secret, “How to add an extra $1000 of monthly passive income in 30 days!”

Welcome, Boomers!

RW

PS. If you identify with the traits of a Boomer you can enter too!