My brothers and I, immigrants from Italy, grew up in the same household and shared many of the same interests. We all worked manual labor in construction, and thought we'd be doing that the rest of our lives. That's what my father did in Italy, and his father, and many of our uncles. Then one day I decided to go to school for architectur…
My brothers and I, immigrants from Italy, grew up in the same household and shared many of the same interests. We all worked manual labor in construction, and thought we'd be doing that the rest of our lives. That's what my father did in Italy, and his father, and many of our uncles. Then one day I decided to go to school for architecture. I was made fun of by them and my friends for wasting my money, working full time on the jobsite and going to class 2 to 3 days a week. It took me 8 years to earn my bachelor's degree in architectural technology, and that degree opened doors that would not have been available to me as a manual laborer. I now find myself in a rewarding career in real estate development while my brothers, in their early fifties, still work in construction (not that it's a bad thing, it just takes a toll on your body). I am thankful for the decision I made.
During my educational and career transitions I started to frequent different circles of friends than my brothers. I began to build professional relationships that would lead me further away from my old friends. I often look back and wonder why I'm not that close anymore with some of the friends my brothers are still friends with, and Rob's post helps shed some light on that. Thank you, Rob.
My brothers and I, immigrants from Italy, grew up in the same household and shared many of the same interests. We all worked manual labor in construction, and thought we'd be doing that the rest of our lives. That's what my father did in Italy, and his father, and many of our uncles. Then one day I decided to go to school for architecture. I was made fun of by them and my friends for wasting my money, working full time on the jobsite and going to class 2 to 3 days a week. It took me 8 years to earn my bachelor's degree in architectural technology, and that degree opened doors that would not have been available to me as a manual laborer. I now find myself in a rewarding career in real estate development while my brothers, in their early fifties, still work in construction (not that it's a bad thing, it just takes a toll on your body). I am thankful for the decision I made.
During my educational and career transitions I started to frequent different circles of friends than my brothers. I began to build professional relationships that would lead me further away from my old friends. I often look back and wonder why I'm not that close anymore with some of the friends my brothers are still friends with, and Rob's post helps shed some light on that. Thank you, Rob.
"not that it's a bad thing, it just takes a toll on your body" - True.