I've recently changed career-paths, moved into a new industry, and it's not been too difficult as most of my skills are transferrable; a different product but the same principles. I've been rather successful and it's been a good change for me...even though it's still a highly pressured and demanding role.
I spent the previous twenty years in the property industry, segments like commercial property sales and residential property development, and again, whilst very demanding, it was rewarding. I operated at a high level and reaped the rewards of building knowledge and understanding and constantly seeking more. I worked for an international real estate company, flew around the place from time to time, wore the right suits, drove the right cars and enjoyed the personal benefits of being good at what I did.
It was around 2012 when I decided to start my own company; I had the right tertiary education and licensing and it seemed a good progressive move, especially considering my existing client-base.
Digging for gold
I'd met a fellow at work around 2010, another commercial real estate agent, who had worked for a time in London and had recently transferred back here to work for the same company I was with, and we hit it off over. We made plans and inside of a few months resigned from the company and my new company began. The chap didn't have the right licensing so I took the legal liability on-board personally, but we were partners in the business. We opened our offices in an affluent city-fringe location and things began to go very well.
My company focused on developing small to medium-sized projects, mainly multi-story apartment buildings, that we would either develop for ourselves or on behalf of cashed-up interstate investors. We would handle the property acquisition, design and construct and the sales to the end-users and charged our clients for all of it. To help keep a healthy cashflow initially during the long lead-times of the projects we did a few commercial building and industrial site sales. Things were going pretty well as my contacts were vast and good news spreads quickly.
But all that glitters isn't gold
I'm not able to go into details for legal reasons however, in short, my business partner felt that all of my money from the business accounts would look better in his account and you can imagine my shock when I looked at my online banking site and realised this. I was at the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the time so there wasn't much I could do, but on returning I called my lawyer. Clearly I'm missing bits out here but I have a legal agreement that precludes me from repeating certain details.
I never spoke to my business partner again, other than through lawyers at $600 p/hour, and have only seen him once since...driving the very model of Aston Martin V8 Vantage I had always wanted to buy. What a fucken asshole.
I lost over a million dollars of funds, my corporate offices and the ability to stop working at the age of fifty two years old (that's my age now) because of his theft and there wasn't much I could do about it legally because I simply had no money to do so; it wasn't a cut and dried case. A long and protracted court battle wasn't something I was able to do financially or emotionally and so I let it go.
Standing up
I've had some incredibly difficult moments in life and that couple of years would rate up there in the top three. I felt...well, I felt like my entire life had been ground down to the nub and that it wasn't recoverable. Of course, that's not my style folks, and I stood the fuck up and started rebuilding.
I registered another company and flew around the country meeting with existing clients...It wasn't easy as I had literally no money for it, but I backed myself, sold a few things including my fucken amazing car, and had face-to-face meetings to save what I could. They all stayed with me despite me being honest with them, explaining what had happened and that I was running my new company from my spare bedroom. They didn't care, they just wanted me and what I did. It was one aspect that helped me rebuild myself as I rebuilt my company; the confidence they showed in me.
Taking steps
I'm not the type of man who lays down, curls into a little ball and hides; I'm the stand the fuck up, take ownership, show responsibility and work hard sort of guy and that's what I did for the ensuing years. Quitting isn't in my make-up; on myself, my goals or on those who deserve the best of me - I stand and fight - and that's what I had to do in this situation and in others in life to be quite frank. I'm not a good enemy to have I suppose as I'm relentless and don't capitulate.
I'll be honest though, there were many, lay-down-curl-into-ball, moments; I was completely fucken broken, but I knew I couldn't stay like that so I did what I did...Stand, take a step, and then another.
The rebuilding phase took a long time. From the financial perspective it was years and emotionally...well I still have moments where I recall the situation and how I felt and it still drives a knife into my heart...but I pull the fucker out and move on.
It was years later when I decided I'd had enough of property and I pivoted to a new industry as I said above. It felt good, I have to say. I'd rebuilt my life, all of it except the stop work at fifty two years old thing, and now I lead a relatively comfortable life. I felt it was the right time to move on though; I had nothing else to prove and after twenty years felt I'd rather go out on a high. I have not regretted it.
I learned many valuable lessons though, just as I did in the professional career I had in my twenties and into my very early thirties before getting into property - it was also a rather full-on and difficult career. Adversity tends to teach good lessons to those who know how to deal with it and, fortunately, I'd learned how to do that over my life; I thank my parents for the initial grounding and my own never quit attitude for the development of those base-skills.
Sure, I wish some of these things never happened, but whilst being incredibly damaging, they have been uplifting also and the lessons I learned have carried forward to be used over and again to this very day. Rebuilding my life and career has, in turn, rebuilt me...or should I say, built me, as I am a work in progress.
Compared to what I have done in the past, my current role seems like a walk in the park although it is an incredibly demanding and fast-paced role. I enjoy it though and get to apply many of the things I've learned in other roles and through life itself. I think it's pretty cool how a person can turn what seems like a catastrophic event into a positive experience and even though that event may cause negative and lasting changes there's also the opposite and it's seeing those lessons, carrying them forward that truly matters.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
The image is my own
You've mentioned this before in one of your other posts, is it that same guy you hypothetically wanted to curse with uh .... Yeah, i don't really remember the atrocity😅 but, is it the same guy though?
Regardless, this was quite inspirational to read, and a nice way to start the day this early. Through this little glimpse of your life, you show how strength, experience, persistence, rebuilding, and adversity can come a long way in shaping and re-shaping a person's life for the better!
Actually, something pretty significant has been happening in my life currently so... I guess I kinda needed to see this today.
Thanks for the little inspiration and motivation and cheers man!
Yep, the same.
Life can be brutal and often unfair, however the great thing about being human is that we have the ability to choose how we think, what attitudes to foster and what actions to take.
I hope whatever is going on in your life works out for the best and am glad that something in my post may help to move it closer that way. I'm on Discord if you need/want to talk about it. If not, that's ok too; just refuse to capitulate man, like...ever. You know?
Ahh... I thought as much.
Oh yeah, I think I do have your discord actually but uhm, it's one of those situations were I think I'd rather just pass for now - I'm sure you can understand.
It really ain't easy but... I hear ya. I hear ya loud and clear. Will do :)
Passing is a good option, best to find your own way so you can own the failure, or success.
Yep, that's true enough. But sometimes doing difficult things has a better return than doing easy ones. So, I say again, don't capitulate.
Stoicism is one (if the THE) best philosophy a parent can teach a child. And it's far too undervalued and shared these days.
With this attitude... pretty much anything is possible to endure.
Beautifully written, this one. I can feel the emotion in the writing.
Hmm yeah, stoic is certainly a way to describe me. Knucklehead is another, but I make it work. I have a post coming up about a cosmetics fail o Saturday, to prove the knuckleadiness I am capable of.
Thanks for commenting. I've had some difficult times in life, there is no doubt, and this was one such. Clearly I've left out all the details but I think you get the point. Thanks for your comment, I much appreciate it.
I hear you. Betrayal is brutal and takes time to recover from. If ever...
I'm glad you got back up.
Looking forward to reading that post 😁
My pleasure. I enjoy your headspace and writing immensely so it's easy 🌸
Have a great day!
This was one of the best blog posts I have read on Hive. If you are not very lucky, life will never be kind to you and the slightest mistake will send you tumbling down the cliff. This is something I have also experienced a few times even though I am young. I have not been cheated by my business partner yet and I hope it doesn't happen. I don't know how I would handle something like that. Many people in your position would probably give up on life and never try again. But that's what makes you and me different. Never giving up. You can rebuild everything because of the trust you give to people. Maybe the hardest thing in this world is to rebuild trust. I hope everything in your life gets better from now on and you have no problems. Thanks for the great post.
Thank you for saying so, it was a personal account, one I have alluded to only loosely before, but it felt right to share a little more.
This crossed my mind, I felt everyone was looking at me and thinking I was the king of fools to have not seen this coming. It was rather destructive for one such as me, a man that has always showed fortitude and courage.
I'll admit that I am very slow to trust people, however I had to find the ability for it, and I have. It's been difficult though, probably more difficult that having to find the courage to stand up and take the emotional steps toward a viable future.
Anyway, as I said in the post, I'm not one to accept defeat, to capitulate or compromise on the things I know are pivotal to forward progression: Ownership, responsibility, discipline and effort. And so...I applied them and here I am.
Thanks for your comment, I greatly appreciate it.
No one can blame you for this because your experiences have made it harder for you to trust people. I can't judge anyone I meet here for not trusting me because most of them don't know anything about me. Everything will work out in time.
Indeed. It takes time to build trust in my opinion and people throw the word around so easily but for me, it's action and sustainability that helps build it.
Pity you can't say much for legal reasons, would be nice to know the name/business of the twat (their own and/or whoever they're currently working for) to avoid like the plague and warn other people away from.
Laying down in a ball is fine, sometimes you need to defence curl to regroup so you can actually get back up again (I usually run under the assumption that people will eventually get back up, just some take longer than others).
It's always great to enjoy your job :D
The name of the business, the name I gave my comp[any, is something I'm prevented to mention. I know where the character works now, I even know where he lives and have had (in the past) the thought of dealing with things in my own way, but I've not allowed myself to think that way for long; that way lies madness, or worse.
I did a little of this, but it's really not my style; laying down and pretending to be dead.
I ended up uncurling and having a think which led me to action and it's that action that helped me rebuild. Now, yeah I'm fine. I can talk about the situation philosophically and without that feeling of...well, of emptiness and breathlessness. It was a terrible, life-changing moment, but I survived.
It's really admirable that you were able to pick up the pieces and start again. I can't think of how that must have felt, what a horrible move that was of his. I'm glad you can look back and know that you pushed through it and came out the other end the better person.
It worked well for him and his family. Cars, holidays, status. None of it means anything though, because no matter how much he furnishes his life with, he will still be him, no matter what.
Conversely, I am me and sometimes that's ok.
Seeing what I'd worked towards my entire life evaporate and knowing that clawing my way back was going to be so difficult was a hard pill to swallow. Fortunately I made it work. (I was just going to type, I don't know how, but in truth I know exactly how.)
I quote if you don't fail you can't achieve success.
Although you went through different hardships but you were able to rebuild your self because you have perseverance and you have a goal to meet.
You had people who were willing to go through tough situations with you.Keep them well
There was one person who helped me to stand when I thought I might not be able to and I appreciate that person greatly. As for the hardships? Yeah, I've been through many, none yet have killed me. I'm hard to kill I guess, or just stubbornly refuse to check out.
I have to say I admire your resilience sir and your ability to stay at it. What you went through at the hands of that greedy partner is enough to make a lot of people go under and go on a pity party runs but I know how hard as steel you are...you don't back down for anyone especially when you know how strong your character is. You are a man of steel and I always admire your toughness. Life is not for the weak. I deeply appreciate that about you.
That man cost you a lot. People like that makes it hard to trust people with things. A lot of people are consumed with greed. That's wickedness with total disregard for consequences. I'm glad you are better for it even though it knocked you back a few years.
Pity is not something I accept; I take ownership of my actions and that means I look at adversity less as a challenge and more as an opportunity. It's a fine line, but that ethos helps me do what's required. I've had some tough times, there is no doubt, but I'm alive, and until I'm not I'll refuse to crumble.
Trusting people doesn't come easy for me. They begin from zero and have to earn it which can take a long time. Losing my trust can be instantaneous though.
I really admire your mental strength. It's years of experience and deliberate attempt to learning.
Yep, that's a good way to put it. Deliberate learning.
That was a really touching post Galen. I also can relate to some incidents that happened to you when it was least expected. Its very interesting what cash positive combined with greed can do to people when they have the ability to take advantage. I am amazed how simple and basic human behavior is when you have two people and money.
As a matter of fact @dickturpin whom I met in Ecency discord once told me and I quote "Humans are actually pretty basic when it comes to value. Give one person ten ten pence pieces and another person a one pound coin and I guarantee even though they both know they have the same the person with the pound coin will still keep double checking the person with the coins in case it looks more!" which is true in every way...it really made me thinking....
If this is the case when there is equal amounts... then what obvious possibilities would one do if they can have more....
I want to also mention, what @nickydee commented as well... in Stoicism. How important it is for a parent to teach and engrave the very roots of how to develop self-control and overcome your emotions in difficult situations is what I also think is the main part of what I learned from your post. The foundations a parent lays out for their child and how it develops into who you are and how you think/manage/resolve any surrounding situations today. If it were not for your parents "initial grounding", I wonder how different the outcome would have been. :)
Just the fact that you even mention about it and thanking them would make em proud and happy for you. I mean think about it~ how many would thank their parents in a WorkLife post where your showcasing a difficult challenge you overcame in your life? Whatever they did taught you... for sure I wish you can teach others as well including myself. :)
Cheers!~
It was interesting at the time, I spent some time with business leaders trying to gain some perspective. Most of which had had similar situations and had felt the same as I did. That helped and I am grateful to those people for telling me there own story.
Greed has a way of taking over a person, it happens here too, on Hive. They farm rewards with low quality, plagiarised and self-voted posts then rant incredulously when some rewards are returned to the reward pool. At no point do they stop to think that they masterminded their own problems with their bad acting. My Viking post later today is about such things. Greed is powerful motivation for some.
My parents, both deceased, gave me the best grounding they could and I chose to build upon it. I'm not sure if that's an ingrained thing, part of my make-up or a learned ability, but it has helped me..be me.
Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate, and for your idea of starting things community as I think there's a lot of stories out there that should be shared and that could help others.
The problem with "Greed" is it is hardwired into our DNA. People overeat because their ancient DNA says: "Cor! Look at all that lovely grub! Quick, get as much in your face as possible because we might not get another chance until we find the next dead T-Rex or Triceratops." totally irrational as the next meal is generally only a shop away (If you can afford it.) The same can be said for money; give someone an opportunity to earn even more money with little or no risk, and they're on it like a fly on a turd. The interesting part is: When does a [DNA] fear of being penniless morph into "Making money for the sake of it"? 🤷♂️
I read your experience and with certainty I share this phrase "stay away from the rough water, I'll take care of the rough water".
Stories like this are terrible because they wear out the accounts and your emotions.
I have done it so many times and in each one I have a life lesson, and that is to continue to do good to those who do me good and not to let them get away from me.
You are a hardworking man with 52 years in fullness you are what I call a SENSEI to teach your values principles that at the end of the day allows you to be focused on each now and where you put your energy there you build to reach the next goal.
My values and principles are some of the very few things I can truly call my own and whilst others may not believe in, or agree with, them they are yet, my own and I uphold them. Situations like this can be damaging in a catastrophic manner however sometimes the things that tear a person down are the very same that rebuild him. I'm lucky to have had a solid foundation on which to rebuild.
Just as you express it are atomic habits capable of building where you put your eyes, your energy, will to flourish again that purpose.
My father is 86 years old and whenever I talk to him, he always reminds me of this phrase “You always go forward with your boots on” have confidence in yourself and if you believe in it, you can create it.
One certainly have self-belief, it has carried people a long way through much adversity.
It is so, sir @galenkp , and when we emerge from adversity, strengthened from difficult circumstances, we learn from defeats and develop resilience, our life force.
Many would have been crushed, never getting over it. Especially considering that it did not happen when you were 18. When you are young it is easy to get over something thinking of how much time you think you have ahead. As we grow older....adversity can be tougher. I guess it depends on the state of mind. We also become more resilient and emotionally intelligent with age (at least some of us like to think that we do lol).
One of my best friends told me the other days something which I really remembered. That she looks at every failure or obstacle as a challenge, as an opportunity to do something different. She said that life would be so boring without challenges . And I told her: well someone challenge me now with 1 million dollars hahha. Jokes aside I admire your resilience a lot G. You are like a Phoenix bird, always rising from the ashes.
If a person sees opportunity but is easier to do what's required to move forward a little more easily than if they see challenge which can be a little tougher to deal with emotionally.
I have had much of it in life, as others have, and those things don't define me; the way in which I've dealt with it has though.
This is why you are so guarded, isn't it?
I have to wonder how people like that can sleep at night. There is nothing about that entire scene that speaks of a person with a concience. I can see you like a good challenge to flex your abilities. I hav eto think that somewhere along the line, this man will get his just desserts. It will happen. I usually does.
In the meantime, you are kicking butt and taking names. The bummer is not being able to leave the workforce. But, I am sure there is a bigger plan keeping you on the payroll.
Good morning from here!
Not solely, there's other reasons I'm guarded as well. I don't easily trust people though, and this is one of the reasons why.
I'm not sure if he will get his just deserts and if so will probably never know about it although he is a real piece of work and if he persists will end up running foul of the wrong people I think. I've left so much out of this story on purpose and the true facts are rather incredible but I've moved forward as I didn't have much choice. I am better for it.
Life went on, as it often does, and it won't be this thing that defines me.
Morning Swigs.
Yeah it true that life can be unfair, brutal but at the same time, beautiful, I love to go through the difficult path of life, my reason is that, it never leave me the same way, it often make me stronger, better and wiser.
Thanks so much for sharing, its highly inspirational , really motivating, am glad i went through it.
Often the difficult paths are the most rewarding and have the biggest impact on our lives. They teach us many things also, and those things help make the next difficult path a little easier to travel.
Without hardship its difficult to get something in life
Without effort, ownership, responsibility, self-honesty, discipline, consistency, persistence, humility, goals, getting uncomfortable and a million other things it is difficult to get something in life. And yeah, a degree of hardship also.
Crazy how cut-throat people are these days. I've had so many people in my life betray me its startling. Hope you find yourself surrounded by better people in the future.
Greed is a powerful motivator. Who knows, maybe he thought he was doing the right thing? I mean, I guess he must have. It was a pretty bad situation for me though, but I survived and learned.
I so love the quote from the great Philosopher Sophocles, that there is no success without hardship. In reality, there is no easy road, all roads are bumpy and so winding yet it would always end up to an amazing destination. And also, as the famous mantra goes, and I quote, “No pain, no gain.”
Although you were recently changing career-path, I greatly believe that you will easily adapt although at first there would be changes but you are a brilliant and wise man, you can always do it dear friend, @galenkp. I wish you more success in your endeavor. Have a nice day!
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It's difficult to believe you didn't fight to the ends of the earth for your million dollars.
A lawyer would petition the court to freeze the assets pending outcome
Some lawyers would take a sizeable success fee in lieu of 600/HR.
I feel like the other side of the story would be interesting to hear. Or the real reason you didn't pursue it.
I'm sorry it happened to you and glad you could bounce back from it, many people would spiral into addiction or deep depression. I would be in the depression camp for sure.
Indeed. Without all the information, which I'll never give anyone (especially on the blockchain) you'll never be able to believe that I didn't fight for it. If you knew all the information then I think you'd be able to understand and would agree with my decision.
Wrong, in this case.
It is interesting indeed, but you'll never hear it and so you'll never be able to comment with the full information.
The only thing I'm addicted to is never capitulating and never quitting.
Also...I just had a look at your post feed...Single image, no words, you post multiple times a day and self vote. That looks like farming. You may want to reconsider doing so.
I think it's interesting how this place works. I engage with you with a real thought out opinion that you probably don't like and you tell people to downvote my posts or imply it. Even though they are just photos I took or found interesting.
I know you won't share the full story and that's ok. There are holes in it or appear to be without knowing everything. And I accept I could be wrong on my opinion now
Anyway I know where I'm not welcome so bye now
Address your farming, or I will.
Understood