My first career background was in advertising originally as an Account Exec and working up to Account Director for a major global agency owned by the Interpublic Group working on GM Holden (amongst other brands). Got very sick and tired of my colleague's ego's, tantrums, psychological games and general chest beating in this 'dog eat dog' game. I wanted to be more than a glorified salesperson. I'd always been into cars as a hobby, had been painting since I was 20, so in 2005 decided to make a career change and I founded/opened a bodyshop in Moorabbin called 'Paintwerks' (
http://www.womo.com.au/search/paintw...ralia/M0001001). The hours are long but I love what I do because we get to work on awesome projects and deal with great customers. It's enjoyable too because I get to utilise both my postgrad business degree and spraypainter trade qualifications in my everyday work. It feeds/houses my family as well as provides somewhat for my Cobra passion! Of course, it goes without saying that I have an environment in which to paint my Cobra!
I am a long, long, loooooong way from wealthy and am scraping and scrounging (incl. selling off other toys/assets), as well as putting things on the credit card to build my Cobra. At this point in my life, I am being a little selfish in proceeding with the build. However, my build will also benefit my business as I will be using it for promotions/brand awareness as well as personally enjoying it (along with my kids who will help me build it and drive in it).
I'm 43, so perhaps at my midlife crisis. I have my health at present but who knows what will happen in future? Touch wood...nothing I hope! But there are only two things that have held my interest for such a long time. One of those was a desire to learn to fly and become a licensed pilot (which I accomplished back in 2004), and the other was building/owning an AC Cobra. That has been on my bucket list for the past 24 years. So I'm damn well doing it now while I can!
You leave this earth with your experiences, not your money. If this makes you happy, don't feel bad about it.
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