What I'm doing with my life | FerrariChat
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What I'm doing with my life

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by Ferrari0324, Jul 7, 2009.

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  1. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
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    Brandon
    #1 Ferrari0324, Jul 7, 2009
    I know I'm not a consistent contributor to fchat, and most of you probably have no idea who I am. But I wanted to share what I'll be doing over the next few months of my life with all of you.

    I recently left my job working in a Lexus dealership, as an 'internet sales consultant'. It was my responsibility to answers customers questions, who called me or emailed me, and ultimately set up an appointment for them to come in and speak with an actual salesperson. I hated it. I loved my direct manager, who I am now very good friends with, but the upper management wasn't so great. I'll leave it at that. I was there for 2.5 years. Most people asked me why I would be so stupid to quit my job in this economy. Simple answer, I was miserable, and didn't go to college to sell cars (nothing wrong with it, just not for me). I'm still young (24), living at home, and have no responsibilities. So I may as well take this time and pursue something I really enjoy/love.

    I went on a 2 week trip at the end of May to Israel, for a program called Birthright Israel. It's a free tour for 10 days, but was so great that I extended it for another 4 days. Made some great friends, had great time, and ate tons of falafel and schwarma.

    Well after telling one of those friends from the trip, that I quit my job, he sent me a link to a website, called Career Israel. It's a 5 months internship in Israel, that starts the first week of September. I received my acceptance a few days ago, and am both nervous and excited. I don't know what I'll be doing yet; my goal is to work for a renewable energy based company. I figure there is tons of money to be made there in the next few years, and may make some great connections for when I come back to the US, in Feb. Plus, I figure this will look great on my resume. Instead of having that I've only worked in two dealerships before and showing nothing different.

    I think my point for this thread, is simple. If you aren't happy with where you are, then change it. Don't let yourself get stuck in a position where you are unhappy. Obviously, everyone is in a different position than I am, but you shouldn't let work drag you down. If you want something, go after it.

    I have no idea what lies ahead of me when I get back from Israel, but I will only worry about it, when the time comes.
     
  2. 101010

    101010 Formula 3

    Jun 22, 2008
    1,853
    #2 101010, Jul 7, 2009
    I think you made a great move and will look back on this as a huge turning point in your life.

    You are absolutely correct about the global economic situation, so definitely keep your eye on the ball; work hard, show enthusiasm, make new friends/connections, learn quickly (study at home if necessary).

    Do not get sucked into the nightlife party scene. Keep your focus, and in a few years you will be sitting pretty.

    Good luck!
     
  3. SefacHotRodder

    SefacHotRodder F1 World Champ

    Dec 20, 2003
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    #3 SefacHotRodder, Jul 7, 2009
    Brandon, thats awesome. Good for you man. Let me know when you're free and we'll grab a beer and catch up. I used to pass your dealership on an almost daily basis. I'm only 20 mins away from you.

    You have to do what makes you happy. I'm sure you'll learn alot about yourself and others on this trip
     
  4. wax

    wax Five Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 20, 2003
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    #4 wax, Jul 7, 2009
    Hopefully, this will redefine; "Finders, keepers" - as to the meaning of life.

    I'd appreciate it if you could keep us updated - perhaps use this thread and the f-chat blog to best advantage.

    Do you put amba on your shawarma?
     
  5. PeterS

    PeterS Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 PeterS, Jul 7, 2009
    Since most of us here who are 50 or older probably wish they were 24 again. In short, you have the world by the tail, especially when living at home! You stated you have college, so it's a good time to take a couple steps back and think about what your next move in life is. When you figure that out, tackle it until you get bored. While you are doing all of this, take your time and find a wealthy chick between 25 and 30 years old to hook up with!
     
  6. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Oct 8, 2005
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    #6 anunakki, Jul 7, 2009
    Seems like a great choice. Good luck !
     
  7. GG

    GG Formula 3

    Feb 21, 2008
    2,227
    #7 GG, Jul 7, 2009
    Congrats.

    We're the same age, and I quit my job back in February. "You're a moron", "you're going to regret it", "why are you quitting a stable job in this economy"... BECAUSE I HATED IT! Some people just don't understand.

    Best of luck!
     
  8. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
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    Mar 18, 2008
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    #8 Jedi, Jul 7, 2009
    Mazel Tov!! G'mar chatima tova

    Jedi
     
  9. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

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    #9 Ferrari0324, Jul 8, 2009
    Thanks for the well wishes. My mom is concerned with me going there, meeting a jewish girl, and never coming back. As much as I loved it there, I do prefer the US.
     
  10. kosmo

    kosmo Formula 3

    Oct 19, 2008
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    #10 kosmo, Jul 8, 2009
    that is fantastic. You will have a stories to tell your grandkids.
    Nervous and excited- love that feeling!
     
  11. AlexO91

    AlexO91 F1 Rookie

    Sep 26, 2008
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    #11 AlexO91, Jul 8, 2009
    Thanks for sharing that with us man! Israel sounds like a great opportunity for you and i'm sure you will get there and immediately realise that you're going to love what ever it is you will be doing, and hopefully for the rest of your life. Out of curiosity what did you do at college?

    Good luck for the next 5 months :D.
     
  12. Schatten

    Schatten F1 World Champ
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    #12 Schatten, Jul 8, 2009
    Best of luck! It appears you have chosen wisely.
     
  13. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

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    #13 Ferrari0324, Jul 8, 2009
    I have a degree in business management, and minor in Geographic Information Systems. The minor was really to fulfill some credits I needed to graduated early, which I did by a semester.
     
  14. Mrpbody44

    Mrpbody44 F1 Veteran

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    #14 Mrpbody44, Jul 8, 2009
    Good Luck and go for it. Don't forget to party though.
     
  15. AustinMartin

    AustinMartin F1 Veteran

    Mar 1, 2008
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    #15 AustinMartin, Jul 8, 2009
    Last edited: Jul 8, 2009
    +1! :D:D:D:D:D
     
  16. carguy98

    carguy98 Formula 3

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    #16 carguy98, Jul 8, 2009
    Good luck!

    Mazel Tov! :D

    --Grant
     
  17. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
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    #17 Jedi, Jul 8, 2009
    Sorry :D Just gotta rib ya for that one :D

    Jedi
     
  18. Ryan S.

    Ryan S. Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #18 Ryan S., Jul 8, 2009
    Congrats! keep us updated...
     
  19. texasmr2

    texasmr2 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #19 texasmr2, Jul 9, 2009
    Yes best of luck and I'm sure it will be an experience of a lifetime, I'm doing the same thing aswell in the sense that I'm leaving a mundane jod after school for a career I should have persude years ago.

    Stay safe, be happy and keep us updated,
    Gregg
     
  20. AlexO91

    AlexO91 F1 Rookie

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    #20 AlexO91, Jul 9, 2009
    VERY nice. :D
     
  21. t3kneak

    t3kneak Karting

    Aug 4, 2008
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    #21 t3kneak, Jul 11, 2009
    Man, I am in the same position as you, I am not happy but don't know what to do. :(
     
  22. XtraZa30

    XtraZa30 Rookie

    Mar 27, 2006
    16
    #22 XtraZa30, Jul 12, 2009
    Hey man, great move on your part, I personally think that people should pursue joy and happiness also in their careers, of course money counts, but I'd rather be having fun with a $50k job than being absolutely miserable making $100k, but that's just me!
    Anyway, I live in Israel, feel free to PM whenever you arrive back her and maybe we'll hang out, I also have many connections and would happily help you with whatever you would like during your stay in Israel.
    I hope you have a great time here in Israel, and congrats on the new job!
     
  23. Ferrari0324

    Ferrari0324 F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
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    Brandon
    #23 Ferrari0324, Jul 21, 2009
    Again, thanks for all the support. However, I'm really starting to second guess myself on this. In the end, It will cost me between $8 and $10k; which I do have, but means when I get back, I will only have enough for a little while to survive on. Currently, without spending it, I could go at least a year without working. Not saying, I would do that, but ya never know.

    I'm trying to think of what advantage this will really give me. I really enjoyed my time there, but I was also on vacation and not working.

    I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do, but like most people my age, have no idea.

    I used to work for a Ferrari dealership, and was planning on going back after my time at Lexus; unfortunately though, the economy meant there was no position for me. I know I don't want to work in another dealership again, unless it is Ferrari. I have the full support of the dealership that I worked at too, which is nice to have. I figure I will go and drop my resume off at the local dealers in Florida. Otherwise, i really don't know what I'd like to do. I am interested in alternative energy, as I figure there will be a lot of opportunity and money in that field, in the next few years.

    Any advice would be appreciated.
     
  24. SuperJ

    SuperJ F1 Rookie

    Dec 22, 2008
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    #24 SuperJ, Jul 25, 2009
    Second guessing yourself is normal and you will probably flip/flop a couple times on this. It is OK to be scared. Just keep in mind what you truly want in life and make sure that your actions are congruent with that and you will succeed. Whether you stay or go, there is no safety net!
     
  25. TG

    TG F1 Veteran

    Oct 26, 2004
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    #25 TG, Jul 25, 2009
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2009
    This video was suggested to me over 2 years ago on Fchat, and it single-handedly changed the direction of my life.
    Take a look for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA

    The scary part about turning a corner in life is not knowing what everything will look like once you do, whereas it's easy to keep heading straight... which ultimately is what people settle on. Sounds to me like you've already jumped off the cliff, now embrace it!

    You are dealing with uncertainty face to face. But everyone does regardless of their risk capacity.

    Does your current environment support your growth? Could you live in NJ for a year and make something more come from it?
    What other options could you explore, and where? New business idea, etc...


    Indeed you will be taking a risk, but what's the safe option? Then do the opposite! - trust that it will all work out OKAY :)
     
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