Wisdom from a Cool Guy

My father is the ultimate dude in my life. Did I just call him dude? Ok let’s just say he is the coolest man I know. So cool that we actually hang out over drinks and stuff (non-alcoholic please). From him I inherited big eyes and small mouth. He was also generous enough to give me a sizeable forehead and a fairly visible       moustache (Dad the moustache was not really necessary, I am a girl but that is ok as long as it’s from you). Many people say I look like him. I mean, he doesn’t even have to introduce me as his daughter. (You get it, we share a lot).

My old man has a deep sense of humor that’s why I can’t stay mad at him for long and he takes advantage of that all the time. I see how he looks at me whenever I laugh at jokes of other men, his eyes scream envy. In his mind, he is the coolest and funniest male human being I know. Quite the jealous type but it is ok. Being a teacher, he is very knowledgeable on almost every topic under the sun…..well apart from technology and Hollywood. That’s why I love listening to him talk. It’s crazy how he knows about the political state of almost every country, sports, business …….okay everything. I admire how he is never shy to showcase his cognition. The confidence with which he conveys his knowledge to those who care to listen fascinates me, no wonder he is a good teacher.

The many stories he has told us both true and false could be enough to make books. Some of them are so hilarious that it’s hard to believe they are actually true. I wonder how mum still has healthy ribs after leaving with a clown like him all these years. To be honest I don’t know what to get him on this year’s birthday. He is my superman, what gift could befit a man who has worked tirelessly to make my life and that of my sisters’ comfortable? The guy who always goes an extra mile to see a smile on my face? The person I run to whenever I have quarter-life crisis episodes? A man who has shown me kindness and love in its purest form ever since I walked into his life? The first man I ever loved and he actually loved me back? Not a clue of what to get him as a sign of my utmost gratitude. But as I ponder on that let me tell you about him.

This year will be a memorable year him. He will be hitting the 60 which basically means that he will also be retiring from the teaching service where he has worked for over 30 years. For all these years he has taught construction and building technology to young knowledge thirsty contractors and masons.

On the side, he has also been running his construction firm. The guy loves buildings and structures no wonder he has never quit. I can tell he is not   really excited about this foreseen change. He pretends to be looking forward to it, but because I know him well, I can tell he is scared of it. I mean, he has done this job more than half his life and now everything will change. Am sure he is wondering “what next?” he must be reassuring himself that he is still young and vibrant and to be honest he looks younger than he actually is……no for real! You don’t believe me? I can send you his pic.

The other day I asked him what he thinks about careers, pension, retirement, employment and life in general and this is what he had to say:

On careers know what you want to do before you enroll to study for a course. Passion and knowledge are the perfect recipe for self-actualization.

On employment as much as traditional employment is a safe choice because of assured and constant income, it is advisable to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams if you have any. It is also important to have more than one source of income. There is nothing as good as being your own boss and being able to provide jobs for others.

If you pursue entrepreneurship make sure you have sufficient technical knowledge or partner with a person well versed with the technical aspects of the business. For instance to start a construction firm you need to have a contractor or architect in the senior management of the business.

On pension be registered in a viable pension scheme even if you work in the civil service where pension structures are set up. Saving for retirement is important no matter how young you are in business or employment as no one know what awaits in the future

On savings: save save save. Set aside some money from your earnings for savings. Avoid buying things you don’t need. Never try to live beyond your means as financial strain is a result of poor planning.

On retirement when it’s time to retire, please retire no matter how hard it will be to accept the big change. It will also allow you time to focus on your own plans and rest.

On his future he plans to concentrate fully on his construction firm as he waits to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren (long live dad). In case you are looking to build and you need a qualified contractor to do the job, kindly post your email or phone number on the comment section so that we can talk business.

And lastly on love and family find the one you love, settle down and give them the best you can. Nothing beats seeing a smile on spouse’s and children’s faces.

These are some of the wisest pieces of advice I have ever received. Hope they inspire you too. Especially the latter. Lovely weeks folks and don’t forget to appreciate your fathers unless they are deadbeat ones. Let the young generation embrace leadership by mentoring them in as you retire.