Secondly, I am out of a job and regaining freedom.
2012 was an eventful year, with travel as a high point. I scored a pretty well paid job in 2011 with Allianz, and was out of it after a year. Throughout 2012, I travelled over 100,000km, went on a Eurotrip, went to Bangkok twice, Singapore once and Hong Kong 3 times.
After starting my career 5 years ago, a reflection on work and career itself is long overdue.
Lessons Learnt
- Don't spend huge on depreciating items, as money would grow faster than you think (Tips available here)
- Freedom is the most important factor in career choice, as employability reduces with age.
- Less TV, more reading.
- Monthly review of annual goals to ensure they are adhered to.
A home by the water (river, lake or ocean)
Constant income with minimal effort
Health
Regular Cycling and Swimming exercises are in order, as aches and pains are occurring more frequently.
Task: Create a recurring exercise schedule and stick to it.
KPI: Exercise 3 x 45 mins per week
Family
Dad is moving into retirement, and Mum will retire at the end of 2013.
Task: Create a retirement plan, communicate and execute for them, including financials and post-retirement activities.
KPI: Acceptance and execution of retirement plan
Wealth
Need to start building wealth more effectively, including reduce spending and increase investments.
Task: Create a realistic savings and investment plan, account for all expenses (get reimbursement for house maintenance). Set goal for 1st investment property.
KPI: Achieve savings and investment targets on wealth management plan.
Career
- Try running a business for 6 months (services, development & trades)
- Complete TOGAF & SOA certifications
- Improve Start up, Innovation Management, EQ and UX skills
- Attend UX conferences
Computers: At the end of 2012, I upgraded my 6 yr old Macbook pro and 2 yr old Mac mini. Both now runs much quicker, and should last for another 2 years. Total upgrade cost: $365
Car: The 5 yr old Audi is still running fine, with a major service due in 2013, reaching a milestone of 100,000km, I wonder if I should replace it. However, it seems like electric cars are finally reaching Australia in 2014, with the lease on the Audi ending in January 2014 and our 4kw solar panels installed, it seems to be the perfect time. But the question is, would my poor back last that long?
An intermediate option is to replace the Audi with a cheaper car, such as a near new Jazz or VW Up! and wait for another 2-3 yrs for electric technology to mature.
Long Vacation: On the list for 2013 is a trip around Australia and New Zealand in March to April, and a possible trip to US & Jamaica in October to mid-December.
Task: Costings for Audi replacement, ANZ trip and Jamaican trip.