Spinoff: The Old Men's advice for the young bloods thread

[Iowanian]

Life is too short to not enjoy.
Appreciate those around you because some mornings, the phone rings and they no longer are.

network network network. If you're in college, introduce yourself to everyone in the building of your major, talk to anyone you can, build relationships. In the professional world, these relationships will help you so much in the future. I can't say this enough. If you are young in your career, the same thing applies. Build relationships at conferences, schools, classes, meetings, competition....If I'm learning anything, it's sometimes WHO you know that counts, because sometimes people you know, know people who know what you need to know.

Don't get married before 30. Don't get married to someone you've dated less than a year. it's not a race, pick the right one, the first time if you can. Have your fun, do your adventures when you're young and able, and know in your heart that you're ready to settle down when you do.

When you're getting ready to do something stupid and the little bird on your shoulder says "this is stupid"....listen. Someday you'll be 38, on a wet cold day and wish you had listened to the previous line.

Everything Chitown said....My kids are everything and if you're not someone with that in your life, I am sorry you don't know what it is you're missing. I've yet to have a problem that didn't seem better when a small kid screams Daddy running across the room to tackle your legs as the door opens from a bad day. I enjoy other things in life, but as far as I'm concerned, this is the meaning of life.

Finally, be honest and decent to those around you, and you'll never go wrong.