Seven Years Down

The last time I did this was 2017. The opening paragraph for my recap of that year was this:

"Wow. I had to take an extra month to write this one because 2017 was crazy.

Hurricanes, wildfires, volcanos, eclipses, and Trump made this a year to try and forget quickly. That doesn't even acknowledge the racial tension the US is facing."

History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme. Throw in a "pandemic" and that paragraph pretty much sums up 2020 too.

Here is the synopsis of what's gone on in my life between 2017 and the end of 2020. I do this primarily for my own records, but feel free to read.

Where I was in 2017

Angelina had just started her travel blog (www.thelovelyescapist.com), and we had just started to travel significantly, checking off the first Wonder of the World (Machu Picchu in Peru) together that year.

I was working in equity research and had just passed CFA Level 2. I had just started to plan my MBA journey.

Where I was in 2018

Angelina and I packed up our bags in more ways than one. First, we checked off two more Wonders of the World (Chichen Itza in Mexico & The Colosseum in Italy). Second, we moved to Dallas Texas.

Having recognized a change of heart regarding my long-term career path, I decided to pursue an MBA at Southern Methodist University in 2018. However, I continue to work remotely for the equity research firm throughout 2018.

The second half of 2018 was dominated by my MBA program, making new friends, learning new skills, and trying to figure out my life after graduate school. I was lured by the consulting career path many MBA graduates follow.

Where I was in 2019

Angelina really started to hit her stride in the travel industry with multiple international gigs paying the bills as I focused more and more on MBA school. Despite leaving my job with the equity research firm halfway through 2019, our family made more money in 2019 than we ever had before.

I did contribute a bit as I was able to secure an internship at one of the largest consulting firms in the world, PwC. Between my first year and second year of MBA school, I worked with PwC in Washington DC / Virginia area, which has ultimately led to a full-time role after graduation.

Given I didn't have to deal with "vacation days", Angelina and I travelled more in 2019 than ever before. We checked off The Great Wall of China and saw the Pyramids of Giza. We were also able to visit Scotland, Switzerland, Germany, England, and Mexico.

2019 was a great year.

What I expected of 2020

Heading into 2020, I had nothing but high expectations. I was going to graduate my MBA program with a stellar GPA, a full-time offer, and a bright future. Angelina and I had planned trips to Jamaica, Italy, France, Jordan, and Israel.

What I learned in 2020

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

Angelina and I got to go on only one of our planned trips: Jamaica. It was actually a lot of fun and thank God we were able to go, but the rest of our trips were cancelled.

I was able to graduate my MBA program with a stellar GPA, but I was not able to do as many hands-on projects given the MBA program went virtual half-way through the semester.

My job offer was thankfully not taken away, but it was postponed a bit. Which would've been fine if we could've travelled, but the quarantine restrictions didn't allow for it.

My future is still pretty bright, but it hasn't played out like I would've imagined.

The ability to react and adapt to change is a skill I think 2020 has taught a lot of people.

Instead of travelling, Angelina and I have turned to taking long walks, indulging in good books, and connecting with more friends. We were still able to escape to DC for the 4th of July, Key West during the summer, and Orange County CA for Thanksgiving. We have a trip scheduled for Rio de Janeiro leaving on Christmas Eve. Crossing our fingers all goes well.

I've started working at PwC, unfortunately, all of us are virtual as of now. This leads to long hours given the team is spread across the US with early morning EST calls and late night PST calls. Some of the team is in India, which makes for an even more drastic schedule. However, they've treated me as humanely as possible and I'm learning something new each week.

I've done my best to roll with the punches of 2020, but I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't excited to get this year over with.

What I'm Looking Forward To In 2021

I turn 30 on January 4th of this coming year. That'll deserve another post.

I'm excited to get the COVID-19 vaccine, purely because I want to be able to travel and leave my house again. Hopefully this will eventually lead to PwC allowing us to travel to the client again (or at least go back into offices).

I plan on working my ass off trying to do good work for big companies.

If all goes well and the world returns to some sort of normal, Angelina and I will be back on our travel schedule, knocking off a few more Wonders of the World.

Overall, I'm just looking forward to 2020 ending.

Happy holidays!