5 years

We are approaching the end of 2024, I just turned 52, and just rolled over my 5-year anniversary with Mawsons. I have been waxing and waning with my job satisfaction for a while now, and increasingly feeling like the time is to move on. In actual fact, 5 years represents the longest I have ever been in one job, so it's probably no wonder than I am getting itchy feet. It prompted me to think about where I was 5 years ago, and further back beyond that, in 5 year increments, and my status at the time. Let's have a look...

2025 - in Echuca, at our new house that we nought a year ago. Family settled and happy, my job stable but not so happy. Thinking 2025 might be a year of change...

2020 - at this time 5 years ago, we were also in Echuca, with me having just been promoted to GM. We had found our way after the debacle of Kupang, were settled, and I had a vision of finally being able to give my family that stability I had been yearning for.

2015 - wow, time changes fast. In the previous five years, we had Gulf, we had the shop and Barooga, and we had the last year of KL. But at the start of 2015 itself, life was pretty good. ASN was on the go strongly at that time, we were in Damansara Heights, and has a nice little life set up for ourselves. And of course, at this time, Wifie was pregnant with Babs.

2010 - ok no we're seriously going back in time. At the start of 2010, I was single. The end of 2009 saw my separate from the ex, and it was only March 2010 where I met my future wife. So at the start of it, well I was chasing tail around, partying, working hard, and having plenty of fun. Still at Penjom.

2005 - it's amazing what these 5-year steps bring up. At the beginning of 2005, I was living in Gladstone and working at CA. I like to think I was on the mend from the difficulties of the early noughties by this time, and finding myself again. 

2000 - I have spoken about this year before. At the beginning, I thought I was in love again. Then we broke up, and I really struggled with it. Then almost immediately, Dad's diagnosis came in, and I spent most of the rest of the year at home. It was a tough time. I was living in Perth then, and at Tarmoola.

1995 - ok now this is getting out of hand! 1995, the beginning of it at least, saw me living in a donga in Southern Cross, with Lucette, and working at RYGOL, just before they got taken over by SOG's. It was a little later in 1995 when I first ventured to Kal, saw the Superpit, and decided I needed to work there. A few months later, I was doing just that! Broke up with Lucy, moved to Kal, and away we went.

1990 - the beginning of 1990 saw me about to start Year 12, and doing summer jobs with Afro. I haven't stayed in contact with him and Jodie, sadly, although I did see them once or twice during the shop years. 

1985 - I don't remember precisely when in '85 that we moved to Singapore, but I am certain that at the beginning of this year, we were living in Hong Kong still, and I was in Form 2 (Year 8) at KGV. Those were good days, best friends with Martin Gill, and enjoying exploring the 'burbs of Kowloon.

1980 - the beginning of this year was soon after our move to Hong Kong. I was still settling at KJS, and a shy little boy. Friends mainly with Ben P, James Ross, and a couple of others. V was living with us at HK at this time.

1975 - haha, not much to be said here. I have only a few, fleeting memories of my toddler years. At the beginning of '75 I was just a 2yo, and no doubt a cutie and a knuck at the same time, as little boys are wont to be. Living in French's Forest or Belrose, and that's about all I know of this time!

Well that was an interesting, quick 5-year summary of my life. Crikey, it's amazing how quickly things change, and what amazing differences there are between some of these periods. I wonder what I'll be writing for the next entry in 2030?