Certifications

The Reunion

The Reunion
Four BFFs re-connected on a social networking site and decided to meet after 5 long years. They were college buddies that shared the same sentiments of growing up from a happy and a sometimes-chicken-sometimes-egg-dish kind of family.

Although they came from the same school and earned the same degree, they each took a different path after college.


One was a hardworking employee in a multinational company; the other was an IT consultant in an Insurance firm; the third one turned out to be a real estate broker; while the fourth is a network marketer.

On the day they decided to meet up in order to catch up with their lives, everyone was excited and suited up their best branded shirt, watch and sneakers.

Alfred, a real estate broker, brought his sedan.

Not long after, Vincent (the IT consultant who is now an entrepreneur) arrived with his second-hand car.

The two shared high-fives and couldn't wait to see their two other friends. They were on the middle of a comical conversation when they spotted a gray 2017 model of a Corvette Stingray parked outside their meeting place. (Just saying the car model made them salivate!). Both were car enthusiasts, they sure know what the car's worth is! They were examining the fine details of the car when Caleb (the network marketer) came.

Caleb:
Hey guys! I'm sorry I was a little late. I needed to find a nearby store to buy something. What's up?

Alfred and Vincent almost failed to realize that they haven't seen Caleb for years and should be rejoicing for their reunion. The simply hugged while still looking at the car.

Vincent:
Why are you walking anyway? Still haven't saved for your first car?

Suddenly, a man wearing formal long sleeves came down from a taxi.

It was Eugene, the brightest among the four.

When they were done sharing hugs and high-fives, Eugene started fuming on his boss because of the extra work he had to do, which was the very reason why he was late.

They went inside the coffee shop and ordered something that is fast becoming a glorified symbol of wise men conversation -- coffee. (Of course, what else were you thinking?)

Each had their turn to share their stories of success after graduating from college five years ago.

Eugene was the first.

Eugene:
Well, I am now running the region's largest IT organization. And I was fortunate to have passed the Microsoft examination! Cool huh?

Alfred:
Wow! You've always been great, man!

Vincent:
Yeah! I guess you're richer than 3 of us combined.

Eugene:
HA-HA-HA..Ha....ha...ha?

Vincent:
Yes, of course! What are achievements for if you're not paid for it, right?

Eugene:
Well, not everything's bound to be paid, man.

Alfred: But you get to pay our orders as a treat, right?

Eugene: Yes, but maybe next time. Not when it's 5 days earlier than pay day. Ha-ha!

Alfred: Come on, man! Just this once! Don't tell me you're still living from paycheck to paycheck?

Vincent: Is your tax bigger than your savings? I can't blame you. I used to be like that before I finally had enough and started thinking about my future. I tried to study how money works and how to put it into good use. That's when I decided to begin my journey towards financial freedom.

Eugene: Of course not! I'm doing good, so cut it already! I just don't feel like treating you guys today. Ha-ha!

After more than an hour of chatting, they found out what kept them busy for the last five years and how are they doing financially:

Vincent invested in mutual funds and stock market and runs a small business while keeping his day time job. He also opened a small sari-sari store!

Alfred mastered the art of selling, closing deals after deals and has now acquired his own small property and a car thru his commissions.

Caleb, quiet and observant among the group was smiling and nodding to all his friends' stories and accomplishments.

Eugene:
How about you, Caleb? What happened to your network-marketing business now? Ha-ha!

Caleb:
Oh, well. It's been a heck of a ride. There were ups and downs, of course. But I persevered and worked hard to get where I am right now.

Eugene:
Huh? You mean you gave up your profession so you can walk from your house up to here? Ha-ha!

Vincent:
Cut it out, Eugene! Don't be so rude, man.

Caleb:
It's OK. I'm used to it.

Alfred:
So, how are you earning from this business now?

Caleb:
I'm earning pretty good. I have no boss to deal with, traveled to a lot of places already, and now earns a good sum of money.

Eugene:
You're not serious, are you?

Caleb:
Of course I am.

Alfred and Vincent, being open-minded nodded in amazement to their friend.

Vincent:
I'm doing well generally, but I'm still dealing with some money problems of my own. Of course, we all know stocks and mutual funds are for my retirement fund.

Eugene:
Come on. We're supposed to enjoy life! It's the reason why you get to work in the first place, right? Besides, my company and the government will take care of my retirement.

Vincent:
Now that is the real joke, Eugene. Your company and the government combined will never be enough to cover your retirement. That's why you should start saving and investing for your future. Not unless you plan to work FOREVER.

Caleb:
Well I hope we can all retire young and rich.

Alfred:
Yeah. Sorry we doubted you before, Caleb. But you know what's amusing that happened to me?

Caleb:
What?

Alfred:
Remember what I told you when you first invited me to join you in your networking company? I told you I'm not good at sales and that sales are for weak, untalented and dishonest people. I was totally wrong! Because I've now come to realize that sales is actually one of the most important aspects that a person should have in order to succeed.

Eugene:
No, I think you're just being bias here. You can only say that because you're a salesman now, remember? So you can't make a conclusion for everyone else.

Alfred:
Exactly. That's why not everyone can drive a sedan.

Vincent:
Whoa! Hold it right there you two! Let's just ask our friend right here how his business works.

Eugene, being the ever skeptic among the four, quickly dismissed the idea and showed no interest.
How could you stomach fooling people? Now you even dare to fool your own friends?" Eugene told himself as Caleb started to explain how network marketing business works.

Finally, when Caleb was finished explaining:

Caleb:
So, are you guys ready to be free?

Alfred:
Of course! I'm already into selling, why not maximize my skills?

Vincent:
Well, I'm already running my own business too! So I see no point why I should not give it a shot. How 'bout you, Eugene?

Eugene:
Seriously? You believe Caleb and his networking thing? Come on guys, you're a lot better than this!


Caleb: No, Eugene. You are better than this. (Caleb pointed a picture of man depicting a problematic employee on a magazine)
 
Alfred: Listen, Eugene. You know better than any of us. You're intelligent and more technically skilled than us. I'll never advise you to quit your job or pursue a different path. But at least try something that will make you financially comfortable. Where have all your medals and certifications brought you so far? Tell me.

Eugene:
That's easier said than done, especially now that you're 5 years ahead of me.

Caleb:
5 years ago was probably the best time to plant a tree. But there's always a second, third or even fourth time to best do it. It's just a question of 'When do you plan to plant your own tree?'. The second best time would probably be NOW! Or you can wait another 5 years and wait for Alfred's and Vincent's tree to grow. My only concern is that there may never be another best time for you to do this. But that's just a maybe, who knows?

Vincent: I passed on the first 2 years and only decided to plant my own 3 years ago. Now I'm able to harvest small fruits from it. Caleb, on the other hand, started to plant earlier and never gave up nurturing that plant until it became a tree. We may have the same efforts on how we wanted to grow our trees, but the outcome is obviously different. Not when time is involved. The earlier you start, the better.

Eugene:
OK. Give me a proof that you've been successful on what you do and maybe I'll consider your advice.

Suddenly, the gray car parked outside the shop alarmed! Everyone took their heads to the oh-so-lovely car! Caleb picked something from his pocket -- a key -- and pressed a button attached on it that instantly turned off the car's alarm.

Caleb:
Oh, sorry about that. I think I sat on its key.
 
PisoandBeyond

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3 comments:

  1. It is called - never judge by externals! I hope this story will be popular among men who want to seem mor serious when they are adults. If some of readers want to create their own interesting story, ​http://www.dissertationwriting.services/ will be in great need.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great story! I'm sure a lot of people will relate into this. =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is definitely a very interesting story that will become very instructive for every child because it teaches very good moments of friendship.

    ReplyDelete

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