I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside numerous smart, interesting people from diverse backgrounds in my time at Haven Life. Mark Sayre’s take on life insurance in the LBGT community and Greg Johnson’s thoughts on planning for your own funeral, are among my favorite points of views we’ve shared on the blog.
Working for a life insurance company forces you to consider mortality and take stock of life in a way that can be unexpected. It’s made me curious about how different people view big questions in life, such as aging and life decisions. Instead of wondering, I went ahead and asked some of our friends.
J. Money, Founder of Budgets Are Sexy and Rockstar Finance
What has been the most important decision in your life thus far?
Probably having kids and then starting my blog. The kids is an obvious one, but the blog ended up turning from a random hobby to a full-fledged career and completely changed both my life and my mindset. I had no idea you could make money online and have fun doing it. And my wallet became super thankful too, which is a good thing because those kids sure like to give it a run for its money… pun very much intended!
When have you felt brave?
Probably the time I had to help an angry mob of about 150+ passengers reschedule their flights all by myself when a snowstorm wreaked havoc across the NYC area. My manager “didn’t feel like dealing with it”, so at 10pm at night – right as my shift had ended – I had to literally stand on top of the ticket counter and calm down a sea of pissed off New Yorkers who had been waiting on the tarmac forever. Eight hours later, and a barricade built for me by a couple of security guards, everyone had been helped and went on their (non) merry way. And I’ve used that example of problem-solving in every single interview since. 😉
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
I’d say 21 or 22. The gray hairs in my beard would give it away, but the fact I have a beard, alongside a mohawk, (don’t you dare scream hipster!) would leave myself and others to believe that I’m still fairly young. I’m not sure what the cut off is for when I’m considered “that guy” for rocking spikes, but I just crossed into “late 30s” territory, and I fear my time may be coming.
Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates, DMin.
What has been the most important decision in your life thus far?
The most important decision in my life thus far has been to go back to school. I married five days after my seventeenth birthday, and it was a disaster. At nineteen I was a divorcee and a single mom, who had given up an educational scholarship to get married. I had to work and take care of my son. (That was an important decision as well.) Several years later, I went back to school for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. A few years later, I earned a Master’s degree, and then went on to receive a Doctorate.
When have you felt brave?
I have felt brave my raising my three children mostly as a single mom. Facing the world alone can be daunting while juggling a career, parenting young children, paying bills, fostering relationships with schools, doctors, coaches, etc. Many times I looked in the mirror and thought I saw an “S” on my chest. The “S” standing for Super Woman. All the while I knew my faith was carrying me through seemingly impossible situations. Looking back now, I wouldn’t want to do it again as a single mom. I have jumped over bleachers, removed heavy objects, stood up to bullies, and tackled giants for the sake of my kids.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
I would be twenty-three years old. As a child, I was traumatized by death of my twin aunts who prematurely died at the age of 22. I was two years old at the time but remember it vividly. As I grew older, I never thought I’d live past the age of 22.
Tina Haupert, Founder of Carrots ‘N’ Cake
What has been the most important decision in your life thus far?
My decision to go to college. Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money, so I wasn’t sure if we could afford it. I worked hard in high school and graduated in the top 5 percent of my class, so, with the help of an academic scholarship and financial aid, I was able to attend a top liberal arts college (without too many loans). My college experience provided me with an amazing education and a plethora of opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
When have you felt brave?
The day I committed to running the Boston Marathon. I was given an opportunity to run THE race that I’ve always wanted to run, but, at the time, I wasn’t an avid runner. I had also just had a baby three months before, so it was a huge decision. I accepted the bib, committed myself 100% to training and didn’t look back until I crossed the finish line!
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Thirty two. I’m probably in the best shape of my life, so, physically, I don’t feel 36… more like 28. However, I’m really happy with my place in life right now… my family, my work, my experiences… so 36 is the perfect fit. If we averaged those two ages: 32. That sounds accurate.
Alison Green, Founder of Ask A Manager
What has been the most important decision in your life thus far?
I don’t know if I can pick just one, but quitting my job and going to work for myself was a big one. I was pretty terrified — I had no idea if it would work out, if I’d have any income, or how long I’d be able to do it for. I told myself that I’d do it for six months, and then go back to a traditional job if it hadn’t worked out. That was six years ago, and things have gone better than I ever imagined they would. I have clients, steady income, interesting projects and the ability to turn down work I don’t want — all the things I wasn’t sure I could get.
When have you felt brave?
I feel brave looking back on that decision! At the time I didn’t feel brave. I felt scared and worried that I was being reckless. But in retrospect, being willing to take that step without knowing if there would be solid ground beneath my feet led me to such a great place.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
Ha, this is a good question. I’m 43 now and thinking a lot about aging because suddenly I can see it coming at me in a way I never could before, and it’s disconcerting. I might feel 35.
