It’s hard to believe that its already been three months since that magical, wide-eyed, slack jawed day when I stepped onto the Google campus. Naturally, my senses have gradually acquainted themselves to my surroundings thus making room for more rational, fine tuned reflections. Here are some free flowing thoughts on this crazy journey that Google has introduced me to.

THE ORGANIC LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENT 

If you were to tell high school Albert that he’ll be working at the most globally known company in the world, eating local grown, restaurant quality food 3 times a day, 5 times a week, with the opportunity to work in any of its offices around the world, he’d probably laugh. If you were to tell college Albert that he’ll be living in a brand new apartment that boasted a rooftop jacuzzi, pool, and fitness center, he probably would have sighed and said, “I wish, man!” The list goes on. And its surprising how nonchalant current Albert is feeling about these changes that just a few years ago, would have thought was impossible/unrealistic/that’llneverhappentome. Yet, here I am feeling as normal as I’ve ever felt. Sure, the first week and a half, I  was a child who just gained unlimited access to Disneyland, but since then, life kind of just organically molded itself as if saying, “what do you mean, it’s always been like this!” I guess its just interesting how mentally, my mind was able to digest these major changes in my standard of living/lifestyle and gradually turn it into  commonplace…even though from a third eye perspective, it is anything but, especially as a recent 22 year old grad. When your lifestyle is adjusting for the BETTER, everything is easier. It’s just more enjoyable. But reverse that order, and it’s a whole different story.

THE TWENTIES HAVE ARRIVED

It’s interesting to reflect back on my progression of thoughts regarding “the Twenties”  from high school through college. In high school, the most enticing thing I could think of about living in my Twenties would be that I wouldn’t need to go to school anymore and that I could date chicks who are younger than me and it wouldn’t be weird. In college, after interviewing and learning from a myriad of professionals in their later 30’s on what they would change about their 20’s, I couldn’t wait for the financial freedom, educational freedom, and do-what-you-want-do-it-now freedom that they so happily, (some regrettably) spoke about. In other words, it’s been a steady 8 year build up that accumulated into a roaring, uplifting moment when I was on a free tour in Edinburgh, Scotland. I just thought, “Damn, this is it. I’m living, truly living in my Twenties.” And it’s been everything I dreamed of and will for sure, only get better for the next couple years.

I whole heartedly believe that everyone will experience a moment like this. I have just been extremely lucky and blessed to have arrived, maybe even a little earlier than planned to where I am today. It’s just a matter of time. Don’t want to wait? Then start shaping what you’ve imagined your Twenties to be now. The past 8 years from high school to college flew by, the same will be the same with  the golden years of our Twenties.

CARPE DIEM

Recently, I’ve translated this to, “Seize the opportunity.” No matter where we are in the stages of our careers and environments, there is always room to really make the most of it. Sitting idly, exchanging procrastination for proactivity, and settling for comfort are all detrimental factors that slow us down in advancing ourselves in building memories, relationships, learning new skills, improving ourselves physically/mentally/spiritually, etc. Yes, I am very lucky to be working at Google. But at the same time, life would have been much easier if I decided to take the easy route of coming in, doing my regular 40 hour work week, and just cruising until my contracted year is over. But I refuse to succumb to that type of mentality. I’ve scheduled multitudes of lunches interviewing dozens of other employees from different departments, joined Toastmasters in hopes of building my public speaking skills, and joined a kickboxing/muy Thai club. And it has been fantastic.

And just as unpredictable as it was when I suddenly heard, then immediately was hired for the Google job, the same can be said for the opposite. Yes, it is safe to assume that nothing drastic will happen in the 9 months, but I would rather live in a mentality of knowing that diamonds don’t last forever, so take advantage of it now.

Carpe Diem y’all!

BECAUSE I’M HAPPY

When people ask if I’m happy with my life, I would say No, not all the time. Which would warrant a natural reaction of concern and a proceeding of quick-fire questions on why this, why that. It’s not that I’m not unhappy, it’s just that I’m content, and happy sometimes. It’s impossible to be happy ALL the time. If we were happy all the time, we’re not leaving any room for the next higher level. It’s interesting to compare how content I’ve felt prior to working at Google when I was living with my friends, surfing in the mornings, and just getting by with a much smaller pay check. Now, with Google I would still say I’m currently very content with my life. There’s just been more mini spikes of happiness from the food, the fitness classes, the snacks, etc. But overall, I’m content.

It’s even difficult to think about choosing which lifestyle I would’ve preferred, because at the end of the day, I’m just comparing a content life with happy moments vs a content life with more mini happy moments, which in my opinion, is just not enough of a difference to solidly learn towards one side. Again, from a third eye perspective, I’m sure choosing Google would be the DUH answer so it’s interesting to see how my feelings match up to what I think the majority would say.

CLOSING REMARKS

All in all, change is an inevitable thing. It’s just a manner of what you do with it and with what attitude and perspective that makes a difference.

That’s it for now.

AL