Morning Commute & Rearview Realizations

There you were...on your morning commute. You're going to the same place that you went to yesterday. And the day before that...and...wait...no, that's not right. The day before that was a weekend. Wasn't it? Anyway, it really doesn't matter, because you had a really good workout this morning and you're still feeling the high. Your coffee's tasty, just like every other time you make it. Hot and black like a Marine's soul oughtta be. I'm kidding. But the coffee is good and that workout was amazing. 

Enough of that, whatever that...was. Damn, I love italics. So there I was, driving along, singing with the tunes, drumming away on the ol' steering wheel (only when completely stopped at a light). I was enjoying myself. Morning PT is "me" time and the commute is a continuation of that inner self-focus that sometimes goes so far as to be considered mindfulness, especially if tuned in to one of Ajahn Brahm's Dhamma/meditation/discussion videos. I was getting pretty close to arriving at my work, with just a few more red lights to go, when I glanced into my rearview mirror. The dude behind me did not look like he was having a good time. Now, I understand that there's probably good reason for this - most folks hate their jobs, one...two, there could've been many other reasons that he looked so disgruntled and unsatisfied with his current place in life. Three...well, it's 0730. That's 7:30 in the AM for those don't habla.

Falling Down - Opening Scene

That's what I thought of...the opening scene of the hit Michael Douglas film, Falling Down.

I don't think that this guy was going to go shooting up a local fast food joint because they'd just stopped serving breakfast or anything, but I assumed (and I know it's sometimes wrong to make assumptions) this man to be a government contractor. He'd likely spent two decades or more in the military, like many of us, but instead of taking the off ramp, he decided to get into government contracting...which isn't all bad. It can be quite lucrative work and lots of folks that are exiting the active duty ranks at retirement still need to get kids through school, pay off houses, etc. I get it. Some of those folks are actual-factual patriots that aren't there for the paycheck (well, not completely anyway...I mean they really, sincerely, want to be there - making a difference!).

But what I don't get is why so many immediately continue right back into the rat race, albeit in a different outfit. I'm not (completely) knocking the whole getting-into-government-contracting-right-after-military-retirement scheme (I mean, plan), but I think if the timing and family positioning is right, why not take a bit of a break, at least? 

I'm not 100% knocking contracting, again, but that was this morning's rearview realization (and my own imagination) that helped me to be appreciative of the path that we're on. We know where we're headed...and I know where I don't want to be after all of this email click-clackery and incessant ringing of phones is complete. I guess it's good to have backup-backup plans, though.

What's your escape plan?