How has your decade been?
Discussion
Inspired by this set of picture ( here) The decade globally has been pretty crap. But anyhow, let us not dwell.
How has your decade been? Maybe you have got married, had a new arrival, had a new job, travelled the world?
Try and keep the doom and gloom to a minimum
Age:10 to 20
Good things: Finished High School, Finished College both with good grades, Started work, Met the girlfriend, Travelled, Bought my first Car, Saving for a house deposit & Decided on a career path.
Bad things: Lost my best mate, and my grandfather
So on the whole a good 10 years from being a kid to growing up properly! So what about you? What good things have happened to you in the past 10 year? Are you looking forward to the next 10?
Keep the crapness of the government, the pointless war on co2, the financial crisis, the wars in general, the rise in petrol price, the increase in tax, an argument on religion out of this thread, Let's have some festive happiness!
How has your decade been? Maybe you have got married, had a new arrival, had a new job, travelled the world?
Try and keep the doom and gloom to a minimum
Age:10 to 20
Good things: Finished High School, Finished College both with good grades, Started work, Met the girlfriend, Travelled, Bought my first Car, Saving for a house deposit & Decided on a career path.
Bad things: Lost my best mate, and my grandfather
So on the whole a good 10 years from being a kid to growing up properly! So what about you? What good things have happened to you in the past 10 year? Are you looking forward to the next 10?
Keep the crapness of the government, the pointless war on co2, the financial crisis, the wars in general, the rise in petrol price, the increase in tax, an argument on religion out of this thread, Let's have some festive happiness!
Edited by JakeS on Monday 21st December 13:47
Age: 10 - 20
Good things: Got a nice IT job at 18, been here 3 years and all is going well. Had a house in Henley for a year with the other half, decided to move to Sweden to be with her family. Things are 10x better outside of the UK!! Started going to Le Mans with the old man at 16. 2010 will be my 6th expedition!
Bad things: Lost a few family members... Parents divorced.
Looking forward to getting on with 2010! Working on starting own company with a friend, very close to fruition!
Roll on the next 10 years!!
Good things: Got a nice IT job at 18, been here 3 years and all is going well. Had a house in Henley for a year with the other half, decided to move to Sweden to be with her family. Things are 10x better outside of the UK!! Started going to Le Mans with the old man at 16. 2010 will be my 6th expedition!
Bad things: Lost a few family members... Parents divorced.
Looking forward to getting on with 2010! Working on starting own company with a friend, very close to fruition!
Roll on the next 10 years!!
Age 19 - 29.
Started sharing a house with 3 mates, driving an MGB, and working on 15k in recruitment. But had no worries whatsoever.
Good points;
Now married to a lovely girl (although has a bit of the MENTAL going on at the moment) live in a big old farmhouse in a lovely Oxfordshire village, have a 2 year old daughter, a son due in January, a good job and a selection of reasonable cars!
Bad points;
Gone from 30" waist to 36" waist. Get out of breath going up stairs, sex is occasional at best (hopefully due to pregnancy), and constantly struggling to keep up with personal admin (tax returns) etc and quite stressed.
Funny old ten years really...
Started sharing a house with 3 mates, driving an MGB, and working on 15k in recruitment. But had no worries whatsoever.
Good points;
Now married to a lovely girl (although has a bit of the MENTAL going on at the moment) live in a big old farmhouse in a lovely Oxfordshire village, have a 2 year old daughter, a son due in January, a good job and a selection of reasonable cars!
Bad points;
Gone from 30" waist to 36" waist. Get out of breath going up stairs, sex is occasional at best (hopefully due to pregnancy), and constantly struggling to keep up with personal admin (tax returns) etc and quite stressed.
Funny old ten years really...
Age 22 - 32 (you young b
ds! starting the decade at 10!) 
My son was born right at the start of the decade in Jan 2000, split up with his mother not too long afterwards, spent a long while fking around relationship wise, been living with a great girl for the last 4 years.
Career wise was already doing IT stuff at a reasonably senior "technical" level, rode out the "contractor silly money" till about 2003-4, got a permie role for peanuts but a change in direction professionally, company went bust within 6 months of me being there, (wasnt my fault honest!).
Started my own firm with a couple of guys I was made redundant with, one left shortly after we started, so just the two of us left. Still going strong 6 years later.
Fingers crossed next year will see me paying off the last of the debt I incurred whilst starting up my company (no salary for first 6 months and a pittance for the following 6 runs up the debts pretty quickly!). Might even bite the bullet and buy a proper family home rather than the silly 2up-2down terrace we're rammed into now.
If I can justify it to myself I might even get another silly car in 2010, currently agonising over how much I can/should spend, al kinds of Pork, TVRs and other sillyness is on the list!
oh and I'll be getting an MX5 too with any luck, under the guise of being a present for the GF, but it'l be mine really. Happy days!
ds! starting the decade at 10!) My son was born right at the start of the decade in Jan 2000, split up with his mother not too long afterwards, spent a long while f
king around relationship wise, been living with a great girl for the last 4 years. Career wise was already doing IT stuff at a reasonably senior "technical" level, rode out the "contractor silly money" till about 2003-4, got a permie role for peanuts but a change in direction professionally, company went bust within 6 months of me being there, (wasnt my fault honest!).
Started my own firm with a couple of guys I was made redundant with, one left shortly after we started, so just the two of us left. Still going strong 6 years later.
Fingers crossed next year will see me paying off the last of the debt I incurred whilst starting up my company (no salary for first 6 months and a pittance for the following 6 runs up the debts pretty quickly!). Might even bite the bullet and buy a proper family home rather than the silly 2up-2down terrace we're rammed into now.
If I can justify it to myself I might even get another silly car in 2010, currently agonising over how much I can/should spend, al kinds of Pork, TVRs and other sillyness is on the list!
oh and I'll be getting an MX5 too with any luck, under the guise of being a present for the GF, but it'l be mine really. Happy days!
I started the decade at 7 
Age: 7-17
Good things: Went through primary school, fairly enjoying that. Played for the school football team, we won the league. Got into a football club, did great there.
Secondary school, back in May/June I completed my Standard Grade exams, I did well and I'm currently doing my highers in 5th year.
Bad things: Quit football as I just had enough of it. In a way I wish I was still playing. I play indoors on a monday night with dads mates, doing well in that though.
Not much else, lost my gf a couple of months ago, were going out for almost a year but I guess that's not much really.
So I guess a not bad decade for me.
Age: 7-17
Good things: Went through primary school, fairly enjoying that. Played for the school football team, we won the league. Got into a football club, did great there.
Secondary school, back in May/June I completed my Standard Grade exams, I did well and I'm currently doing my highers in 5th year.
Bad things: Quit football as I just had enough of it. In a way I wish I was still playing. I play indoors on a monday night with dads mates, doing well in that though.
Not much else, lost my gf a couple of months ago, were going out for almost a year but I guess that's not much really.
So I guess a not bad decade for me.
25 to 35
started the decade with a clapped out rover 216 GTI (oh the shame!), flatsharing in London
finished the decade living in the burbs, with some far nicer motors, married with 2 daughters. When I look at it like that, so much has happened!
started the decade with a clapped out rover 216 GTI (oh the shame!), flatsharing in London
finished the decade living in the burbs, with some far nicer motors, married with 2 daughters. When I look at it like that, so much has happened!
Edited by JakeR on Monday 21st December 10:23
18 - 28.
Good: Grew up. Finished A levels with good grades, got a decent degree, had a four year relationship, ended that. (yes it was a good thing), went travelling for a year, saw some of the most amazing places, and met some amazing people. All of which will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Got a grad job, then moved to another job, got made redundant(with a massive pay off), got another job and am now happily working, couple of cars, bought a house with a new partner, now been together 4 years.
Bad: Lost a grandparent.
All in all you know - its not been a bad decade at all.
Good: Grew up. Finished A levels with good grades, got a decent degree, had a four year relationship, ended that. (yes it was a good thing), went travelling for a year, saw some of the most amazing places, and met some amazing people. All of which will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Got a grad job, then moved to another job, got made redundant(with a massive pay off), got another job and am now happily working, couple of cars, bought a house with a new partner, now been together 4 years.
Bad: Lost a grandparent.
All in all you know - its not been a bad decade at all.
25-35
Bought a house and moved in with long term partner, bought a bigger house, left, homeless/rented off and on for 2 years, bought my own pad.
Worked in Boots plc whilst going to uni, completed 3 years, and then fell preggers, took a year out. Went back for 4th year, and lasted 6wks. Then started working for the council in Education (still there).
Got engaged, had a baby, fell out of love, left, fell in love, got shafted, had a near breakdown,had an operation, had run in with police, plus, plus plus, but survived
Roll on 2010....
Oh never did it good/bad things, just rambled as normal. As my good list would be just a tad smaller than my bad list
Bought a house and moved in with long term partner, bought a bigger house, left, homeless/rented off and on for 2 years, bought my own pad.
Worked in Boots plc whilst going to uni, completed 3 years, and then fell preggers, took a year out. Went back for 4th year, and lasted 6wks. Then started working for the council in Education (still there).
Got engaged, had a baby, fell out of love, left, fell in love, got shafted, had a near breakdown,had an operation, had run in with police, plus, plus plus, but survived
Roll on 2010....
Oh never did it good/bad things, just rambled as normal. As my good list would be just a tad smaller than my bad list
Edited by Penny-lope on Monday 21st December 10:51
20-30
Finished Uni, got a job and worked my way up, still at the same place. Bought a house, got married, had a son.
Car wise, I started with an L reg Rover 620 and ended up with an 09 BMW 535d with much more interesting (V8) stuff in between.
All in all it's been pretty good and looking back I've done a hell of a lot of cool stuff. 9/10
Finished Uni, got a job and worked my way up, still at the same place. Bought a house, got married, had a son.
Car wise, I started with an L reg Rover 620 and ended up with an 09 BMW 535d with much more interesting (V8) stuff in between.
All in all it's been pretty good and looking back I've done a hell of a lot of cool stuff. 9/10
Ages - 30 to 40
Started off in y2k getting married, honeymooning in Orlando.
Son born in 2001 - he's a great little fella.
2001-2006 spent being married, albeit not necessarily happily.
2006 - divorce commenced
2007 - moved out of the family home (telling your kid that you're moving out ain't easy on anyone), early on was mildly depressed, then started to get out, dating, and generally having a cracking good time, bought a 318iS.
Mid 2007 - divorce finalised
Dec 2007 - found out that ex g/f was pregnant, and I'm the daddy.
2008 - sold the 318iS
Mid 2008 - second (accidental) son was born.
2009 has been pretty good overall.
August 2010 will be quite cathartic - I'll be spending it in Orland (almost 10 year to the day since I was last there for honeymoon), with my partner, our 3 kids. I'm praying for it to be considerably more entertaining than the last visit.
Overall ratings for the last ten years
- my ability to handle relationships 0/10
- my ability to choose the wrong car 10/10 (Renault Laguna, why?????)
- my ability to produce cracking sons 10/10 (Ethan and Alfie - both absolute stars)
Started off in y2k getting married, honeymooning in Orlando.
Son born in 2001 - he's a great little fella.
2001-2006 spent being married, albeit not necessarily happily.
2006 - divorce commenced
2007 - moved out of the family home (telling your kid that you're moving out ain't easy on anyone), early on was mildly depressed, then started to get out, dating, and generally having a cracking good time, bought a 318iS.
Mid 2007 - divorce finalised
Dec 2007 - found out that ex g/f was pregnant, and I'm the daddy.
2008 - sold the 318iS
Mid 2008 - second (accidental) son was born.
2009 has been pretty good overall.
August 2010 will be quite cathartic - I'll be spending it in Orland (almost 10 year to the day since I was last there for honeymoon), with my partner, our 3 kids. I'm praying for it to be considerably more entertaining than the last visit.
Overall ratings for the last ten years
- my ability to handle relationships 0/10
- my ability to choose the wrong car 10/10 (Renault Laguna, why?????)
- my ability to produce cracking sons 10/10 (Ethan and Alfie - both absolute stars)
Aged 23-33.
Christ a lot has happened over the last ten years
Career
Graudated
Started with a crappy job in ops - worked nights for 90 hours a week
Moved into account management - saw daylight for the first time in a year. Halved my hours
Moved to another comapany and into sales.
Moved to another company into a better sales job.
Moved to another company and doubled my salary - great earning potential - lots of travel.
Relationships
Got married.
Had a daughter
Had a son.
Property
Rented a house.
Bought a flat
Bought a house.
Motors
Fiesta 1.3
Scenic 1.6
Astra 1.8 Sport
Bora 1.8T
Golf GTi
Bora 1.9TDi
Passat 1.9TDi
Volvo S60 2.0T
Audi A4 2.0TDi
Ford Puma 1.7 (current)
Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec B (Current)
I started to decade with very little. I have finished it with a wonderful wife, 2 beautifull children, a job i actually enjoy, my own house and two decent cars. I consider myself to be very lucky.
Christ a lot has happened over the last ten years
Career
Graudated
Started with a crappy job in ops - worked nights for 90 hours a week
Moved into account management - saw daylight for the first time in a year. Halved my hours
Moved to another comapany and into sales.
Moved to another company into a better sales job.
Moved to another company and doubled my salary - great earning potential - lots of travel.
Relationships
Got married.
Had a daughter
Had a son.
Property
Rented a house.
Bought a flat
Bought a house.
Motors
Fiesta 1.3
Scenic 1.6
Astra 1.8 Sport
Bora 1.8T
Golf GTi
Bora 1.9TDi
Passat 1.9TDi
Volvo S60 2.0T
Audi A4 2.0TDi
Ford Puma 1.7 (current)
Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec B (Current)
I started to decade with very little. I have finished it with a wonderful wife, 2 beautifull children, a job i actually enjoy, my own house and two decent cars. I consider myself to be very lucky.
Edited by Mr Gearchange on Monday 21st December 11:15
Age 39-49. I'd say it was a fair decade with some challenges, but the important things are still ok.
Family:
Both sets of parents still alive into their late 70s early 80s but health failing and nearly lost one a few years ago - Brilliant job by NHS Frimley to get him back to life again. Four daughters blossoming into beauties. One got married. Became a grandfather at 43!
Friends etc:
Lost some friends to the grim reaper. Best mate just had a wall fall on him and a couple of toes amputated last week. Daughter's boyfriend died a month ago at 27 years old. Re established connections with some old friends from college / first job in 1970's.
Cars:
Sold a Grif moneypit, bought a Vette among others. Still got the Vette after 5 years, others gone so that must be a good thing.
Romance:
Got married - still got the wife, so - ditto above - (actually love her to bits - she's the main thing that makes life special)
Work:
Company I worked for got acquired. Renowned crap new employer, took me 2 years to get out of it making sure it was not a frying pan / fire situation. Now in a great role with applicable technology but according to all staff not just me, MD is not good. Other than that (I report to him directly so it affects me), great place to be.
Outlook for next decade:
Join sad old over 50s club. Keep wife & kids happy. Retirement. More grandchildren. Emigrate. Z06. Sportscruiser in Med. Positive mind, leading to good times.
Hopefully it'll be good for you lot too.
Family:
Both sets of parents still alive into their late 70s early 80s but health failing and nearly lost one a few years ago - Brilliant job by NHS Frimley to get him back to life again. Four daughters blossoming into beauties. One got married. Became a grandfather at 43!
Friends etc:
Lost some friends to the grim reaper. Best mate just had a wall fall on him and a couple of toes amputated last week. Daughter's boyfriend died a month ago at 27 years old. Re established connections with some old friends from college / first job in 1970's.
Cars:
Sold a Grif moneypit, bought a Vette among others. Still got the Vette after 5 years, others gone so that must be a good thing.
Romance:
Got married - still got the wife, so - ditto above - (actually love her to bits - she's the main thing that makes life special)
Work:
Company I worked for got acquired. Renowned crap new employer, took me 2 years to get out of it making sure it was not a frying pan / fire situation. Now in a great role with applicable technology but according to all staff not just me, MD is not good. Other than that (I report to him directly so it affects me), great place to be.
Outlook for next decade:
Join sad old over 50s club. Keep wife & kids happy. Retirement. More grandchildren. Emigrate. Z06. Sportscruiser in Med. Positive mind, leading to good times.
Hopefully it'll be good for you lot too.
bazking69 said:
16-26.
Not a bad decade in all fairness, but growing older and wiser had also brought moments.
As far as I am concerned 2010 is going to be the year that sets me up for the next decade...
wholeheartedly agree with that.Not a bad decade in all fairness, but growing older and wiser had also brought moments.
As far as I am concerned 2010 is going to be the year that sets me up for the next decade...
me: 19-29
started the decade stood on a bridge overlooking the thames watching the fireworks and enjoying some tongue action with a girl i fancied from uni.
got a good degree in a subject i disliked and took job on graduation in 2003 for the company i am leaving on wednesday through redundancy.
started a 3yr relationship at uni with a wondeful girl, moved into a sweet penthouse in manchester, but it came to nought and she's now with my ex best mate.
moved in with parents, worked 70hrs a week to save for a house and bought a wreck of a place in december 06. had a fantastic 2.5yr relationship which ended due to it being long distance but she's now one of my best mates and i learned a lot about who i am and what i want out of life through her so can't complain.
things now looking up again. i should finish the house and sell in spring/summer and my 3yr hiatus away from civilisation and my mates will come to an end. i more or less know what i want to do careerwise and if i can't get a job doing it i'll go travelling or study for an MSc in europe.
i'll also be spending NYE [my 29th birthday] enjoying tongue action with a girl i fancy so i'll end it the way i started at least. looking forward to 2010 and achieving what i set out to do 3-4years ago.
highs: holidays & laughs.
lows: a good friend of mine dying young.
happiest about: not marrying or having kids. ending the decade with no ties or responsibilities and an appetite for adventure.
displeased with: taking so long to work out what i want out of life and living in a nomark town for the last 3 years.
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