At the age of 38, filled with a sense of disillusionment and physical discomfort from his job as a carpenter, the future seemed uncertain for the storyteller. However, life had surprising twists and turns in store. At 40 and 42, he welcomed the arrival of his two children, filling his world with joy and new responsibilities.

Seeking a change, the protagonist decided to embark on a new academic journey at the age of 45. Despite the setback of the dot-com crash, which affected job prospects even for the younger generation, he persevered. Through dedication and hard work, he obtained two bachelor's degrees in computer science and applied mathematics by the age of 50.

However, the job market proved challenging, and he found himself returning to carpentry. Surprisingly, this time around, he discovered a newfound enjoyment in his work. Life took another unexpected turn when he was offered a temporary teaching position at a polytechnic, instructing young adults in residential construction and math-based engineering courses. The experience proved rewarding, and the temporary job evolved into a permanent one, carrying him through to retirement at the age of 66.

Reflecting on his achievements, the storyteller poses a poignant question: has he accomplished much in life? He acknowledges that financial wealth may elude him, but he feels content with what he has. With a modest pension and some investment income, he has all he needs. More importantly, he cherishes his loving wife of over 30 years and takes pride in his two remarkable adult children. Despite the ups and downs, his health remains relatively good, and he finds genuine happiness in his existence.

Ultimately, the storyteller attributes his fulfillment and sense of achievement to his values and personal perspective. While he acknowledges that starting earlier might have yielded more financial success, he harbors no regrets. He considers himself fortunate to have experienced love, to be surrounded by a supportive family, and to have found contentment in the simple pleasures of life.

Through his story, he reminds us that true achievement is subjective, and success should be measured by individual standards rather than societal norms. Despite the challenges and delayed starts, it's never too late to find happiness, purpose, and fulfillment.