Thread: Hello and Happy Memorial Day (from Pennsylvania)!

My name is Raymond Arotin. I live about 70 miles East of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I work for an Energy / Natural Gas exploration company as an administrative assistant and graphic designer. I just turned 40 years old this year.

I went to college (WAY back in 1988-1993) to study studio arts and graphic design. I graduated with a BFA in Studio Arts. I’ve always had some talent and inclination toward drawing, designing, and computers. However, I’ve struggled to figure out exactly how to translate those talents into an abundant lifestyle.

I’ve always worked hard my whole life. I stayed at my first job (a restaurant cook) for far too long. My second job (graphic designer and distribution manager for a small “Advertiser Paper”) was my first real experience in a business environment. I worked many hours under a lot of pressure and low pay. Eventually the business was sold to a corporation and was closed. I was Unemployed for 6 months, and despite the lack of money, it was the best time of my life!

I felt a huge weight lifted off of me, and I was able to think clearly for the first time in years! I was never bored the entire time I was unemployed – not one day. I spent my time trying to improve myself – my attitudes, my thinking, my education, and read about ways to become financially independent.

Eventually, I was re-employed (a few different times) and am now employed again. I am very thankful for my current job – the people are very generous and nice, but I know that someday I want to transition into my own business and discover ways of making passive income.

While reading The Millionaire Fastlane – I was reminded about how my life during my 20’s was spent blaming life, society, my parents, etc. and regretting my decisions (Sidewalk mentality), and much of my early 30’s was spent believing the ideas of the Slowlane. I could see how those ideas just weren’t working out (accumulating wealth through stocks, 401k, savings from your paycheck… INSANE!) – especially in the last few years!

I joined the Fastlane Forum because I felt that the members have a lot of valuable information to share. There is so much MIS-information on the cyber highway that it’s nice to find a spot that is worthy of my time. I know that I have much to learn, and I am just trying to “find my way out of the garage” so to speak… but I am excited and confident that I am on the right path.

Awesome intro Ray, great to have ya!!