Sorry if I offended you Bob. I was just commenting on the manner in which you basically told the young man to skip working for a living and go to managment. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I think he clearly knows where he belongs. And I applaud his maturity in staying on course.
As for being an Operator, yes, I am one today. Have been a blade operator for the past 23 years. Can also operate a Dozer or Backhoe.
I've also worked for the Department of Defense in the Army for 40 years and 9 months. The last 21 years as a First Sergeant, deploying My Company and/or parts of my Company nine times. I have drawn 47 months of Combat Pay starting with a tour in Vietnam and ending in Afghanistan.
In the end, looking back, I think success is measured in personal satisfaction of what accomplishments a man can attribute to his own hard work and diligence and the personal satisfaction he feels from that work. I don't think success is measured in money, or staying cool when it's hot, or staying warm when it's cold, or staying dry when it's raining or being home every night. Some of my greatest accomplishments were during times of hardship and duress, wet, hungry, dirty and lonely that I'm afraid you know little or nothing about Bob.
Sorry again if I offended you in any way.