I met my boss’ kids for the first time recently and my shaky confidence was tested and it did not really hold its ground.

They are both a little younger than me, yet I was utterly intimated by them. In some sense, one of them is studying to go into the same field that I am also trained for. I was suddenly so conscientious of my every move, word and my “work” that the kid was reading. I have worked my ass off the last five years to make it in an industry that is as fickle as a woman, harsh as the Sahara desert. For a good portion of that time, I had worked under one of the most influential people in that industry, well known for being a fire-breathing dragon. I have come out on top with the respect from my colleagues that they are still calling me asking me back and are willing to recommend me to where they are and most of them are of the management level.

Yet, all said and done, I am still threatened by this kid. Because I know, when the kid finishes school, the parents will use their connections and get the kid placed somewhere good. I slogged so hard to get the little bit of recognition, and this kid is just going to cruise into it without any problems at all.

I am unsure if I am jealous, but in some sense I cannot see myself cruising thru life (tho it might be nice for a while). I know I would have missed many a crucial lesson, if I was just given the privilege. Without those amazing lessons, I know I will not be the person I am today; as cliché as that sounds; nor would I have gained the respect of my ex-bosses and ex-colleagues.

I guess it irks me that the kids will just cruise through life because of their parents and the parents’ wealth. I don’t ever recall dreaming filthy rich or extremely influential. I sometimes see the kids as birds in a gilded cage with no chance of really knowing how the world is like.

I am simply happy to be comfortable – wealth does not intrigue me none. As long as I have enough to put a roof over my head and food on my table (maybe with a luxury once in a blue moon). I am sated to live a common life with the masses.