I completely agree with your philosophy.

>I work in a “strange environment” for Toyota/General Motors. 18 years ago the two companies got together to build cars. GM has learned from Toyota and this has helped the quality of cars manufactured in this country.
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>We are an UAW shop and recently concluded contract negations. The two parties work well together and everyone is treated in a positive manner. There have been no layoffs since this plant opened. If you are familiar with the automobile manufacturing industry you realize what this means. We recently hired 500 people to help with the two new models we are producing.
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>I have seen a lot of changes during my working career. The words of a Ph.D. who was the president of Auto Desk come to mind. “In my working career I have held 17 different jobs 9 of which no longer exist. The key to success is continued education”! That is also my advice. I have worked in a stock room, as an electronic technician, electronic engineer and programmer. I also teach guitar and piano. Keep on your toes because what you do today may not be there a few years or days down the road. However, I think the guitar and piano will be around for a while!
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>Never become “comfortable” because that is when you neglect yourself and are venerable to the unknown. Retain a healthy quest to search for additional objectives in your life and educate yourself to meet your needs. Try and be one step ahead of the bastard called "change" – it can bite you where it hurts at any time! So far I have been “lucky” because of attempting to retain alertness to my environment. It is called survival.
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>Following my own advice is one of the reasons my wife and I have been married for 36 years.
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>Tom