Persevering to achieve success.

4zn76tysfajdxp · 26-08-2014 01:25PM

A friend of mine is a wonderful example of perseverance and survival against all the odds. Escaping the Syrian civil war he moved to Finland and survives on delivering pizzas every evening to support his family, all the while studying during the day to better himself and provide for a better future. He's an inspiration.

Peist2007 · 26-08-2014 01:30PM

Topper Harley wrote: »

No, it is. Don't be such a typical Irish begrudger. :P

Had a look through his profile. If he isnt taking the piss then i have seen it all

Davarus Walrus · 26-08-2014 01:44PM

Giuliana Witty Puppy wrote: »

A friend of mine is a wonderful example of perseverance and survival against all the odds. Escaping the Syrian civil war he moved to Finland and survives on delivering pizzas every evening to support his family, all the while studying during the day to better himself and provide for a better future. He's an inspiration.

That's a great story. Makes you think about the sacrifices some people make to better themselves under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. And then you have the usual moaners here, living in one of the most prosperous countries in the world, but bitter and cynical from their own lack of success and initiative.

Elessar · 26-08-2014 01:55PM

Jaysus the Irish begrudgery is out in force in this thread. It seems you can't tell people how good you have it and how happy you are in this country. You have to be mild and apologetic just to not get berated. F*ck that. Well done Von Bismark.

I guess I am persevering (going to college at night, paying for it and working full time) and have just begun to see the fruits of my labour. Even though I only finished first year, I was offered a position in the area I'm studying in work and I'm delighted!

Darkest Horse · 26-08-2014 02:06PM

Elessar wrote: »

Jaysus the Irish begrudgery is out in force in this thread. It seems you can't tell people how good you have it and how happy you are in this country. You have to be mild and apologetic just to not get berated. F*ck that. Well done Von Bismark.

I guess I am persevering (going to college at night, paying for it and working full time) and have just begun to see the fruits of my labour. Even though I only finished first year, I was offered a position in the area I'm studying in work and I'm delighted!

Is perseverance achieving your goal after several attempts in the face of adversity and against the odds or is it just going on to do what you were seemingly destined to do which I suspect is the case with Aongus Von Bismarck?

You'll have to read his post again but he makes out like coming from the west of Ireland and following a generally well worn path to college and a job was some unheard of act of bravery and defiance that nobody has ever achieved before. It's a good achievement but doesn't scream of perseverance, merely just accomplishing set goals.

Replace 'west of Ireland' with 'Liberia' and it might begin to be impressive.

RoboRat · 26-08-2014 02:24PM

I have persevered all of my life and its been a pretty ****ty life a lot of the time to be honest. I have got myself to a place where I am happy and that for me is a result, I have a wife and son who are my life, have a job I could only dream about a few years ago (albeit the salary isn't great) and I have a real chance to finally come good if I just persevere a little bit more.

Its been hard because I have always felt my work was undervalued (and proven right for previous companies) and my friends are extremely successful. I don't begrudge their success and I am delighted for them and they have always pushed me to do better, even when I was in a really bad place as they believed in me even when I didn't.

As already stated by another poster, I could fill books of regrets and mistakes but I have learned from them so I guess I really shouldn't regret them. I set myself 6 goals every year and make sure I attain them. This has helped me to the position I am now in and fingers crossed, I will be in a much better place next year.

DeanAustin · 26-08-2014 02:29PM

Giuliana Witty Puppy wrote: »

A friend of mine is a wonderful example of perseverance and survival against all the odds. Escaping the Syrian civil war he moved to Finland and survives on delivering pizzas every evening to support his family, all the while studying during the day to better himself and provide for a better future. He's an inspiration.

Fair play to him. I really hope he succeeds. Either way, even if he delivers pizzas for the rest of his life, he's already achieved something fantastic in my book.

Jogathon · 26-08-2014 02:36PM

Von Bismarck's story is not a story of great perseverance. Lots of people here have the same story...we just don't feel the need to go on about it because leaving a rural life, going to college, getting a great job that you love and a nice partner in life is achieved by many. And the fact that he likes to boast about it is a bit weird and attention seeking.

In other news, my friend who has seriously struggled to find work for almost five years got a permanent job yesterday. She is over the moon.

OldNotWIse · 26-08-2014 02:44PM

Irish begrdgery. One of the many things that spoil our country (cue "well if you dont like it get out"). Isn't it said that in the US if you say someone is confident, it's a compliment but in Ireland it's an insult? We're only happy when people are down on their luck (and we also hate "dole scroungers" too, dont we? So wtf are people meant to do??)

Thread seems like a competition for who had it the worst. Blah blah I have to walk to well to get water for my family etc.

OldNotWIse · 26-08-2014 02:46PM

Jogathon wrote: »

Von Bismarck's story is not a story of great perseverance. Lots of people here have the same story...we just don't feel the need to go on about it because leaving a rural life, going to college, getting a great job that you love and a nice partner in life is achieved by many. And the fact that he likes to boast about it is a bit weird and attention seeking.

In other news, my friend who has seriously struggled to find work for almost five years got a permanent job yesterday. She is over the moon.

I agree there's no need to blow one's one trumpet, and it may or may not be telling of a lack of something on OP's part. Also telling are the vile reactions of other posters though....

jimgoose · 26-08-2014 02:48PM

My crackpot theory is that Irish Begrudgery stems, like so many things, from the famine. Back then, anyone who had more potatoes than his neighbour was automatically - and not without reason, it must be said - assumed to be a Lighten' Basturd Sassenach Collaborator.

Barely There · 26-08-2014 02:48PM

Jogathon wrote: »

In other news, my friend who has seriously struggled to find work for almost five years got a permanent job yesterday. She is over the moon.

A job as an astronaut - wow!

That's what I always wanted to be.

Smidge · 26-08-2014 02:49PM

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I grew up on a rural farm in the west of Ireland. Our house was comfortable but far from affluent.

I persevered through college, achieving very highly in all exams. I eventually went on to do a post-graduate degree in the UK's top university. I now have a very highly paid job working in wealth management in Germany. I have a beautiful German partner and want for absolutely nothing.

I've come a long way from picking stones in the West.

Germany, you say?

Darkest Horse · 26-08-2014 02:53PM

It's ok to be offended by characteristics that you find abhorrent. Irish culture is such that we are not endeared by those who classify themselves as superior to their peers. That's ok and is no reason to condemn. We don't live in America. I'm sure there are behaviours unique to American culture that they themselves do not like either. Personally, I don't like the projection of superiority and achievements can be highlighted without same.

jimgoose · 26-08-2014 02:59PM

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I grew up on a rural farm in the west of Ireland. Our house was comfortable but far from affluent.

I persevered through college, achieving very highly in all exams. I eventually went on to do a post-graduate degree in the UK's top university. I now have a very highly paid job working in wealth management in Germany. I have a beautiful German partner and want for absolutely nothing.

I've come a long way from picking stones in the West.

Well fair moxy to you. One thing I would say at this hour of my life is that it is quite difficult to become financially independent, or even decently well-off, in this jurisdiction unless you're some sort of shyster or criminal - and here I include the various political cronies who have been on the money-for-jam ride since time immemorial. I have a number of friends and relatives who work mostly out foreign and do very well for themselves financially, and they are inclined to look back at the Oul' Sod with little short of horror. :pac:

steddyeddy · 26-08-2014 03:02PM

LiveIsLife wrote: »

You seem to be under the impression that everybody wants to know about your life in every other thread. You come across as quite needy.

What a dickish thing to say.

WilyCoyote · 26-08-2014 03:06PM

Practice makes pregnant!

jimgoose · 26-08-2014 03:07PM

LiveIsLife wrote: »

You seem to be under the impression that everybody wants to know about your life in every other thread. You come across as quite needy.

"Needy" isn't a word I'd use about AvB. "Proud" I should say he certainly is. Maybe rightly so. :cool:

KungPao · 26-08-2014 03:08PM

I was born in the bad lands of South Dublin to a lowly dentist and an accountant. Sometimes it was hard. We only ate out at Michelin starred restaurants twice a month during the really bad times and my father even had to reduce my allowance to €2000 per month at one stage, while I was in uni. For a while I was not sure if I was going to make it and I feared due to lack of funds, I may not get my Super Masters PHD Degree, and I would be a laughing stock among the other med students at Trinity.

But I refused to give in and become a failure with just a Super Honours Masters. In the end I made it. I managed to make my allowance stretch just enough and now I drive a brand new Bugatti Veyron to the supermarket - which begrudgers complain about. But I earned this lifestyle. Me, and only me. My Italian Supermodel wife sometimes complains that our life is a little hum drum, so even though I have made it (to a level I doubt any other Boards users could even dream of achieving), I will not be complacent. I may be 26 years old with perfect teeth and a life equal to that of an Arab Sheik's son, but I am not content and I will succeed at my goals...and I will become the billionaire that I deserve.

I am just glad that my hard work paid off and I did not become some IT turn-it-off-and-back-on-again drone earning peanuts like most of the posters on here.

WilyCoyote · 26-08-2014 03:10PM

The Peanut wrote: »

Well done, you should be proud. You were always likely to do well in Germany though with your surname.

Incidentally, is the G silent in the Aongus Von Bismarck?

Only jokin'

jimgoose · 26-08-2014 03:13PM

KungPao wrote: »

...

Anyone who uses something like a Veyron (with it's 8-litre W16, ten radiators and tall gearing) to do the job of a Fiat Panda should be bate shtyoopid with rolled-up copies of Retro Ford magazine, no matter how fuggan rich they are! :pac:

Darkest Horse · 26-08-2014 03:13PM

WilyCoyote wrote: »

Incidentally, is the G silent in the Aongus Von Bismarck?

Only jokin'

I shouldn't say this but I love the bit about having a German partner like it is something that finally lets you know you've arrived! What's wrong with a Greek, Spanish or Italian partner?

Davarus Walrus · 26-08-2014 03:13PM

steddyeddy wrote: »

What a dickish thing to say.

Most of the responses are far more dickish and downright thick than Aongus's post. Dude works in finance. Meek and humble aren't words I associate with bankers.

Maximus Alexander · 26-08-2014 03:16PM

Last_Minute wrote: »

The thing always comes into my mind is that all this hard work might come to nothing - you are not guaranteed success although working hard does increase the chances.

Maybe so, but you are guaranteed failure if you don't try.

jimgoose · 26-08-2014 03:17PM

Darkest Horse wrote: »

I shouldn't say this but I love the bit about having a German partner like it is something that finally lets you know you've arrived! What's wrong with a Greek, Spanish or Italian partner?

Greek women == Hairy, thick.
Spanish women == Lazy, thick.
Italian women == Crazy, thick.
German women == Capable, sensible, great drivers, sex-maniacs.

Slideways · 26-08-2014 03:18PM

My story is a little different. I was always considered a little off looking. Not one to receive many compliments about my looks except from my mother.

Despite that I vowed I would not take an ugly or fat wife.

This lead to years of rejection however I am delighted to say I have finally found a good looking chick with a low enough self esteem that she has taken me for a lover. How good it feels to walk down the main street in my home town and feel the admiring glimpses as we walk hand I hand...

KungPao · 26-08-2014 03:22PM

jimgoose wrote: »

Anyone who uses something like a Veyron (with it's 8-litre W16, ten radiators and tall gearing) to do the job of a Fiat Panda should be bate shtyoopid with rolled-up copies of Retro Ford magazine, no matter how fuggan rich they are! :pac:

:pac:

KungPao · 26-08-2014 03:24PM

Slideways wrote: »

My story is a little different. I was always considered a little off looking. Not one to receive many compliments about my looks except from my mother.

Despite that I vowed I would not take an ugly or fat wife.

This lead to years of rejection however I am delighted to say I have finally found a good looking chick with a low enough self esteem that she has taken me for a lover. How good it feels to walk down the main street in my home town and feel the admiring glimpses as we walk hand I hand...

Congrats

steddyeddy · 26-08-2014 03:34PM

Davarus Walrus wrote: »

Most of the responses are far more dickish and downright thick than Aongus's post. Dude works in finance. Meek and humble aren't words I associate with bankers.

So? Anyone who works hard and accomplishes something is to be admired.

Bio Mech · 26-08-2014 03:44PM

Reading this thread I couldn't understand why there was so many so irritated by Aongus. So I thought I would look over some of his posts. Now the below is just in the last month or so. But in summary he seems to:

Work long hours
Prepare all his own food from scratch
Jog 10km every morning
Have a very high standard of living
Has time to fit in telling the world about the above repeatedly on Boards despite the long hours.

I think I get it now. I am going to say inspired troll on this one. Either that or one truly bitter individual who cant get through one post without promotion of self or denigration of anyone else (except his gorgeous BMW class partner of course). Oh BTW he is in Germany in case you missed that.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I now work in investment banking inGermany for a well known bank.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

excelled academically

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I now enjoyan extremely high standard of living.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I live in Germany but I travel back toIreland fairly often. Though there are much more Plus Size Padlings in Irelandthan you'd see on the continent,

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

Many of these "people" feltthey were the be all and the end all when we were in school. Elite players onthe football team. Now they are stuck with big bellies and no ambition. Thegame of life isn't a sprint. And I passed them out many years ago

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

As well as living in Germany, I alsofulfilled an ambition to have visited all the continents by the time I was 30.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I know it sounds slightly arrogant, butI've managed to retain my looks rather better than the rest of my formerclassmates.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I work in wealth management andinvestment banking for European HNWIs. So I live or die by my ability to createvalue with clients' funds.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

its definitely heavily skewed to the younger male, lower income, worker-drone IT class.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

The wine people buy in Ireland forunder 30 euro and try and claim "it's as good as any wine" are talkingabsolute rubbish. The bargain wines you pick up in Lidl or Tesco for under atenner are, as someone else described "drinkable" . Absolutely fineif you want to get pissed watching the X-Factor

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I wouldn't shop in an Aldi.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I much prefer to buy direct fromsources. Where I live here in Germany there are weekly farmer's markets. Iprepare all my food from scratch (well, my OH often prepares my meals for me,due to my working hours)

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I work in the area of wealth managementfor High Net Worth individuals in Germany. The work can be very stressful andnoisy at times. That is why I run 8-10km every morning before breakfast.

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I now have a very highly paid job

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

have succeeded in life

Persevering to achieve success.

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