Not flippant at all. I don't disagree with your advice, unless it's to be taken as some axiomatic truth for all first-time workers. Your experience does not jive with mine—that's cool, man. I have no doubt that what you're saying is true in your experience and in your industry.

You gonna discount my perspective because isn't doesn't gel with yours? Or perhaps accept that very rarely can you give a piece of broad spectrum advice that perfectly suits all people in all environments. And yes, that was a strong reaction to a posting on an internet forum—I'm a bit bemused by it to be perfectly honest.

As a veteran of 30 years in offices around the world, please go into your job with the motto "Big ears, Small mouth."

Mostly listen. Talk little.

Unless you work in a creative industry, do any sort of client servicing, problem solving, researching, or project planning. In which case, not talking makes people think "why are we paying this guy."

1. Surf

2. Go diving/fishing a lot more

3. Explore ways to live more sustainably. Share my experiences with others.

4. Garden

5. Buy dog. Walk dog.

6. Read/write

7. Be more available. I'd love to be able to help people with whatever at the drop of a hat.

I'm from Auckland too. I guess my experience has been biased by the fact that I'm only six or so years out of high school. All of my friends have bought secondhand, and the majority seem to be manuals. Most new vehicles (and newer secondhand vehicles) do seem to be autos though so I guess the manual fleet is getting slowly replaced.

Same thing in New Zealand. Most people buy manuals. Also, the secondhand vehicle market seems to be much more robust in NZ than the US which explains a preference for manuals as they tend to age a lot better and are easier to service or work on yourself.

I was talking to an American cousin a while back and he explained that in his state secondhand vehicles were impractical because the salt used on the roads in the winter drastically reduces the lifespan of any given vehicle.

I've owned both and, in the long run, my auto ended up costing me a lot more in terms of servicing and parts replacements.

I'm gonna go with the first things that spring to mind:

The bible. Or maybe just the gospels, and genesis through to the end of 2 Chronicles (skipping leviticus and numbers).

Paul Simon's Graceland.

The Brothers Karamazov.

Bambi.

Bowie's greatest hits.

The land before time.

The Goonies.

LOTR. books and films.

Chronicles of Narnia. just the books.

Jumanji.

Give me a yell when you get to Cambodia. I'm in Phnom Penh. We'll grab a drink if you're keen.