Peaking

D and I had a conversation about when one "peaks" this past weekend. The topic came up as we noticed some people driving around and walking around dressed and looking like they stepped out of the 70's.

D's dad had an interesting take on it. He believes that those people drive the cars they do and dress like they do because it was at that point in time when they felt the best about themselves ie. the most good looking, successful, popular etc. and they wish to continue to "capture" it.

What do you think? Does that make sense? Is the concept depressing as peaking may connotate everything else that comes after is subpar?

If that was true, I peaked work and looks wise when I was 17 years old. I was in a co-op position as a Jr architectural technologist, dressed very professionally, wore makeup, made not much money but was giddy with happiness.

So much so, I looked forward to going to work, even though it meant a 2 1/2 hr bus and subway commute each way. It wasn't my first job, I just loved the work. I decided not to continue in that career path because I wanted more job stability. Funny, self employment isn't really the pinnacle of job stability...

Since then I've made much more money doing what I am doing right now, which has nothing to do with architecture but I've never felt that level of giddiness for work since. I experience a lot of satisfaction from helping people whereas I didn't work one on one with people back then.

I dress more casually now. Rarely do I wear 2 1/2 inch heels anymore. And I do not spend $100 on a haircut nor wear a lot of makeup. Maybe somewhere along the line, I felt I had less to prove though I do miss the clothes and the haircuts.