Search Results: college experiences

I have had a lot of setbacks, yes. As of today, I collect disability, yes. But I will say that I have had a hell of a ride with both positive and negative experiences.

• Held 25 jobs in a span of 15 years
• Was certified as an Emergency Medical Responder at age 17
• Was a recruit in firefighter academy as a senior in high school
• Was a fire explorer most of high school
• Worked as a lifeguard in high school
• Voluntarily participated in clinical and EMS ride alongs my junior and senior year of high school
• Volunteered with a county rescue squad at age 18
• Drove to Colorado by myself at age 19 for EMT school and achieved my Advanced EMT
• Worked in EMS for 2 years, even while attempting university. I worked 24 hour shifts, sometimes even 96 consecutive hours. I started intraosseous infusions, IVs, drove lights and sirens through heavy traffic congestion while parting the sea of cars, transported patients to different states at times, loaded patients onto helicopters, and all sorts of kick-ass experiences
• Was kicked out of a college program and showed up there shortly after in a security uniform, making the program's president's mouth drop (a funny experience and a reaction to remember). I was hired on there after I was kicked out of class. I only lasted a few minutes before I was fired, lol.
• I was hospitalized involuntarily over 20 times
• I was arrested and later convicted of stalking at age 21 trying to pursue a romantic interest at that time
• I have been to the Mayo Clinic (top hospital in the nation) to see the top psychiatrist for my mental health problems
• I have corresponded with state legislators to proactively advocate for certain issues
• I became a self-taught fullstack developer, skilled in a wide array of different technologies
• I worked on projects for some big-name, reputable companies, including Daimler (Freightliner/Western Star), Zoetis (veterinary pharmaceutical company), and McCain Foods
• Now, I finally found the love of my life and happily married

I have known my friend Rich since 3rd grade. We grew up together but took different career paths. I went to college and got a degree in business. I got an alright job, but nothing to get excited about. Rich screwed around. He took the first job that was offered to him as a favor from a friend. He hated it and complained every day. By his own admission, he was terrible and close to being fired a few times. He did the bare minimum and cut corners whenever possible. He was also one foot out the door always. Then a different company was in desperate need of a logistics manager, and they did not know his work ethic. All they knew was he had enough experience, and he knew all the lingo to ace the job interview. By his own admission, he conned them into believing he was something he isn't.
I was happy 4 him. I believed he would straighten up, and it would be good for him. He didn't change and was a terrible manager, his words. He would talk badly about his employees to me and curse them for doing things he would do himself. He would hide and sleep on the job or get caught up on Netflix, or take an hour of work and turn it into his whole day. Still, he complained constantly and talked about how bad the company is. He felt justified because they were terrible in his eyes. He also constantly complained about leaving.
Now, he has lucked into the same opportunity. A new company is looking for a senior logistics manager, and he fits their needs based on his experience and his LinkedIn profile, which is made entirely of lies. He was just talking about quitting and, and now he is acting like he is a prestigious senior manager. He admits that this is undeserving, but he will still expect me to make a big deal of it and take him out for a drink. I don't think he at all deserves this, and I am kind of disgusted that he keeps lucking into these promotions. But what are my options? Do I have to just pretend to be happy for him, or can I get away with just a congratulations and drop it?