In the spirit of Jeremy’s then vs now post, here is my version (since I’m 27, turning 28 in a month and… actually I don’t need a reason to do this.). 10 years ago I was in my final year of high-school.
Then: So what did you do today?
Now: Worked through a bit of a security audit, (somewhat regretfully) turned down a job offer and put off lots of questions until tomorrow.
Then: You still procrastinate, then?
Now: Not too much anymore - but the questions were boring.
Then: Is work fun? Do they pay you a lot? Are there cool computers? Do you have to wear a tie?
Now: Work is fun sometime, but not as often as I’d like. They pay okay, but I have a mortgage. The computers aren’t that interesting, but I have to wear a tie.
Then: So work sux, then?
Now: No, there are lots of the smartest people I’ve ever met at work. I just don’t like what I do at the moment.
Then: What’s that, then?
Now: I’m a team leader for a team of 7 Java developers. We work on a financial web application.
Then: So you do lots of coding then?
Now: I wish! I spend all my time managing my team.
Then: You!!! - a manager?!?!?
Now: Exactly.
Then: But you could never do that.
Now: Well, my team keeps getting bigger and everyone elses gets smaller. Weird, isn’t it?
Then: So you are just some manager dude. You can’t code for shit, then.
Now: I’d kick you ass *S*
Then: Do you have a girlfriend?
Now: I married her :-)
Then: So what should I do differently?
Now: Not much - things turn out pretty good. Maybe if you finished a couple of those project you start it would be okay, though!