All the kids are going back to school, how exciting for them. New books, pencils, crayons, folders and backpacks; a fresh outlook on life, a new beginning.

If you think about it, none of us really ever graduate from school, as life itself is a continual learning process. So what grade are you in?

Kindergarten -- First day on the new job. Lots of apprehension accompanied by excitement. You have no idea what's expected of you. A new boss and work group to adjust to, and vice-versa. You could really use a lollipop.

1^st grade -- You're learning some of the ropes. No longer a rookie and the rules are becoming clear. You know the tests and how they’re scored. You respect the teacher.

2^nd grade -- Oh yeah, you're established now, on easy street. You can find the principle's office without accompaniment and fortunately, you don't get called down there too often. Expectations are clear. You start to think the 'teachers' could use a little of your help, but find out that they ask for your help when they want it. You keep in your place and avoid getting into any kind of unexpected trouble.

3^rd -7^th grades -- Things are getting a little monotonous now, you’ve got the routines down cold. "Time for a promotion" you say to yourself. You have learned each program, language and system as it is offered, building your knowledge. You start thinking, "If only that 'teacher' knew what he or she was doing you would have been promoted by now." I guess they can't detect a management candidate when they see one!!

8^th grade -- You get that 'overdue' promotion and become the 'teacher' -- to some. There are these little 1^st through 7^th graders hanging around trying to learn, or worse, give you advice – "they don't have a clue yet!" you scoff, and tell them you will ask for their advice when you need it. You start to feel you have more than demonstrated your skills for management!

Freshman -- Yeah! Finally made it to High School, the management level. Now that you are here, who would have thought you have to be starting over again. None of your new peers truly understand all that you've accomplished to get to this point. Yes you are a manager but…. you are at the lowest level of management, and no one seems to listen to you!

Sophomore -- Now you're getting the hang of it. You still have a lot to learn but at least you're not the rookie anymore. You have made VERY good friends with the Principal, even raked his yard. You feel like you belong somewhere again and are going places!

Junior -- Finally…getting the respect you deserve but you still have more explaining to do than you realized. You have however, figured out what it takes to get to the next level. You take up golf because everybody above you plays.

Senior -- You made it to that ultimate level -- upper management! You find out it isn't everything it was cracked up to be. Regular stress tests are a priority and you know more about ulcers than you ever cared to.

Graduate School -- President of the company. All your work is paying off! Golf game is the best ever because golf IS business. Now you are the teacher to many, all offering their advice. But the only one you listen to is your caddy, because he knows the score.  

THEN, Back to School……

Kindergarten -- Retirement. You are the only retiree at the golf course that doesn't know that everyone meets at the Dandy Diner for breakfast on Mondays.

1^st grade -- You learn more about doctors, MRI’s, colon disorders, and of course the deals you can get on a bus trip to the gambling casinos than you ever needed to know.

2^nd grade -- You learn that keeping up on current events means reading the obituaries…

Life and education goes on.