Franco the Mexican Fisherman

On the east coast of Mexico lies a quite fishing village called Yalepa. Yalepa has no proper roads, hardly any cars, and streets have no names, but getting lost has never been a problem. The town’s pace of life is considered to be slow, even by local standards. Early each morning, Franco the fisherman, prepares his two fishing nets and goes out to sea with his father.

About four and a half thousand kilometers away, Dave, a twenty-six-year-old analyst leaves to work in an investment bank in bustling rush hour in New York City. He just got accepted to do an MBA in Harvard University. Before beginning the ambitious curriculum, Dave planed to go for a brief holiday on Mexico’s east coast.

A week later Dave and Franco meet on the beach, during a warm evening. The sun is setting and Franco’s entire family is gathered around, getting slowly ready for dinner. Uncle Pablo is playing his guitar while sipping a cold glass of white wine, made in a nearby vineyard. Marianna, Franco’s sister, is reading one of Jorge Luis Borges’ novels on the hammock. Juan Carlos, the head of family, is grilling fish and vegetables on a fire stove.

“What are you doing here?” Franco asked Dave.

“I am just passing by. I got accepted to do a business course and I am trying to get some rest”, replied Dave.

“Oh… that sounds great, but what are you are going to do with this course?”

“Well, once I graduate I’ll be able to go back to work and get a promotion and be able to afford a bigger flat.”

“Oh.. and what about after that?”

“After the promotion, Ill probably make partner at the bank. And once I am a partner, Ill be managing large team and multiple clients, traveling the world winning business. I’ll have enough money buy myself a big house with a garden”

“And what about after that?”

“After that, well, I will set up my own hedge fund and spend the second phase of my career managing money for other people. With that I’ll buy a second house on the lake with a boat”

“And what about AFTER that? What will you do then?”

“Well after that… I have not really thought thus far… I guess I will then retire and spend my days enjoying time with my family… ideally far away from New York, in a warm country… doing what I love but never have time for: fishing.”

A brief silence followed. Dave looked up at the sky and was digesting what he just said. Franco replied with an element of confusion.

“But you can have all that now, without the MBA!”