Back in my student days, at the Stockholm School of Economics, I was active in the student union and a member of its board. (Which sounds way fancier than it was.) Student life follows an annual cycle; I was a member of the board of 1998/99.

This year, in honour of the school’s 110th anniversary, the student union threw a grand party for all past board members. Tails and ball gowns, here we come! (Ball gown also means high heels, though, which is less yay.)

Half of our year’s board members turned up, and the seating was by year, so I got to catch up with them and hear what they’re all up to. Two children each, mostly. Most had spent some years spent abroad, and some were based abroad still.

As for careers, most were now CEO of this or director of that. Which is as expected. The SSE educates future managers and leaders for the world of business. I’ve done some leading and managing, and can do a decent job of it, but I don’t really want to. I don’t enjoy it. I’ve never sought out leadership positions. (On the board of the student union I had the one technical role, as treasurer, rather than leading any of the clubs.) I’d much rather build things than lead other people who build things.

It’s unlikely that I would have attended the SSE if I had had a free choice. But back in the mid-1990s Estonia was not part of the EU, and my right to live here in Sweden was granted as an annual boon in the form of a residence permit. Being an immigrant like that, I had no right to work (although I did work anyway, and was paid under the table) and no right to financial support as a student. I was lucky enough to get a grant to study – but that grant was tied to the SSE. Given a choice between free money for a business education, and no money but some other education of my preference, I took the money.

I don’t exactly regret that choice. I met Eric, I had fun, I got an education, and it led to a job. But it was a job that I never loved and at times was really miserable in. It took me years to get back to doing what I really enjoyed.

Meanwhile, here’s me in my ball gown in super weird green light.