Okay so you want a symbol in reference with the past…
a flying bird
a clock
parting clouds
the phases of a butterfly (including the caterpillar and caccoon)

When I think of more I’ll let you know.

Some other ideas about the passing of time:
A tree with falling leaves
Sundial, with a shadow coming off of it, showing a monent in time
a dying flower

There are other ways that could have the meaning of passing time to you, but might need explaining of it’s meaning to others when they see the tattoo? Remember, the meaning is for you and doesn’t always have to be something that anyone will be able to understand, just by looking at the tat. To me, mine are all Personal to me and I don’t really care, if someone can just look at a piece and understand it’s meaning. And yes, I do agree with you about Corporate America. I work in it, and even though I have been with the same company for 20 years, I still keep getting more ink. Most everyone knows me and they also know I have alot of ink. But still, since I’m and manager and have to interface with outside people, I choose to always wear long-sleeve shirts. No one here has ever asked me to cover my ink, but I choose to, myself. I know 1st hand, how people can react to someone they don’t even know, just because of your ink, and it’s something they don’t like or understand. I waitned a long time, before I ever got any ink, below my short-sleeve line. Then I finally decided to and simply wear long sleeves. My ink is for me. Go for it and have fun with it!

Dave…