So long and thanks for the fish...

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

So after 30 long years, I am quitting my job for pastures new. No more NHS pour moi. Private sector here we come. I should be absolutely bricking it, but strangely I'm not. I feel calm, happy, and looking forward to the challenges to come.

Strange how some work colleagues just can't wish you all the best...no matter how much you grin at them.

  

[Roger Kettle]

Good luck, Sandy, in whatever new pasture you're heading for. Personally, I'm hoping my next move will be to a balcony overlooking the ocean where dusky maidens pour me cocktails and feed me grapes. No, not Skegness.

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

Good luck, Sandy, in whatever new pasture you're heading for. Personally, I'm hoping my next move will be to a balcony overlooking the ocean where dusky maidens pour me cocktails and feed me grapes. No, not Skegness.

Thanks Roger, I did ask if dusky maidens were part of the package. They were not. Apparently, there was a large demand from an unknown source in Scotland. Decimated the stocks, it did.

I could have had a wrinkly granny. Didn't seem the same. 

[Redundant]

Change seems to be in the air.   Since 2007, when I made what felt like a monumental career change at the time, I have gone from doing work I detested to work I loved, I go to work in the morning in a happy frame of mind, and come home with the same thing, a rare event these days.   But to quote Mr Dylan; "the times they are a changing" and it seems my services are no longer required, making my nicknames "Redundant" and "RedundantPhoto" seem a tad ironic.   So far at least I am not overly concerned about the idea of working somewhere else, but slightly terrified by the thought of once again simply not being relatively happy each and every working day.

Brave decisions deserve their own reward however, and I wish you every success in your new venture.   As for me I am going hunting...if I can find the dream job once...

Good luck Sandy and enjoy it :-)

[Roger Kettle]

And good luck to you, too, Red!
I took the scary plunge into self-employment and the world of freelance cartooning in January 1977 and have been there ever since. I've been fortunate to be one of the few who make a living in this peculiar business and I have no regrets. The pros have far outweighed the cons. (Or, as a friend of mine used to say, "the prostitutes were heavier than the prisoners"). So, wherever you end up, Red, I hope the prostitutes are MUCH heavier than the prisoners!

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

I couldn't agree more, Red. The amount of change going on around me just now is amazing. Everyone seems to be changing jobs, retiring or selling up their companies. It feels a very strange time right now. Rather bizarrely, since deciding to move on, I cannot get Bob Dylan out of my head...not complaining mind you. Quality.
Fingers crossed for you, Red. I know how good it is to feel happy going to work, and to be honest, I also now know the frustration of trying to do your best, with little or no support from the right places. But hey ho, that's life, isn't it ?
I don't know if I would say it was a brave decision Red, but I suppose after 30 years, it probably wasn't the most expected of decisions. I do think however, that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. At my age, it was defintly getting grabbed with host hands.
Let's hope this coming year, is a good one for not just us both, but for everyone in a state of change.

 

[Diane CBPFC]

Good luck Sandy - it will be good to get a job that pays you in currency other than fish. :-)

I hope you find something good too Redundant.

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Echo all of that. It's not that long since I jumped ship from a 'proper job' into self-employment, newly married, mortgaged, and first child on the way - bit of a gamble to say the least.

That was a mere 31 years ago. Still going strong - ups and downs, but never regretted it for one single day. Lasted longer than either the mortgage or the marriage(s).

Be lucky, Gentlemen!

[Redundant]

It might be a tad too much to suggest that Sandy's message inspired me, but it would be fair to say that the timing and content did a great deal to calm my mind, and for that I am grateful, hence my first reply.   I suspect Sandy will make a huge success of the new venture, I also suspect I'll find what it is I am looking for, I just might have to turn over quite a few rocks first!

Keep us posted Sandy.

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

You won't find it Red, it will find you. That's always the best way for it to happen. It will also make it much more special.

Sadly, my own change has brought out the petty jealousy and the negativity that seems to identify life's twisted people. These are the people for whom the phrase "they're not happy, unless they're not happy" was written. Fortunately they are few and far between, and I have been genuinely touched by all the good luck wishes. They far outweigh the stupid "hope he crashes and burns" brigade.

I hope to be successful in my new job. I am aware that being out of the public sector, and into the private, the company and its employees rely on work coming in regularly for its survival in what are, tough times. It's already hitting me that my success or failure, could therefore, have serious consequences.

I'm glad if my words calmed you, Red. I have always been a great one for trying to pick up on meaningful signs or messages, that come to you at certain times. I believe my job offer was just such a sign. I am sure something good is heading your way Red. Keep an eye out for the signs (or the rocks needing turned over)...they will be there.

Best of luck too you.

 

[Diamond Lil]

Only the best be in store for you two.  I speak as someone who retired almost four years ago until a new work opportunity found me almost four years ago   

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

Thank you, Lil.

And how's the lion taming going, anyway

 

[Diamond Lil]

Gave that up because RSI was affecting my whip lashing.  Have found trapeze work better at strengthening core muscles.

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

Good for you. I'm sure there'll be ups and downs along the the way, but hang on in there.

[Sandy Buttcheeks]

...and for the leaving do.

Not that I'm supposed to know about it, but when a very short sighted boss prints off an email, then forgets about it, only to pick it up later and say, " Is that the painting email?", the answer given by myself was, "No, that's the one that says my leaving tea is at 12am in the library on Friday", I'm afraid I sussed it out.

Wonder if I'm invited.