I did it guys and gals, I finally did it. :)
Anyone that knows me or has been around these parts long enough will know how long and hard I've been trying to get out of the motor trade and address my poor work life balance.
I was determined not to compromise and despite what seemed like endless setbacks, obstacles and stone walls, I was not going to give up.
They say what's meant for you won't pass you by, and I'm now very much a subscriber to this theory. With multiple 'character building' interviews in the last 18 months getting my hopes up only to be dashed at the last minute, I began to wonder if I would ever reach my goal, but soldiered on relentlessly despite many people telling what I was looking for didn't exist - not the first time I've heard that during my various life's endeavours.
Well at 8.37 am this morning, I got the phone call I've been praying for.
The enormous significance to me is that I can now spend far more precious time with my wife and children at weekends, as well as dealing with all the other issues and challenges of my current role.
I have calculated that with the extra holidays and weekends afforded to me, I'll have an additional 32 days per year at home with the family, plus all the other hours saved by working more traditional business hours.
Family events, birthday parties, BBQs, car shows, local events - the answer to whether I can attend will now no longer be based around whether they just happen to fall on a rare weekend off, or if I'm covering for colleagues any more. A luxury I've not enjoyed for 18 years.
The last 6 months in particular have be not only very stressful, but emotionally exhausting. As the news slowly sinks in, rather than me fist pumping the air and whooping for joy, I can just about manage a wry smile of content satisfaction.
I'm sure it'll hit home more when I've had a decent night's sleep and finally relaxed.
My thanks go out to everyone who has offered help, advice and support to me during my journey, your words have offered great comfort when I've needed them most.
:group:
Anyone that knows me or has been around these parts long enough will know how long and hard I've been trying to get out of the motor trade and address my poor work life balance.
I was determined not to compromise and despite what seemed like endless setbacks, obstacles and stone walls, I was not going to give up.
They say what's meant for you won't pass you by, and I'm now very much a subscriber to this theory. With multiple 'character building' interviews in the last 18 months getting my hopes up only to be dashed at the last minute, I began to wonder if I would ever reach my goal, but soldiered on relentlessly despite many people telling what I was looking for didn't exist - not the first time I've heard that during my various life's endeavours.
Well at 8.37 am this morning, I got the phone call I've been praying for.
The enormous significance to me is that I can now spend far more precious time with my wife and children at weekends, as well as dealing with all the other issues and challenges of my current role.
I have calculated that with the extra holidays and weekends afforded to me, I'll have an additional 32 days per year at home with the family, plus all the other hours saved by working more traditional business hours.
Family events, birthday parties, BBQs, car shows, local events - the answer to whether I can attend will now no longer be based around whether they just happen to fall on a rare weekend off, or if I'm covering for colleagues any more. A luxury I've not enjoyed for 18 years.
The last 6 months in particular have be not only very stressful, but emotionally exhausting. As the news slowly sinks in, rather than me fist pumping the air and whooping for joy, I can just about manage a wry smile of content satisfaction.
I'm sure it'll hit home more when I've had a decent night's sleep and finally relaxed.
My thanks go out to everyone who has offered help, advice and support to me during my journey, your words have offered great comfort when I've needed them most.
:group: