Since last November I've been working for a small engineering firm. Big change for me, a step back interns of both salary & responsibility, and it's been a fantastic change. For the first time in more than 15 years I've managed to go on holiday and not once look at my phone to check emails, take a call because something's gone wrong or be constantly chasing up people for payments etc. I feel so much happier. Anyway, the point of the post... So yesterday chap from the office pops down to see me. "do you fancy leaving early? this package needs to go to the couriers" Not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, i checked out where it was going and it turns out it's only about 15 miles further down the coast from my place, I had the bike with me, and it was hot & sunny. So in approx 10 mins i had my leathers on and i'm heading south. Lovely ride down and when I get to the clients he's got a Triumph Triple project on the workstand, and a couple more on the shelves. And then this morning the bloke i work with has brought his 2nd best BSA in It's bloody lovely!! He's got a show winning Goldie at home as well. He does it all himself, other than the plating & painting. Clever bugger. and Kenny's just put a big greasy sausage roll on my desk... I thought i wanted a 'good' job. the salary. car. expense account. travel. The truth is, i can't remember the last time i was this happy!
With you on this mate....after years of busting my nuts I'm now in a small workshop repairing and servicing small plant machinery....money's not the best but I finish 3.30 every day and no weekends Good bunch of lads....a few of them bikers as well
Sounds like you've found your way into a nice little company jezz. When you've worked in a more pressured role it makes it all the more sweeter. Good on yer, and long may it last. The bike is amazing, beautiful pic.
Sounds good - I know the feeling - 4 years working for a ball - busting bunch of tossers (that's YOU Berkeley Homes) and 18 years with a small firm but where everything fell to me to sort out while my so called partner pissed off down the gym or on holiday. Been working for myself now for almost 6 years - best thing I ever did.
Great story Jezz ! The life you left sounds alot like the life I live ! Sometimes I wonder why I even have a bike purely because my career keeps me so busy ! Good on you mate ! Tell the bloke you work with that his BSA looks damn good !!
Nice story and an approach I agree wholeheartedly with. Under pressure to work even more than the 12 hours a day I was averaging, and being pushed towards a management job with heaps more stress that I really didn't want, l went contracting three years ago and have not looked back. Yes the periods between are boring but with a sensible cash buffer in place I don't let it bother me. Work life balance is crucial for a happier life.
I need to know more about the greasy sausage roll that was plonked on your desk. I like a good sausage roll!!
I spent 2 hours with my bike on 30/6/17 and I might get the loose connection done on Sunday 9/7/17, working in between normally 12 hours and paid for 10. Best job Ive ever had. It took me 20 years to get here.
My work used to contain fun elements, the constant streams of red tape, pointless bullshit management projects and work avoidance muppets have squeezed that particular fruit dry... however, I have a job, so that's something and the 28 miles(ish) ride in and home on either A road or country lane help stop Jack being a dull boy!!!
Don't get me wrong, do love what I'm doing now. The job. The commute. It's all been the culmination of lots of changes over the last few years. I've moved jobs, changed the way I do things, met the most amazing lady & married her!! Life is good & I'm savouring every moment. Currently sat, part pissed, in a forest whilst mum & mel cook us some dinner. Another shit weekend...
Good on you! When my finale high-pressure contract came to an end, all the years of sadness fell away from me. A weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I felt free and life was good again. I realise selling The Big Issue isn't everyone's cup of Darjeeling, but this weather, living on the coast, with all the pretty, scantly-clad ladies out in force, it's damn hard to beat
I've recently stepped aside from the general madness of offshore oilfield construction, I'm presently sorting out QC issues for a small firm of electrical contractors in the rail sector. I had a lot of fun in the oilpatch, a lot of stress and made a bob or two but at some point you have to come back to reality
