The Exit Strategy Interview – Part 4

Recently I made some traumatic decisions that are set to change the very way I do life.  This series of interviews has been an opportunity to get closer into some of the mechanics behind these decisions and their consequences.  Part One, Part Two and Part Three of this series can be accessed through clicking the links.  Sometimes you make some decisions and people might think it’s because of someone else continues …

Was there any issue between you and anyone else that led to the move?

So I’ve made it clear that we didn’t move because of Hughie, but perhaps someone else cheesed me off sufficiently to want to move, right?  Let’s face it, I can be a rather self-absorbed individual and if I don’t feel I’m getting the attention I’m due and that accumulates, perhaps I would take umbrage to that, take my ball and place elsewhere.

Well to be honest, if Hughie didn’t push me, I can’t think of another individual with enough clout to take me to that place.  I’m not saying that all was hunky-dory in all my relationships and in the last year, especially, my friends came from the most unexpected sources whereas the regulars were otherwise engaged.  No hard feelings though, and definitely not anything that would merit such a series of traumatic decisions.

How do you feel leaving your job at the YMCA?

I’ve paid tribute to the North Staffs YMCA elsewhere.  For whatever reason my employment history doesn’t see me working in a paid capacity for an organisation for long.  I worked for the YMCA longer than anywhere else and it’s not too much to say that it’s the best place I’ve ever worked.  My boss, Danny was the best boss by far and the relationship we had was the best.  When I get round to writing my autobiography he would take up a proper section of it for the opportunity he gave me and the grace he showed me throughout my time there.

I came across some brilliant people at the YMCA who left deep impressions on my heart.  Her Majesty – a very special lady who worked there who was a constant source of support, I don’t think I’ve had a colleague who in such an unassuming manner was such a source of strength.  Simon Lovatt, a man of peace if ever I met one and in a lot of ways a great reminder of my own father.  The great Sue Foster – who will remain forever young in my eyes, such a precious sweet lady (with a touch of mischief!).  Recently there was Graham, Sarah and Gyaps who have been a great help in the final days.  Others as well who were just ace people in my life.  That’s just the staff.  I’ll carry away with me  great memories of important relationships with some of the young people I came across like Sniper, Toni, Ash, Kylie, Tonita, Craig, Jay and a cast of others who showed me again that when the love of God breaks through and you get to share it with others who may never have seen it, there are few greater experiences.

So with such platitudes it might come as a surprise to realise that I don’t miss being at the YMCA and I am not heartbroken to be leaving.  I think I’ve indicated in a previous post that it is very important for life not to fall into the square-peg-round-hole syndrome.  It’s not the case that the CSD post was wrong for me, but at a time in my life when I realised that the misfit thing was a bit too much, it became more apparent that it ‘fitted’ the work situation as much as anything else in my life.  So the opportune time to move on in other areas made the decision to leave the YMCA timely.  I was certainly clear that I wouldn’t be at the YMCA for that much longer in any case to resolve the syndrome I found myself in.

So in a really beautiful way that only God could orchestrate this season in my life ended on the right note (or as much of a right note as it was likely to be under me personal circumstances.)

Are you still a member of the Church of God (Seventh Day)?

Ah ha, now, about this issue … let me tell you about in the next portion of the interviews.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd