Working life reflections

This has been on my mind in the last couple of days.

With all thats going on in the world with rising fuel prices and rising inflation (in the UK at least) its all a bit of a concern, but in some ways I feel generally a little safer financially than I have done in the last 2 decades. Note: 20th wedding anniversary approaching 2nd July with no parole!!

I've been reflecting on the amount of productive hours I put in for some of the jobs I've done, particularly in my teenage years and early 20's. Back then as a shipping clerk and later in administration in the motor trade it seems every working minute mattered according to revenue increase, yet my proportional earnings were paltry. At Ramsgate dock I can remember working up to 19 hours (on one occasion in a day) without a break, yet my salary in the mid 80's then were £3500 per annum. Even the overtime was refused by half (after I'd done it!) because of cut backs. I remember being pleased one month because I cleared £300!!!. I've never earned a great deal and always struggled financially, particularly when married with a mortgage and family, but survived somehow and in recent years I've stopped chasing financial rainbows and ironically been happier and more prudent with money.

What is it with commercial businesses that demand such a great deal from their lower workforce? I now look back and I'm not surprised I ended up with a breakdown with so many years of "work hard, play hard". I've said it before. I jokingly refer to my current job as semi retired!. Not because it's easy. It's taxing emotionally, but I no longer hunger in the way I used to for a financial gain I now know is beyond me. This is because I know that the more we get, the more we desire! Great reminder on that point in the Mel Gibson film I watched the other night "Apocalypto" . If you have not seen it. I thoroughly recommend it. A bit gruesome on places, but plenty of wisdom in it.

There's no getting away from the desire for things in the modern world many of us live in these days. I can't pretend not to still desire the latest gadgets, but I balance that with thanks for what I have got - the basics - food in my belly, a roof over my head and very fortunate to have the love of my family and friends.


Now....... enough deep stuff.....

I'm still full of love for that great trip to Germany and made a video of some of the highlights a couple of days ago. Here it is. Enjoy!!!