The long road back.

One of my long time careers, kind of fell by the wayside last year for a number of reasons. I wanted to spend more time with my parents, in particular because of my Dad's cancer. I had also become very stressed and wound up with the job, and some of the people I was working with. I felt like I had to take a break from it, and do something different, something laudable with my life. Something that was creative, or at least a positive contribution to the world around me. Before it was too late. And for a while at least, I was able to do that. I worked it in with less stressful work, more enjoyable work, more rewarding work. And for a time at least, I was able to feel good about it all again.

Then recently, a long time acquaintance that I had not heard from in a while, got back in touch with me. He needed help. My particular expertise in a field I had thought I had turned my back on. I didn't want to say 'no' out of hand, so I flew to Belgium (while he drove since he's continental) to hear him out.

It's funny how the ties of friendship can pull you in directions against your better sense. Maybe it was inevitable that I would go back.

So I met with a few people. And in the heel of the hunt, they made a very convincing case. Now we have a handshake agreement, and I'm back in the game. The long hours, high stakes, type of game. It takes a certain kind of mentality to deal in situations with millions riding on the outcome.

So now it's time for another life change. Time to change country, change citzenship, change my look. Pity, as I had gotten used to having a goatee. I don't think I have had one as long as Mike, so I don't think it's going to be "sensitive" or anything. But it will be hard getting used to speaking another language again.

Though English is not the language of my native country, I have a certain affection for it. The language of Shakespeare and all that. But for this particular line of work, and the people I will be working with,English is singularly inappropriate.
posted by Manchild at 10:56 AM