The Lemon Fool

Late last year I was contacted by someone I'd done some work for previously. In the New Year I was informed I had some work to go to. Possibly a 10-month contract.

I’ve been away from my desk for over a year now. I’m looking forward to returning. My commute will be just over an hour one way, volume of traffic aside, which will make it a long day. Hopefully my stamina will be up for this.

We’ve never been able to plan much in the past. Every time we did my health was a problem. We haven’t planned to do much this year neither. A holiday abroad in July and decorating areas of our home and some hefty maintenance on it to, which I’ve been unable to do.

I’m reasonably confident that getting back on the proverbial horse is going to need a robust effort.

Well … here goes

AiY(D)

Good luck! I must say a two hour commute sounds onerous to me.

Gersemi wrote:Good luck! I must say a two hour commute sounds onerous to me.

I don't know. When I started working from home in 1990, I would usually attend the office on Tuesday to Thursday, sometimes with visits to clients in between. My Tuesday morning commute started at 05:45, with a stop at Cherwell Valley Services on then M40 for breakfast, and arriving in the office just after 09:00. Coming back on Thursday evening, I used to head west to the A449, down to the M5 north of Worcester then to Gloucester before going over the Cotswolds to Swindon and the M4. From Membury Services down the A34 to just outside Winchester then through villages to the A272 and home. Usually quicker than the M25 alternative, and leaving at 17:00 arriving home about 20:45 with a meal stop on the way. I didn't find that unduly onerous.

TJH

That’s great news AIY. Best of luck with it. It could be good for you on multiple levels.

It may not be possible for your line of work
but if it is, can you say upfront you want to work 1 day a week from home? Will save you time, money and stress.

I am a bit worried TLF’s coverage of the conflict in Ukraine will suffer

Pendrainllwyn

tjh290633 wrote:

Gersemi wrote:Good luck! I must say a two hour commute sounds onerous to me.

I don't know. When I started working from home in 1990, I would usually attend the office on Tuesday to Thursday, sometimes with visits to clients in between. My Tuesday morning commute started at 05:45, with a stop at Cherwell Valley Services on then M40 for breakfast, and arriving in the office just after 09:00. Coming back on Thursday evening, I used to head west to the A$$(, down to the M% north of Worcester then to Gloucester before going over the Cotswolds to Swindon and the M4. From Membury Services down the A34 to just outside Winchester then through villages toi the A272 and home. Usually quicker than the M25 alternative, and leaving at 17:00 arriving home about 20:45 with a meal stop on the way. I didn't find that unduly onerous.

TJH

Yes, well I worked I did a one hour commute each way - and I believe that that is actually quite common, being the maximum amount of time most people are willing to spend commuting, so they will buy a house about that distance away as that enables them to buy in a more desirable area. So I know it is doable. But when I started working from home during the pandemic I really loved not having the commute any more, and now I'm retired I couldn't bear the thought of going back to it.

Best of luck. Hope it goes well.

I think this sounds like a big step but then I'm easily overwhelmed by...everything.

Glad you're looking forward to it and hope it goes well

S

Thank you all.

I am looking forward to my return. I'm not nervous at all. I met the Commercial Director two weeks ago and my first impressions were he's the sort of person I can work with, which means a lot.

My heads in the right space and above all I will be able to get back to supporting my girls and sharing the load. We all rely on my income, like everyone we have bills to pay and we like the odd treat or two. I've been planning how I return to work since my medication started to have a positive impact late last year.

This is the first part of that plan and the call I received just before Christmas last year was unexpected but very welcome. We needed a little bit of luck and it appeared with great timing.

I am genuinely grateful for all the support I have received, your kind words, thoughts and wishes. I'd like you all to know how much this means to me.

Take care all

AiY(D)

Best of luck. changes for the better