Does anyone ever have your back? You know, not just stick up for you in an argument but really have your back and be there when the chips aren't just down but spread all over the floor?. I am sure there are a few of you jumping up and down ever so excited desperately ready to tell me about your partner or your best friend or even spouse who has done exactly that, been there come what may.
But, as in all things in life not everyone is so lucky. Some have no-one to catch them if they falter or fall, indeed quite a few have managed so well on their own for so long they don't actually NEED such a willing friend. That is fine and I am sure they are very strong willed independent focused and totally dedicated to whatever career or pastime they do. But what if you are one of those without the confidence to tackle everything that comes at you?, what if you are outwardly strong and seemingly in control of everything in your life yet inside desperately trying to steer the course the ship sails?.
Well as the latter in this equation I think I can answer that question.
As a man it is customary not to express your doubts and fears in public, in fact in Shropshire my home County it is positively frowned upon, the risk of teasing and ridicule is all too credible if you are discovered having a sensitive side to your personality, so to openly admit it would surely mean social suicide!.
Well, that's where the theory stands, but for me the reality is somewhat different as many of the locals know i write and apart from the odd huddled whisper in the corner of the local bar I am pretty much accepted as "reasonably normal" and trust me in Shropshire that's almost an A star rating!.
Going back to the question posed at the start of this piece I have to admit I feel very isolated at times due to the very nature of the businesses I run, they have a high general public turnover so in reality I have to adorn a face for the public as much as any actor would ever do, yet my performances usually last well over 12 hours at a time seven days a week. During that time you are at the beck and call of all those who seek your attention be it good or bad and oh, while you are at it don't forget to smile...
That last remark was very much tongue in cheek, sometimes the general public can test the patience of a Saint..and sometimes they are wonderful people with a lovely attitude and interesting to chat with, the highs and lows are huge in the job but overall it can actually be quite pleasant.
So, has anyone got my back?. The acute answer is no, it could never happen because of my diverse and busy lifestyle, does it matter?.. in reality i guess not because regardless of the problem i am presented with i still jump the hurdle no matter how high and this is true of nearly all the small businessmen and women i know.
So if next time you drive through our little County Town and you see a Tyre Company boss laughing and joking with the customers and seemingly on top of his game, tap him on the shoulder and say "sit there a minute Dave, I will make you a coffee and we can talk about your latest written work and shoot the breeze while someone else answers the phone and deals with the customers... now that would be the person who in my opinion would definitely have my back .....!!
But, as in all things in life not everyone is so lucky. Some have no-one to catch them if they falter or fall, indeed quite a few have managed so well on their own for so long they don't actually NEED such a willing friend. That is fine and I am sure they are very strong willed independent focused and totally dedicated to whatever career or pastime they do. But what if you are one of those without the confidence to tackle everything that comes at you?, what if you are outwardly strong and seemingly in control of everything in your life yet inside desperately trying to steer the course the ship sails?.
Well as the latter in this equation I think I can answer that question.
As a man it is customary not to express your doubts and fears in public, in fact in Shropshire my home County it is positively frowned upon, the risk of teasing and ridicule is all too credible if you are discovered having a sensitive side to your personality, so to openly admit it would surely mean social suicide!.
Well, that's where the theory stands, but for me the reality is somewhat different as many of the locals know i write and apart from the odd huddled whisper in the corner of the local bar I am pretty much accepted as "reasonably normal" and trust me in Shropshire that's almost an A star rating!.
Going back to the question posed at the start of this piece I have to admit I feel very isolated at times due to the very nature of the businesses I run, they have a high general public turnover so in reality I have to adorn a face for the public as much as any actor would ever do, yet my performances usually last well over 12 hours at a time seven days a week. During that time you are at the beck and call of all those who seek your attention be it good or bad and oh, while you are at it don't forget to smile...
That last remark was very much tongue in cheek, sometimes the general public can test the patience of a Saint..and sometimes they are wonderful people with a lovely attitude and interesting to chat with, the highs and lows are huge in the job but overall it can actually be quite pleasant.
So, has anyone got my back?. The acute answer is no, it could never happen because of my diverse and busy lifestyle, does it matter?.. in reality i guess not because regardless of the problem i am presented with i still jump the hurdle no matter how high and this is true of nearly all the small businessmen and women i know.
So if next time you drive through our little County Town and you see a Tyre Company boss laughing and joking with the customers and seemingly on top of his game, tap him on the shoulder and say "sit there a minute Dave, I will make you a coffee and we can talk about your latest written work and shoot the breeze while someone else answers the phone and deals with the customers... now that would be the person who in my opinion would definitely have my back .....!!
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