For those friends who still remember my last journal entry, the bathroom reconstruction is over and done. My “employed girl” days are over and done too. For some years I kept wishing to have the guts to choose freedom over a not-too-bad income but I couldn't make up my mind. Now the f…ing world financial crisis and some dubious restructuring finally made me take the step – as it was my own decision after all.

To make a long story short, you may be aware that the Known Flying Objects Industry is not doing too well lately. Following the general trend, the Company I've worked for for the last 28 years is also on the verge of collapse. About three weeks ago, on a sweet sunny Tuesday, we were informed that the Company will undergo a severe restructuring process, on Wednesday we were invited to join the boss for a short meeting and were informed that it had been decided that the ticketing position (my position) would be cancelled and one person would be discharged; due to seniority I was offered the possibility to switch from ticketing to accounting & administrative and my colleague who was handling this job would be laid off. I asked for a 24 hours truce and after discussing the matter with my husband and with my best friend I decided to switch the lay-off with my colleague. She is very good at her job, she's young, has two children and an older person in her care. Finding a new job in the industry is almost impossible at the moment. On the other hand, I hate accounting, I did it for a while but it was against my will. I am also tired as I had no decent vacation for the last few years, due to the constant shortage of personnel. The pay was fine according to the local standards but we are able to manage with less - the compensation payment will do for a while and in the meantime I will apply for health retirement (I'm more than entitled to it because of my back & bones problems).
Taking this decision was not easy but I'm more than convinced that it's the right one. I feel good both towards myself and all the involved parties - my husband, my younger colleague and my former employers. I feel relieved and happy for the unhoped-for freedom to finally be able to occupy my time with pleasant activities – taking pictures, modeling, reading, listening to music, keeping in touch with friends, playing games. To be honest, I was convinced that this much-desired freedom will arrive too late for me to be able to really appreciate it. Now I’m 53, still young at heart and still able to enjoy it.
That’s all, folks. Endings are also beginnings.
I’m glad to be back on DA!

And of course, a small feature: