I’m sure that those of you who follow my ramblings will be interested to hear that I took the decision earlier this year to leave the service industry after 7 1/2 years. This was mainly due to Covid-19, and also some unrelated health issues. It was not a decision that I took lightly, and it was made after quite an amount of careful thought, consideration and discussion with Mrs Bob. However, it was, as it turns out, a decision that was made for the best.

While I do miss working within the service industry and with friends and regularS who became friends over the years, it was definitely time to move on to other things.

I spent the months during lockdown with Mrs Bob, and we got along brilliantly. It was almost like being retired, without being old crotchety and grumpy … wait, no, we had all those things – well, I did, anyway. During the first lockdown, I applied for a high number of positions within the engineering sector.

After nearly 200 applications, I was beginning to lose faith, and feared that I would end up back behind a bar once this whole pandemic was over. This was not something that I was keen on, and Mrs Bob was in agreement. Just when I had started to give up hope that I would be able to find something that suited me, I had a call for an interview at a company in Exeter. The company concerned sells mobility scooters and aids, as well as electronic equipment. It has a workforce that is mainly made up of people with various disabilities, which I was very interested to find out. After a successful interview, I was asked to go in for a quick trial, to see if I enjoyed the job that they had on offer and that I could do it.

I’m pleased to say that I was offered the job last month, and have been working there for three weeks. I have fitted in very, very well, and thoroughly enjoy it. It’s so nice to work in a place where, as a disabled person, I am not the odd one out. I don’t have to wear a badge that identifies me as disabled, just so that I get treated fairly, decently and with some respect. I am very happy there, and to be completely honest, I think I may have found my forever job. It’s a great team – very friendly and welcoming, and I’m so relieved.

I’d like to take this opportunity as well now to say a very big thank you to Mrs Bob. She said that I should hold out for the right job, and not rush into to an agency position, and she was right. She usually is, as she keeps telling me!

Thanks to Mrs Bob and all my friends and family who have shown me support and love during the first lockdown. I hope that as we enter lockdown 2, each and every one of you are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and well. I hope your attitude stays positive and your results remain negative.

Stay very safe