Gold.....nay, Platinum Class advice again, Sam. We all know you for making us laugh out loud...often in the night, waking up the missus, as I'm on the poddy unable to sleep.....and the other Sam. I feel sure that I speak for a great many, in thanking you for your words, your empathy, the baring of your own soul and just everything that you bother to put your time into, mate, I am so grateful, for all of it. You often, maybe sometimes, tongue in cheek, go by your alternative title of Britain's Top Journalist, but Sam, I reckon you're spot-on with it. Absolutely love your work, Sam, massive thank you for all of that effort - it makes such a huge difference, and if only I were BTJ, I might be able to really tell you how your work is Medicine of the finest kind.
Thanks for this brilliant piece Sam. Am currently retraining aged 42 as a primary teacher and am panic mode about all my life decisions at the moment and worrying constantly about money. This is very helpful to keep things in perspective. TTFN. Rachel (Irish IFS)
Brilliant piece Sam, very relatable! I quit a well paid job in 2016 to open my own online shop working from home. Some months it’s blinding and I can’t keep up, then all of a sudden the tap turns off, there’s no orders and I owe people money I don’t have. So unpredictable. And it used to stress me out so much I couldn’t sleep or I’d just be a cunt to be around, and get proper depressed. I’d get angry at others who were seemingly doing ok. Not good.
In this last year I’ve learnt to be more pragmatic and find things to do in the down time to prepare for the busy times. I also have learnt to tell myself it’s not my fault. You can lead a horse to water etc etc. And it’s in no small part down to reading stuff like this, seeing that these things affect so many people.
I still earn nowhere near what I was on, but like you I didn’t want a boss, and even in the shittest periods, that’s one of the best things to remember.
Plus, I never got to play FIFA at 11am in my old job!
We are all going through this shit mate. Although I have to say I don;t allow myself any FIFA before 6pm on weekdays! But I have an addictive personality and it really does apply to video games as much as booze or drugs.
This links in nicely with taking risks and changing direction. My youngest son, who I’d say, like many others, was addicted to video games. Never left his bedroom until he went off to Uni. Studied theatre, film etc. But decided to drop out near the end of his final year to follow what he was passionate about, and got a job with Football manager. He’s an intelligent, mature and level headed young man so, despite all, we trusted her s judgement. He saw a future we didn’t understand at the time. He moved jobs quite quickly, as he gained knowledge and experience, and was in at thee beginning with Hashtag. He moved from there to FIFA manager for Esports. He was in the enviable position of being headhunted and eventually chose to go with Guild, Beckhams Company, and that’s where he’s stayed. Esports manager, earning more than I did at retirement after spending my career saving the fucking world and all the stress that brought! Do what makes you happy, keeps you motivated and passionate. Money helps but you really, really can’t buy true happiness, cliched as that is.
When I struggled to pay bills, raising three kids on my own; robbing Peter to pay Paul, my dad used t say to me 'why are you worrying? It’s the people you owe it to that should be worrying!’ He’s got loads of those gems that make me smile. If you hurt your arm he’d pinch you on the other arm to take your mind off the first arm!
Stunning advice Sam. My dear old Mum’s saying: “this too will pass” has stuck with me like everyone who has lived a while (I’m 62 now) I’ve had ups and downs and, like you still have moments and longer of stress and anxiety but know that they don’t last for ever and don’t define me or my life. I wish I could articulate this advice as well as you but only one of us is Britain’s best journalist….please keep these coming; they are invaluable
Yep. I’m still standing (I wish it was someone cooler than Elton John who penned that classic). Thank you Sam. On days that I’m walking through glue I just step out of my my shoes off and move away for a bit. When I think of all the things that caused me anxiety in the past I wish I’d had hindsight. Context and perspective. I'm still learning and your shared thoughts have helped me because they make me stop and reflect. We are not good at making time to do that. On reflection, I'm still here. I got through and I will again.
Sam, I must ask you this...(prompted by the COYI) I know so many of our lot that we'd meet up in the pub with before games, that were done n the toot. I honestly never understood how being coked up enhanced the game. Help me understand from that perspective.
Good work, Jacqui....your 'walking in glue' analogy is great, and one any of us can readily identify with.
Whilst I am somewhat older than many, y'know, Elton's really a pretty cool dude, and outstandingly so, in many areas. Musically....well, I've seen him plenty of times, not since 1974, though!! A bit hit & miss over the years.
I'm old hahaha! I was in at Tumbleweed Connection through to Don’t shoot me...I loved Bernie’s lyrics. I was out when he removed the voice boxes from his guard dogs and way ver the other side of the cathedral with 'goodbye people’s princess’.
Thank you and good luck to you too Lindsay! Ps loved Texas love song!
After putting my screaming baby to sleep at the end of a less than lucrative day at my shop reading this has made me feel so much better. Thanks as always Sam x
Sam, hi.. its theevilcoin here, aka daniel near thirsk. im 48, fucked up through life, i drink every night and take prescription pills.. it helps me sleep and drowns out the noise… it resets my demons. But during the daytime, when i cant do those things, i have the solace of reading your reset output and listen to you and Andy seemingly, often being the same in my head space as me. Well, close enough to make me realise im not the only dickhead out there. It makes a massive difference.. thanks.. and im very proud to be a ‘’turbo cunter’’. stay lucky sweetheart, ttfn dickhead x
Gold.....nay, Platinum Class advice again, Sam. We all know you for making us laugh out loud...often in the night, waking up the missus, as I'm on the poddy unable to sleep.....and the other Sam. I feel sure that I speak for a great many, in thanking you for your words, your empathy, the baring of your own soul and just everything that you bother to put your time into, mate, I am so grateful, for all of it. You often, maybe sometimes, tongue in cheek, go by your alternative title of Britain's Top Journalist, but Sam, I reckon you're spot-on with it. Absolutely love your work, Sam, massive thank you for all of that effort - it makes such a huge difference, and if only I were BTJ, I might be able to really tell you how your work is Medicine of the finest kind.
Thanks mate, for all of it.
Love you to bits
Lindsay
It's Britain's BEST Journalist - but thanks!
Thanks for this brilliant piece Sam. Am currently retraining aged 42 as a primary teacher and am panic mode about all my life decisions at the moment and worrying constantly about money. This is very helpful to keep things in perspective. TTFN. Rachel (Irish IFS)
Good luck with the job Rachel, what a brilliant career to go into. x
Brilliant piece Sam, very relatable! I quit a well paid job in 2016 to open my own online shop working from home. Some months it’s blinding and I can’t keep up, then all of a sudden the tap turns off, there’s no orders and I owe people money I don’t have. So unpredictable. And it used to stress me out so much I couldn’t sleep or I’d just be a cunt to be around, and get proper depressed. I’d get angry at others who were seemingly doing ok. Not good.
In this last year I’ve learnt to be more pragmatic and find things to do in the down time to prepare for the busy times. I also have learnt to tell myself it’s not my fault. You can lead a horse to water etc etc. And it’s in no small part down to reading stuff like this, seeing that these things affect so many people.
I still earn nowhere near what I was on, but like you I didn’t want a boss, and even in the shittest periods, that’s one of the best things to remember.
Plus, I never got to play FIFA at 11am in my old job!
We are all going through this shit mate. Although I have to say I don;t allow myself any FIFA before 6pm on weekdays! But I have an addictive personality and it really does apply to video games as much as booze or drugs.
This links in nicely with taking risks and changing direction. My youngest son, who I’d say, like many others, was addicted to video games. Never left his bedroom until he went off to Uni. Studied theatre, film etc. But decided to drop out near the end of his final year to follow what he was passionate about, and got a job with Football manager. He’s an intelligent, mature and level headed young man so, despite all, we trusted her s judgement. He saw a future we didn’t understand at the time. He moved jobs quite quickly, as he gained knowledge and experience, and was in at thee beginning with Hashtag. He moved from there to FIFA manager for Esports. He was in the enviable position of being headhunted and eventually chose to go with Guild, Beckhams Company, and that’s where he’s stayed. Esports manager, earning more than I did at retirement after spending my career saving the fucking world and all the stress that brought! Do what makes you happy, keeps you motivated and passionate. Money helps but you really, really can’t buy true happiness, cliched as that is.
When I struggled to pay bills, raising three kids on my own; robbing Peter to pay Paul, my dad used t say to me 'why are you worrying? It’s the people you owe it to that should be worrying!’ He’s got loads of those gems that make me smile. If you hurt your arm he’d pinch you on the other arm to take your mind off the first arm!
Legendary - love that
I like his way of thinking!!!!
Stunning advice Sam. My dear old Mum’s saying: “this too will pass” has stuck with me like everyone who has lived a while (I’m 62 now) I’ve had ups and downs and, like you still have moments and longer of stress and anxiety but know that they don’t last for ever and don’t define me or my life. I wish I could articulate this advice as well as you but only one of us is Britain’s best journalist….please keep these coming; they are invaluable
Thanks as always Nick
Yep. I’m still standing (I wish it was someone cooler than Elton John who penned that classic). Thank you Sam. On days that I’m walking through glue I just step out of my my shoes off and move away for a bit. When I think of all the things that caused me anxiety in the past I wish I’d had hindsight. Context and perspective. I'm still learning and your shared thoughts have helped me because they make me stop and reflect. We are not good at making time to do that. On reflection, I'm still here. I got through and I will again.
You're a rock and an inspiration Jacqui. COYI
Sam, I must ask you this...(prompted by the COYI) I know so many of our lot that we'd meet up in the pub with before games, that were done n the toot. I honestly never understood how being coked up enhanced the game. Help me understand from that perspective.
Good work, Jacqui....your 'walking in glue' analogy is great, and one any of us can readily identify with.
Whilst I am somewhat older than many, y'know, Elton's really a pretty cool dude, and outstandingly so, in many areas. Musically....well, I've seen him plenty of times, not since 1974, though!! A bit hit & miss over the years.
Stay safe, strong and well
I'm old hahaha! I was in at Tumbleweed Connection through to Don’t shoot me...I loved Bernie’s lyrics. I was out when he removed the voice boxes from his guard dogs and way ver the other side of the cathedral with 'goodbye people’s princess’.
Thank you and good luck to you too Lindsay! Ps loved Texas love song!
After putting my screaming baby to sleep at the end of a less than lucrative day at my shop reading this has made me feel so much better. Thanks as always Sam x
Sam, hi.. its theevilcoin here, aka daniel near thirsk. im 48, fucked up through life, i drink every night and take prescription pills.. it helps me sleep and drowns out the noise… it resets my demons. But during the daytime, when i cant do those things, i have the solace of reading your reset output and listen to you and Andy seemingly, often being the same in my head space as me. Well, close enough to make me realise im not the only dickhead out there. It makes a massive difference.. thanks.. and im very proud to be a ‘’turbo cunter’’. stay lucky sweetheart, ttfn dickhead x