The Lucky Man

Wow!  What a week it's been!

As most readers will already be aware by now, I was absolutely blown away by a fabulous job offer last week.

Even as I write this passage, I'm still shaking my head in utter bemusement at just how well everything seems to have turned out for Team Taylor in the end!  ...In fact, I'm actually kind of waiting to be involved in an epic car crash any moment now, or maybe to fall down the stairs and break both my legs …just to even things up!  Surely some kind of equilibrium is due upon me! 

But I also believe in karma too, and perhaps after those stormy, dark days of unemployment, it was inevitable that the sun would eventually shine again after the rain? 

There's obviously a sizeable part of me that will be very sad to leave the BBC (and my lovely new colleagues) behind - especially with the exciting move to MediaCityUK just around the corner now.  After all, it was Harriet and her team that offered me a life-line back into the world of employment, when I really did need it the most.

I will of course always be very proud to have represented the BBC and will be sure to obtain a letter-headed reference from this world-famous British institution.  It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this beacon of Britishness and to have been an employee of the finest broadcaster in the world.

However, the above sentiments have been totally eclipsed by joy, happiness and a surreal sense of self-pride!  My faith in the force of nature has also been well and truly restored, as it really feels as though the decisions I made earlier in the year have been vindicated.

Indeed, the foundations to the 'happy ending' of this story were ultimately underpinned by the instigation of this very  blog!  If there was no blog ...there would be no job!!!  (What was that my Mum said about all this blogging being “a big waste of time")?  IN YOUR FACE MOM!!  (erm, …I love you really Mum!).

Following your heart...

Sometimes in life, you simply have to follow your heart ...but how often can we actually say that all the other bits agree!

Suddenly, everything seems to be 'just right' on the career front, and even though I am yet to start my new job, I've had the privilege of a sneaky-peek into the inner sanctum of the JD Williams world.  Thus, (and whisper it very quietly), I'm almost certain that everything is going to be Supergrass.

But how can I be so sure?  Well, the truth is, I can't.

As we all know, there are no guarantees in life.  But as creative writing is right up my street, the position is a permanent one, the role is as secure as it can be and as the commute will actually become easier and more straightforward, I can't really go too far wrong!  ...The improved financials on top of this, are of course - a very welcome bonus!

So, how about that for a surprise?   My head actually agrees with my blood-pumper for once, and I’m making a decision that will MAKE me some money for a change, instead of costing me the earth!

On the subject of queeny notelets, I should take a moment to mention the mean green.  I certainly waxed lyrical about the value of job security, job satisfaction and career development over the value of cash after all.

Perhaps it would be easy for 'an outsider' to conclude that I’ve simply 'sold out'; The truth is of course, that the position at JD Williams offers me the security, the job satisfaction and the career development opportunity I craved, so I feel truly lucky that the salary is just as attractive as all the other important elements of the offer.

So - along with all the other blessings in my life, I feel a very happy man indeed at the moment.  Blow me down with a feather ...even the sun has been shining!

And, just nine weeks after starting out 'Life at the BBC' - and saying an official goodbye to "Life After the Public Sector", I find myself signing off once again!  I finish my work with the BBC on the 28^th of April and commence my role as Lead Copywriter with JD on the 3rd of May, just after the Royal Wedding and May Day bank holiday breaks.

2011 really has been one hell of an adventure so far and once again, I'd like to thank all the readers of this blog for sharing this journey with me.  I've already summarised the ups and downs in my earlier epilogue, and I’ve already thanked people individually in my previous final edition …but nevertheless – thank you!!!  The advice, encouragement, reassurance and positivity that you have all shared has been priceless - and will never be forgotten.

This really is the end though ...it’s been emotional!!!

But do look out for my new “That’s-Life”-themed blog in the next few weeks!  I just need to think of a funky new title for it and, erm, some actual ‘things’ to continue philosophising about!

Whilst of course, a blog is primarily autobiographical, I make a promise that it will be a little less self-indulgent next time …and that the new editions will be a little less chunky, compared to some of my marathon-reads of the past!

Until next time ...thanks for your much-appreciated time and fabulous company.  Many blessings to you all! x x x