I don’t make it any secret that sometimes I find full time work tiring.
The work itself, isn’t a problem for me, but runs of 12 hour shifts are, and even though I need the money, I also need to balance work, money and home.
Today I was informed by the hospice that the nursing staff are to be given a rise in pay.
We are currently paid substantially less than equivalent grades in the NHS Trust and in a bid to attract and retain staff the hospice has addressed this deficit.
My increase of pay is robust and will be backdated and unexpectedly it will now be possible for me to reduce my hours and to work part time.
How fucking fantastic is that?
I met a friend today for lunch and we talked about this new gift of serendipity as we walked on the beautiful West Shore in Llandudno.
This is the fifth financial “gift” I have received in the last few years and the extent of my good fortune is not lost on me.
I am so pleased.
We celebrated with coffee and bagels and cake
And I treated myself to a ceramic curlew from the Mostyn Gallery Shop
When I got home, I found out that the fourth piece of serendipity had finally reared it’s head too…. My tax free lump sum arrived in my bank account from my unremembered pension ….I can now afford my new bathroom !
And work can now commence
Absolutely brilliant news.
ReplyDelete😍
DeleteGood news all round!
ReplyDeleteTeehee
DeleteGood things do happen to good people. You give a lot -your time, your money and large chunks of yourself - you deserve the good things that come back. Revel in them and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteWe all deserve good luck me thinks
DeleteI am very happy x
That is AMAZING John-I am so Happy for You and for your furry gang too xxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteYes, I’ve put on trendy carol and her amazing husband too much
DeleteGreat news, I bet you're really happy. Glad for you, John. xx
ReplyDeleteI’m chuffed x
DeleteYou may be a Welshman, John, but you certainly have the Luck of the Irish! Such good fortune, and on St Paddy's Day too!
ReplyDeleteNicely put x
DeleteSo happy for you. xx
ReplyDeleteLife can be brilliant to
ReplyDeleteSylvia
It’s getting better x
DeleteSome good news! Enjoy your extra time and extra funds! x
ReplyDeleteI feel in control of my finances for the first time in ages
DeleteAnd you deserve every single penny.
ReplyDeleteLove the curlew- you must have quite an aviary by now. I have just one lifesize curlew and it gives me pleasure every day. We used to have them nesting in our fields on the farm.
I’ve ever seen a real one pat x
DeleteYour serendipity angel's timing is spot on. I'm so glad for you.
ReplyDeleteIn my fantasy
DeleteIt’s my gran looking after me
It most likely is, that's why she was checking out your kitchen. When she saw how lovely you had it she decided to help out a little bit more.
DeleteThe stars aligned and so did your good fortune. Achieving life balance is so important and I'm glad everything is coming together for you. Your new spa bathroom will make relaxing at home even better. Whirlpool tub? Heated floor? Steam shower? Do it all and you'll have no regrets!
ReplyDeleteSusan my bathroom is tiny
DeleteLol
Really tiny
I just want a hot powerful shower
And a robust toilet xx lol
That is a nice piece of well made art..I like that.
ReplyDeleteThat must be some relief to go part time instead of working yourself into the ground.
When you think about it, it also gives someone else a chance of work...
I loved the tiny beak
DeleteHow wonderful!!! A good pay raise, the monies in your account from the forgotten pension, meeting your friend for a meal and beach walk, and a new curlew to join the menagerie. What a wonderful day it's been for you and so very well deserved, too. Hope you did a bit of happy dancing!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I sang in the car with Mary licking my cheek
DeleteLove it when good things happen to good people! Been in the hospital 4 times in the last 3 years. Don't think the US is that different from the UK in that none of the workers is paid anywhere near what the job is worth.
ReplyDeleteI think the pay rise is prudent
DeleteRetention is important in private practice
That is good news. I have only ever worked for enough money to please myself. Having said that I have been self employed for most of my working life.
ReplyDeleteI never have had the guts to be self employed
DeleteBrilliant news especially being able to go part time.Any plans for that extra free time.
ReplyDeleteYes…..
DeleteAnother dog
More holidays
More culture
Congratulations! What a stonking day!
ReplyDeleteStonking
DeleteI love the word
Your post gave me a warm glow. Thanks for sharing your good news xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you susan
DeleteThat's wonderful news. By the way, I think your ceramic curlew is an avocet, one of my favourite birds.
ReplyDeleteAnne
I knew it
DeleteI am so pleased for you. This will ease the pressure on your health and on your bank balance. Win/Win!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd my psychi
DeleteThat's wonderful news and greatly deserved.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I think your ceramic curlew is an avocet, one of my favourite birds.
Anne
I knew I was wrong lol
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteMy GOD you are so boringly predictable you troll
DeleteNot afraid to sign my name
Colleen
Anon, there isn't much, financially, anyone can squeeze out of a three (?) year marriage. And, by all accounts, I dare say the Prof won't be perturbed by a few hundred pounds here or there.
DeleteHowever, I do agree with you on the "deserving" bit. Who deserves what? What were the other comments? "Good things come to good people". Alas, things come to people. Good things, bad things. To good people, to bad people. Lady Luck is indiscriminate. And if I may give one piece of advice to anyone: Don't count your eggs before you snuff it. Scrambled today, hard boiled tomorrow.
U
Ursula and Anon, can't you just be happy for John? Yes, shit happens to everyone at times, but when someone has good fortune, it's nice to congratulate them, not nit-pick. Over to you, I'm sure you'll have something to say.
DeleteHappy Hooker, who said I am not happy for John?
DeleteI objected, on a general note, applicable to all of us, to the "deserving" bit; "good things come to good people". It' ain't so. Good things come to bad people. Bad things come to good people. Next I'll expect an ill conceived lecture on "Karma" from one of John's readers.
U
Tiresome
DeleteFlis ... I agree ... So very tiresome!
DeleteOh lord..
DeleteWell I’m feeling quite buoyed up at the moment
My bathroom man has been in touch , and plans are afoot for my first posh bathroom……”lol I’m a late starter …I’m first one before my 60 th birthday
It will be gorgeous John-and I'm sure you will take much pleasure keeping it all gleamingly clean x
DeleteUrsula is right, some great people never catch a break and some horrible people have lucky breaks
DeleteThat’s just common sense kylie
DeleteDon’t we all know and accept this
That is such amazing and brilliant news. I am so happy for you and think your life will really improve with working part time. I think avocet too but lovely.
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely quality of life at the moment and part time status will improve it
DeleteFor the first time in years I’m feeling more in control
Wonderful news. You definitely deserve it!
ReplyDeleteWe all deserve it , but I am pleased
DeleteJohn, I'm so chuffed for you! You deserve all of the good luck that's come your way. Your fur babies will love having you about more, too. Fantastic, it's made my day as well as making yours! xx
ReplyDeleteThat’s sweet of u
DeleteI’m so lucky to have these windfalls
I’m also pleased that all of the hospice clinical staff are getting comparable wages to nhs workers
WoW! Good karma is smiling down on you, John.
ReplyDeleteIt made me happy today
DeleteFucking Fantastic indeed! And I might add, well deserved.
ReplyDeleteIt is fucking fantastic 😃
DeleteWonderful - really pleased for you John!
ReplyDeleteThank u
DeleteWhat fabulous news !
ReplyDeleteTee hee
DeleteSo happy for you John! Funny how good things seem to happen all in a row and so do bad things... rarely is there a nice mix... May the good things keep on rolling in for you. Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteYes the bad things happened at one , now things feel lighter for sure
DeleteJohn, too wonderful to believe - had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn't dreaming. so very happy for you. Hugs from the bottom of the mini-mountain in Maine where the sun is shining brightly.
ReplyDeleteGood wishes from someone who I don’t know , is sweet x
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJohn, considering, her having your interests at heart, how many times Rachel recommended to you to widen your horizons in order to balance your work/home/physical load it's a little disingenuous that you didn't make a nod in her direction.
ReplyDeleteCount on friends. Serendipity is ephemeral.
U
Lol, any advice is always welcome Ursula but I don’t want to do anything else, I’ve already sad this clearly .. I love my work which I’ve already said, I just need to reduce hours and long runs of off duty.
DeleteWhich now I can do
How great is that ?
I hope to finish my counselling course so I can have have some work to do when I retire from nursing for good
I do count on my friends Ursula
I count of my friends daily
Don’t mix it
Lovely news John. Please do not let the sticks and stones weigh you down. Instead of being pleased for people, the snipers, they are just showing their true colours and that in fact they have serious issues to resolve. Perhaps they should look to their own shortcomings and start dealing with them rather than commenting on what they think they perceive and know of others. None of their business really at the end of the day. Actions speak louder than words and their "actions" are not very nice at the moment. x Pleased for you sweetie xx
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I’m working up the comments not down
DeleteAs I think you people across the pond might say- This is bloody brilliant news!
ReplyDelete(Did I get that right?)
Near enough xx
DeletePerhaps it's the "Luck o' the Irish" landing on you there in Wales. Whatever it is, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteSweetxx
DeleteGood news John. I can only imagine how exhausting 12-hour shifts must be.
ReplyDeleteWell you should know as a teacher, well ex teacher x
DeleteWell, not an ex-teacher yet. But I do get it, but I certainly don't do 12-hr. shifts!
DeleteHow have you survived thus far without a ceramic curlew? Great to know you have had these boosts.
ReplyDeleteYes, what the fuck? I liked it lol
DeleteHappy news, John! xx
ReplyDeleteYes. I feel rather fortunate x
DeleteYes, indeed, I agree, that is fuckin’ fantastic. So happy for you!
ReplyDeleteChap hands 👏🏻
DeleteYou go do good now my man. Pat on back.
DeleteReally pleased for you , you work very hard, as an ex nurse I too used to work nights, but not at your age. They absolutely bugger up your system, so I’m really pleased that you can now consider part time working. I’ve come to realise as I’ve got older , we need far less, in every respect , and time is the real luxury.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time , In years I feel back in control
DeleteSo happy for you John !!
ReplyDeleteThank u x
DeleteCongratulations on you good fortune. I am sure it is well deserved!
ReplyDeleteI’m sure too x
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSOOO plesed for you! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOMG am so excited for you I just cannot spell correctly today! :-)
ReplyDeleteClap hands
Delete👏🏻
Poisonous shit bags are not rare on the internet lol
ReplyDeleteHow bloody amazing is that, the serendipity Gods are smiling down on the right person for a change. I am so happy for you it makes me smile that you can now work part time and enjoy the lightness of life for a change. Your fur babies will be so happy to have you around more. Very well deserved. Love the ceramic bird, I had to look up what an Avocet was; I was none the wiser.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
P.S. I missed the comment but I just knew Anonymous misery guts would be livid by your news, seems I was right hahaha. I don't wish ill on people but her/his blood pressure must be so dangerously high with all the vitriol it spews I hope they get a check up.
There’s always someone who wants to give a lecture x
DeleteWonderful news!
ReplyDeleteAin’t it x
DeleteWOW...I am so jazzed about your multiple serendipities.
ReplyDeleteAnd it’s all true x
DeleteApply the 20% rule to your new income and the future will be secure :-)
ReplyDeletePlease explain
Delete20% of every dollar that comes you way put into income producing assets. Old wise income producing stocks that have been around for ever like City of London stocks for example. This will produce a growing passive income.
DeleteThis is wonderful, John, and more than overdue. As good as a head butt from Albert.
ReplyDeleteYes, good news all round x
DeleteWonderful news! Enjoy your new luxury bathroom!
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Barbara
Oh I can’t wait , the little man is coming round next week x
DeleteMy dear man, wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear HAPPY for someone deserving. I am a 60 yr. old nurse and those 12 hours are a trial. I like my job a lot and the babies but when I get home I have a date with my heating pad. Feel like I was pulled through a knot hole backwards. Part-time will make a big difference and you furr babies will love it! Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice to have validation from another nurse
DeleteIt’s easy for some some to say “ do something else then”
It’s not as easy as that
Wonderful news and all the best wishes for you!
ReplyDeleteFan-fucking-tastic!!!!
ReplyDeleteA good life balance is a beautiful thing
👏🏻
Delete12 hours is full-time? That sounds more like full-time plus overtime. Anyway, I'm happy you can cut back.
ReplyDeleteNo 37 a week
DeleteThis is just the best news! Better quality of life and exciting plans. And maybe another dog and more holidays sounds brilliant. Very happy for you.
ReplyDeleteIn a world with such sad bleak news it is lovely to read little pockets of good things ...I think the relief of not having to constantly 'look over your shoulder' financially is immense x
ReplyDeleteTo “ get straight” feels absolutely lovely Jane x
DeleteI’d call that curlew an avocet, but I’d buy it no matter what it was called. Charming. I always love the art you choose. I am so happy for you and your recent windfalls. Going part-time, though, is the best news ever. You deserve this!
ReplyDeleteI would too
DeleteThank u
Good things happening for you.How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice x
DeleteI enjoy reading your blog and have followed it a while but never commented. I'm a similar age - 57 - and recently been looking at my pensions too and trying to work out how to semi-retire so I'm happy for your news. I feel less energy as each year goes by so I can't imagine how tiring your job must be. Part-time would be wonderful and it is something I'm working towards when I get to 60 or 63 at the latest. I plan to do what you're doing - more cultural things and get the house sorted. I don't want more things, just more life experiences. Wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteRuth
Welcome Ruth
DeleteYes it’s time to experience a few new things x
And the job will always need you, more of you, so when you want an extra (a north American tour) you can alway work a few extra days for a while. The we hour shifts have to be a killer. I am doing a run of 9 and 10 hour days - and I am too old for this - I should have asked for more money.
ReplyDeleteYes, I will also have the space to support shifts that are suddenly short
DeleteThat's brilliant news. I love your avocet and I'm looking forward to seeing the new dog, it's always lovely to hear something nice happening to someone.
ReplyDeleteI’m not worrying about money today
DeleteThat is absolutely 'fucking fantastic' ... I am so pleased for you, and the Curlew is a fitting reminder of this latest little bit of serendipity.
ReplyDeleteOh how I miss West Shore. We are seriously considering hanging on to our little flat in Llandudno Junction once the tenant moves out in order to enjoy time in Wales again.
Anyway brilliant news for you. Much love. xx
Yes west shore has everything, big skies big views
DeleteLittle café, with big buns, homemade cakes and hot coffee :-)
DeleteGood for you. It's nice to be appreciated!
ReplyDeleteAlways x
DeleteYay John it is so nice to read good news! Thank you for spreading a little joy. Love the bird! I would like that myself. looking forward to seeing your new bathroom! I am a nosy bint!
ReplyDeleteOh believe me I will be showing it off bigstyle
DeleteCongratulations on your unexpected 'windfall'. People say money doesn't buy you happiness but it sure does give you choices. I'm pleased you can reduce you working hours, it will be brilliant for you.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly stops you worrying x
DeleteYou must have horseshoes up yer arse:)
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely and full time nursing at our age is a tough slog.
Lol. That’s anew one x
DeletePixie and John- That may be worth a try-I could do with some Good Luck and I do have 2 redundant horseshoes by my back door passage x
DeleteWonderful news John 🤗🤗
ReplyDeleteDeb