KNOWING WHEN TO QUIT WHILE YOU ARE AHEAD

 

Instilled with a high level of self-confidence, thanks to my mother, I am not renowned for my humility. Having decided to step down from my involvement in local politics after almost 20 years I have been truly humbled by the enormous number of accolades I have received, both on social media, by email, and from those who have taken the trouble to write me personal messages. 

Whilst I do not regret my actions, my decision has got me thinking about those of us in a position of power and influence who cling on with their finger-tips way past their sell-by date. All too often, in both politics and in business, we are witness to those who refuse to quit because their own egos get in the way of progress and a refusal to acknowledge their own failings. 

If I have learnt anything at all in the past few weeks, it is to quit while you are ahead. If I am to personally benefit from such tributes, and bask in the resulting glow, I am delighted that they have been expressed long before I am six feet under.

THE STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL’S BACK

 

This is a phrase that we hear often, meaning that one in a line of unacceptable occurrences causes a seemingly sudden, strong reaction. 

Recently I announced that with effect from the new year I shall be relinquishing all of my official representative positions. This was a decision not undertaken lightly, and something I had been giving consideration to for some time. 

In many ways Covid was the catalyst for my decision. Whilst others seemed to have suffered a good deal as a result of lockdown, I was truly in my element. For a few months I felt that I had re-gained my life. No more dashing from one end of the country to the other, and despite the chore of Zoom meetings, no sitting in village halls for hour after hour, listening to people’s problems but largely being helpless in resolving the issues to their satisfaction. I swore that I would never get back on the hamster wheel.  

Six months later, I find that I am working up to 14 hours per day, every day. 

For most people, when it comes to the important decisions in life, there can be the tendency to prevaricate; worries about money, health, parental responsibilities and other personal issues we face all have an impact on our ability to make tough life-changing decisions.  For me, this has occurred perhaps half a dozen times in my life, when seemingly minor incidents just tip me over the balance. In that moment, a decision I had been putting off was made instantly, with no looking back. In all cases I can honestly say that I have had no regrets.  

This last month, the turning point for me was something that occurred during the Remembrance service in the Minster at Ilminster. It was the high-handed, arrogant, attitude of a colleague, and what I felt was unacceptable behaviour that was the final straw. I realised that I no longer wished to be associated with them or their ilk. 

I was so cross that I went home and handed in my resignation immediately, deciding at the same time to free myself from the shackles of other commitments. 

To date, I have yet to repent my actions, and am counting the days to freedom from obligation. I may even throw a party.