Colours and Light | Created by Alex Wain

The long weekend here in Australia has drawn to a close (I took an extra day off at the end to give myself an even longer break) and I’m pleased to report it’s been a productive and interesting break on the Western front.

I get repeatedly told to maintain the ‘work / life’ balance, so any opportunity to catch ones breath, stretch your arms and spend quality time with family and friends should always be embraced. So that’s predominantly what I did (along with sleeping in and making gin & tonics for my friends).

It’s scary actually how easy it is to disconnect from the world when you constantly revolve around in your little work bubble, thinking of nothing more than dealing with that next e-mail.

Speaking of which, roughly 1,095 days since I started my current job, I’ve finally been promoted. Now whilst I won’t be able to afford a penthouse in New York JUST yet ( hehe that will come), for once in my life, I have the means to reduce the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. An unfortunate trait I’ve had to live with throughout my entire working life, due to the high cost of inner city living and the even high costs of paying rent to be there.

It’s undoubtedly a great achievement to get promoted (especially during the current economic climate) but it’s been somewhat tainted with an over-riding sense from everyone that I’ve spoken to, despite their elation, that it’s been long long over-due.

I’m glad it has finally happened, after 3 years of steadfast loyalty, in the same role, constantly exceeding it and working tirelessly during that time, I think any reasonable individual would expect some form of pay-off and tangible recognition, not just a token “Thanks for all your hard work this week” and a pat on the back.

I’m relieved that it has finally happened and that I can move forward, knowing that the company does value me and has made a concerted effort to secure my future. Above all, it gives you a renewed sense of confidence when you’re seen as having the ability to play a pivotal role, in the future direction of the business.

Ultimately, that is what everyone who cares about and is good at their jobs wants –  a place at the table, to get taken seriously and have their input seen as credible and reliable.

I’m particularly thankful that I wasn’t forced into a position where I had to look at moving jobs, because it was genuinely looking that way for while. No matter how much enjoy working for a company, or appreciate being part of a charismatic team, the need to grow your skills, challenge yourself and expand your horizons will eventually take precedent.

And as my previous post alluded to, sometimes change is just inevitable one way or another.

In saying that, I hope I would never become like this guy lol (can’t see the video below? Click here)

I’d also like to thank everyone who has sent me a message, e-mailed, spoken to me in person to or phoned in with congratulations, it means a tremendous amount to me, it really does

You can always mark the sign of a true friend, when they share the same levels excitement and relief as you do and I’m very lucky to have so many of you that care about me, I forget that sometimes.

It has been an epic emotional roller-coaster over the past several months, but to the select individuals that have been with me from day dot, through the dark days and by my side 24/7 (you know who you are)……… an extra little special thank-you x

I also have some other news (which I’m going to be deliberately vague about!)  For a few weeks now I’ve been working in the background on a brand new project with a few friends of mine.

Master Blueprints for the forthcoming Space Rocket

Now anyone who has been to my house could be forgiven in thinking that I was building a space rocket in secret,  what with all of the notepads, diagrams and scribbles dotted on various unkempt bits of paper floating around!

(It’s not a space rocket by the way.)

I don’t want to jinx things or give away too much information (sometimes less is more) but it’s something to get really excited about. There are a few of us all working together on it. We want to make something really special, unique and well frankly, just really really fucking cool. I wanted to mention it now, so that in the future, we can look back on this entry as the start of it all.

I’ll tell you more about it, as we get nearer a launch date (which is still some months away) – but I genuinely hope you love it, because I know I do and we haven’t even started putting it together yet haha.

Your friend,
Alex

p.s. I also went and saw these guys play last Monday (June 1st) if you haven’t heard of them by now, where the hell have you been lol