[Jarred Santos]

What is something in your life that...​

Hello, members!

For the Sunday newsletter, we talked a bit about there being honour and dignity in walking away from things no longer doing us good just the same as there are things to be celebrated in toughing it out through life's challenges.

That got me thinking of the many stories out there, perhaps left untold, of turning back from something with heads held high... So, members: What's something you walked away from without an ounce of regret?

Whoever said quitting is for losers must not know the peace doing so can also bring. Image Credit: Unsplash

My humble entry: I completely cut off someone who once was a dear friend because I could no longer tolerate being walked all over for the sake of keeping the peace. It all came to a head one night when drinks (a lot, I must admit) were had and words --- the kind that leave deep gouges in the heart --- were said. It was from that point that I told myself: 'No more'.

We've since had better days, both spent far apart from each other. I will forever wish them the best in life, but the one thing that's different now is that I'd rather not be along for the ride.

I know, it's quite a heavy bit, but what you reveal doesn't have to be a story like mine! Maybe it was a job, a pet you just couldn't deal with any longer, or even a scary roommate --- if you feel like sharing a piece of you with us, by all means feel free!

 

[Fisherman2320]

I'll only say a few words on this subject!

It's sad and I felt that I had to walk away from a toxic woman.. Pure

 

[Jarred Santos]

I'll only say a few words on this subject!

It's sad and I felt that I had to walk away from a toxic woman.. Pure

Glad that you found the strength to do so, @Fisherman2320! Hopefully, you've had better days since

 

[SeniorSnoopy]

My paternal grandmother. On the outside, she appeared the most sweet and caring lady. We only used to see her every few years when she would fly over from the UK with my beautiful grandfather and she would spoil us while she was here. When I turned 17, I went to live in the UK for a while and I lived with her for 12 months. It was the worst 12 months of my life. The caring, sweet little old lady was really a woman filled with hate, not a good word to say about anyone, devious and horrible and basically a back stabber. My sister was getting married back in Perth so we came back home for the wedding. While I was away, my grandmother made it her mission to spread as much bad gossip about me to my future family as she could possibly muster up and we were greeted with all the information when we returned to the UK. The first thing I did was return to her flat and gather all my belongings and moved out without saying one word to her and moved in with my fiancé and his mother until we were able to get our own place. I never spoke another word to her from that date and didn't shed a tear when we were informed that she had passed away. She was one very toxic woman indeed.

 

[Useless]

I walked away from a man who wanted a mother figure and thought it was o k to just take and not give.i have since married a absolutely the most incredible man the love of my life.

 

[Jarred Santos]

My paternal grandmother. On the outside, she appeared the most sweet and caring lady. We only used to see her every few years when she would fly over from the UK with my beautiful grandfather and she would spoil us while she was here. When I turned 17, I went to live in the UK for a while and I lived with her for 12 months. It was the worst 12 months of my life. The caring, sweet little old lady was really a woman filled with hate, not a good word to say about anyone, devious and horrible and basically a back stabber. My sister was getting married back in Perth so we came back home for the wedding. While I was away, my grandmother made it her mission to spread as much bad gossip about me to my future family as she could possibly muster up and we were greeted with all the information when we returned to the UK. The first thing I did was return to her flat and gather all my belongings and moved out without saying one word to her and moved in with my fiancé and his mother until we were able to get our own place. I never spoke another word to her from that date and didn't shed a tear when we were informed that she had passed away. She was one very toxic woman indeed.

Oh dear, this one's quite a shocker... I know you said you never spoke to her again, but did she ever attempt to contact you after you moved out?

 

[Jarred Santos]

I walked away from a man who wanted a mother figure and thought it was o k to just take and not give.i have since married a absolutely the most incredible man the love of my life.

My heart sank when I read 'ok to just take and not give'. Good thing that the next sentence was a wonderful read! So happy things turned out better

 

[SirExton]

My Father in England, would physically (beatings) and mentally abuse me, back in the 50-60's and early 70's I was a final year Fabricator Welder Apprentice and could not afford the wet weather gear to go to Antarctica. So the furthest I could get away from my old man, was when I found a company in Wellington New Zealand at age 20, to take me on. It took me two and a half years, working three jobs, to save the one way airfare and arrived with NZ$70-00 in my pocket, so it had to work! It was the best thing I ever could have done and saved my life!

 

[Papa t]

Many years ago, working as a contract manager for a government department in the computer industry. My 2IC, a government employee who was computer illiterate, vetoed all my decisions. I lasted a week and walked away after a month.
As an aside he was dismissed about 6 week later because of his attitude.

 

[Jarred Santos]

My Father in England, would physically (beatings) and mentally abuse me, back in the 50-60's and early 70's I was a final year Fabricator Welder Apprentice and could not afford the wet weather gear to go to Antarctica. So the furthest I could get away from my old man, was when I found a company in Wellington New Zealand at age 20, to take me on. It took me two and a half years, working three jobs, to save the one way airfare and arrived with NZ$70-00 in my pocket, so it had to work! It was the best thing I ever could have done and saved my life!

Glad to know it worked out well in the end @SirExton! Did he ever try to reconnect with you? Or was it all good riddance from then on?

 

[Jarred Santos]

Many years ago, working as a contract manager for a government department in the computer industry. My 2IC, a government employee who was computer illiterate, vetoed all my decisions. I lasted a week and walked away after a month.
As an aside he was dismissed about 6 week later because of his attitude.

Oh, the stress must have been horrendous! The last bit's icing on the cake, if I'm being a bit cheeky

 

[Pink lion]

I don't feel to resurrect her in my life so I cannot comment.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

Twice in my life I walked away from a toxic workplace, once at 19 and again at 62. No regrets about either.

 

[Jarred Santos]

I don't feel to resurrect her in my life so I cannot comment.

'Let it be', as they say, @Pink lion! Fair enough!

 

[Jarred Santos]

Twice in my life I walked away from a toxic workplace, once at 19 and again at 62. No regrets about either.

If you don't mind us asking, how were those workplaces toxic, and what were the respective tipping points?

 

[EllieN]

I worked for the same Government department (apart from 18 months) for 37 years. The friendships I developed with a fair number of fellow staff all those years ago, are still strong today.
Sadly, several of the leadership team within the organisation, only had eyes for how far they could get within the office, to the detriment of the general staff. This also affected the good the organisation did for the population. This, of course, was my opinion (and that of others), but to this day, I still believe to be correct. I retired in 2013.
I loved that place for what was produced for the public, but with the exceptions developed from the life long friendships, I have no regrets in walking away.

 

[John the pom]

I walked when I was ten because I knew that I definitely knew that I was in the “way”. There was no feeling. (Like my cousins family) and I had no doubt what todo so I went to sea over nights on fishing boats and went to school to sleep,and sailed that evening at four ,o ,clock six days a week.ALL FOR TEN SHILLINGS a week! But it started me off on the right road and never looked back. It was probably due to the times. (1950) but it made me aware of people and their peculiarities. I have been married now for63 years and wouldn’t,t be like my parents for a million dollars. John. C

 

[mylittletibbies]

I walked away from my first marriage to a womanising, alcoholic gambler whom I wasted 12 years of my life on. Only good thing that came out of it was my 3 children.
Why is it that we don't listen to our
parents when we are young, they tried so hard to warn me. Love is blind.

 

[Jarred Santos]

I worked for the same Government department (apart from 18 months) for 37 years. The friendships I developed with a fair number of fellow staff all those years ago, are still strong today.
Sadly, several of the leadership team within the organisation, only had eyes for how far they could get within the office, to the detriment of the general staff. This also affected the good the organisation did for the population. This, of course, was my opinion (and that of others), but to this day, I still believe to be correct. I retired in 2013.
I loved that place for what was produced for the public, but with the exceptions developed from the life long friendships, I have no regrets in walking away.

I can tell you were passionate about your work, @EllieN! They were lucky to have you

 

[Jarred Santos]

I walked when I was ten because I knew that I definitely knew that I was in the “way”. There was no feeling. (Like my cousins family) and I had no doubt what todo so I went to sea over nights on fishing boats and went to school to sleep,and sailed that evening at four ,o ,clock six days a week.ALL FOR TEN SHILLINGS a week! But it started me off on the right road and never looked back. It was probably due to the times. (1950) but it made me aware of people and their peculiarities. I have been married now for63 years and wouldn’t,t be like my parents for a million dollars. John. C

Like all the other stories, reading this one felt bittersweet. I'm happy it all turned out well, but a bid sad at the bridges all of us have had to burn at some point or another for our own good.

To better days and being better people, John!