Resignations

There have been quite a few resignations in the news, this time with our political leaders jumping ship ahead of an election defeat.  Amongst those quitting are Michael Gove and Dame Andrea Leadsom.  Now I have a resignation myself, but nothing to do with politics, or maybe it does?

When I retired 5½ years ago, I was taken on as a trustee of a local charity, one that I have admired over the years.  For various reasons I have decided to step down, with immediate effect.

Recently I went to see the CEO and let her know ahead of an email to the chair and other trustees.  As I was driving home I remembered how it felt when I retired and left work for the last time – elated, empowered and excited for the future.  Tinged was a nagging question in the back of my mind wondering if I’d done the right thing.

My email to the chair and other trustees was very magnanimous; perhaps I am being conceited by thinking I might be thanked in some way.  Alas I was the one prepared to challenge, to ask questions and refuse to play the game.  Is that not within the role of a trustee?

My next “resignation” is quitting the gym.  I am ashamed to say I have become one of those who seldom goes, quite a contrast to 15 years ago when I lost so much weight and became so fit through pounding the treadmill.  I used to run 10k in under 50 minutes as a warm up.  I digress.

I really will need to find an alternative way of keeping fit.  As to whether I find my way into another charity, that’s a different matter.  While I feel I want to continue supporting a good cause in that way, I have neglected photography and art for too long.  I am sure there’s a good balance out there.