I start a new job tomorrow, not just with relief but with real expectation. I have worked for myself for quite a few years, but in reality have just contracted my services to various organisations and not really built a business of any worth. I took a long hard look at where I had been successful in the past and realised that I had not only made more money personally, but created more wealth for others when working in a company environment. I spent many years providing products and services that delivered business benefit and value to my customers as well as my employers. So when I put my ego to one side and realised that I am better suited to this environment , I was mightily relieved that my new employer agreed and has given me a wonderful opportunity. There is plenty of room for successful entrepreneurs and business owners in this world, but realistically we cannot ALL run our own businesses or necessarily be any good at it.
On the subject of employees I cannot be anything but disgusted by Len McCluskey's remarks regarding strike action and 'civil disobedience' during the Olympics. If you have read my previous blogs (Welcome Back and Olympic Joy), you will know I am no fan of London hosting the games this year, I believe that £9 billion could have been far better used to regenerate areas around the country not just the East End of London. Or maybe, just maybe, and I am being a touch controversial here, providing adequate rehabilitation facilities for injured servicemen and women, or schools, hospitals or provision for the elderly who's pensions have been mismanaged and cannot afford proper care.
To listen to Mr McCluskey is like taking a time machine back to the late 1970's and early 1980's. Careful what you wish for, because the blinkered, outdated and belligerent actions of the unions almost led to their extinction back then. Union leaders consistently seem to ignore the general public and how we have to put up with the day to day inconvenience and cost of their strike actions. In case you hadn't noticed our economy and many others is in the shit because of chronic mismanagement, predominantly by a Union supported Labour government between 1997 and 2010. These union members have jobs and pensions and should understand the need for us all to pull together with some sensible austerity measures or end up like Greece, or out of a job. Suggesting his members and other citizens should aim to sabotage the Olympics because "..the Olympics provide us with an opportunity, then that's exactly one that we should be looking at."
Prick!, we've already undemocratically spent £9 billion on the games, so why jeopardise the chance of getting some money back into the country's coffers? Wouldn't you just love to be locked in a room with these people and have the opportunity to give them a dose of the real world? He is as out of touch with reality as the majority of our politicians.
As an aside, but reference the Olympics, it was with heartfelt joy that I found out that the £500 million contingency fund for the Olympics has not been touched and is unlikely to be needed, proving beyond doubt that the Olympics will come in under budget. UNDER BUDGET??? Which budget would that be? The original bid budget projection in 2005 was £2 Billion and now we are looking at an overall spend of £9.35 Billion. Pick a number, double it, double it again and wow look at us we still need more money!! Change it again and NOW we are under budget, known in the trade as Greek Accountancy practice.
We have a number of world class athletes competing this weekend in America at the Arnold 2012 sports festival. Not mainstream, but the sport of Strongman enters our homes every Christmas with The World's Strongest Man. Last year two English athletes Terry Hollands and Laurence Shahlaei came 3rd and 4th in WSM 2011 and this weekend they will be competing in the Arnold 2012 Strongman Classic , probably one of the strongest events outside WSM itself, two great athletes and ambassadors for the sport. Good luck guys.
Until next time......
