Big Cliff Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 A couple of years ago my career suddenly and unexpectedly came to a crashing halt. Circumstances were such that my options were somewhat limited and a change in careers was the best route for me to take. Now starting a new career at 61 is not the sort of thing that might appeal to most people but I love to learn and enjoy a challenge so decided to go for it. Starting at the bottom wasn’t easy, getting the “Joe jobs” having to prove that I could keep up with guys 1/3 of my age, at times working outside in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. I have to admit there were times when I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew but I stuck with it. It has been three hard years of working, going to school trying to make do with a reduced income but two weeks ago I went and wrote my final exam. I got my marks yesterday and I passed my Provincial exam with flying colours, I am now a licensed Small Engine Technician so as my son put it "well dad, now I guess you can say you are a jack of all trades and a master of one". LOL I guess this does prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks after all. Hey it only took me 64 years! Now the only problem I have is deciding what my next challenge should be. I always wanted to fly a helicopter...... perhaps I should give that one some more thought LOL.
solopaddler Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 You're an inspiration, especially to the younger guys who've been moaning lately about no work.
Roy Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Yes, congrats to you Cliff. Mike said it right......you never complain, you just git'er done.
Ron Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Way to go Cliff! Being 43 yrs old, I am getting tired of my business and have often thought of getting into another line of work... You may have given me the incentive... Thanks! Cheers, Ron...
John Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Well done Cliff, I knew you would ace it! Ever thought of mobile small engine repair, I have a wood chipper that needs caressing!
Joey Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Congratulations Cliff, I am soooooo proud of you As the old saying goes about age, how old would you have been today if you hadn't taken the course Very impressed my dear Joey
Marc Thorpe Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Well Ron,I have just the right thing for you http://www.281.ca/ I think you and Mercer would be a Hit Good luck
ecmilley Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 congrats cliff, though i thought you were gonna post you figured out where the crappies were
kickingfrog Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Now...... I've got this engine that I was hoping you could look at for free.
bigbuck Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 GOOD FOR YOU!! Now the question is, are you going to open your own little shop or are you going to continue working for someone else and do the odd side job?? Best of luck to you!
ketchenany Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Congrats Cliff, an inspiration for sure.
tightline Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Just shows your never too old to get out there and kick some azz...Great story...with hard work comes great rewards...and I bet the 15 pats on the back you just got here is just the tip of the iceberg!!
adempsey Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Well Ron,I have just the right thing for you http://www.281.ca/ I think you and Mercer would be a Hit Good luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why did I click that link. My computer is forever traumatized. Better question, how do you even know of that place? Hmmm.... Anyway, definitely inspirational story! I am sure 99% of people in your situation would have just given up. So, whenever I start to feel sorry for myself I will just think of the "Cliff Story"! Best of luck in your new career.
Headhunter Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 A sincere congrats to you and your family Cliff! I beg to differ with you topic heading though... you didn't really learn a new trick, you simply applied an old trick taught to you by someone in your life. that trick taught you to work hard and that those efforts will reqward you! Ok... maybe that's a new trick for some, but I would be willing to bet it's a characteristic of you, that has been around for as long as you have. Again, congrats! HH
Beans Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 (edited) Congratulations !!!...Cliff old buddy...I knew you would ace it... Does the sign go back up ??? Edited February 17, 2010 by Beans
Big Cliff Posted February 17, 2010 Author Report Posted February 17, 2010 Congratulations !!!...Cliff old buddy...I knew you would ace it... Does the sign go back up ??? Beans my friend, for you the sign is up 24/7 as long as God grants me the life and health to do what I can it will always be up for you! I am very blessed to have many friends but you will always be special. HH, it was the many members of this board (including you) that got me through those tough times a few years ago. When I was down, they picked me up, when I had no idea which way to go next I had people offering me opportunities. How can anyone go wrong when you have that kind of support behind you? So many OFNr's helped me on my journey and I sometimes feel embarrased that I can't always remember all their names. People went out of their way to give me items to work on. Some could be fixed (well they could have all been fixed but sometimes the parts would have cost more than a new unit) but the fact is that people I had never even met before did whatever they could do to help me in my journey. They are the ones that deserve the credit! Joey; from the day I met you, you have been an insparation to me! Every time I get to see that beautiful smile of yours and that glint in your eyes, my whole world lights up! Paul all I can say is "good thing I'm not 40 years younger" LOL. (just kidding Paul. I know she wouldn't settle for anything but the best!") Anyway, my post wasn't ment as a brag (well perhaps a little) It was meant as a thank you to all of the OFNr's that worked so hard to help me on my quest and to let them know that their hard work and kindness had resulted in something positive. That is the power of OFC!
joonmoon Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 Hey Cliff ...you da man. WTG. The people here are the best there is anywhere. You've been inspired by many and many have been inspired by you. You earned my respect early on and I admire your tanacity towards eveything you set out to do. I am honoured to have been a part of this big happy family with you and many others, hope to see you guys soon.
aplumma Posted February 17, 2010 Report Posted February 17, 2010 congratulations and good job to you Cliff. I had known that your quest was to be the best small engine repairman but I did not know you were going for your papers. I am very happy for you and I am sure you have your eye on your next conquest. Art
Big Cliff Posted February 17, 2010 Author Report Posted February 17, 2010 congratulations and good job to you Cliff. I had known that your quest was to be the best small engine repairman but I did not know you were going for your papers. I am very happy for you and I am sure you have your eye on your next conquest. Art Art! Want to go on a helicopter ride? Ok, Ok, perhaps that is just pushing it a little LOL Thank you everyone for your well wishes and support! Cliff
Syn Posted February 18, 2010 Report Posted February 18, 2010 Cliff you're an inspiration to us slightly younger guys who are sometimes afraid to take on a new challenge because we think we are too old. Congratulations!
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now