I started my working life in August 1974 and have been in continuous employment ever since; I've been, therefore, very fortunate with my choice of employers! I started out as a Medical Research Technician (The Lister Institute, Dagger Lane, Elstree) but quickly discovered that my heart wasn't in it and factory work was my true vocation - I am in my element within the hustle and bustle of shop floor life. My first experiences were in the Distribution Southern Region Warehouse, of Kodak, before changing tack and joining the mighty Unilever empire, as a warehouse operative, with Brooke Bond, then later Batchelors (my move from Hertfordshire to Kent) and finally into the Fujifilm family at their Broadstairs factory. Forty-two years in which I have honed the skills required to survive the brutal wit and incessant banter of the factory environment. A thick skin and total lack of self importance is key to survival in these haunts.
Because of my hobby choices, and vocal opinions, have been subjected to a fair amount of flack. Moths, birding, butterflies and an open dislike of racial and religious intolerance, has placed me in the firing line on many occasions. Being big enough and ugly enough to look after myself, these detractors have met with sturdy opposition when brave/stupid enough to go head to head. It goes with the territory - factory floors are no place for the faint-hearted! Every now and again, an individual will appear in these arenas where they are completely unable to cope with this regime. Far too precious to be able to cope with a bit of flak, a comment about their hair style or chosen football team. If they were fish they'd get caught everyday - that simple to get a bite! In these circumstances I use the phrase "hardly sport - just like feeding bread to a swan!"
My post of yesterday fits into this category - it wasn't very sporting! I have made it very clear what I think about natural history being turned into sport, thus requiring a set of rules. I am adamant that I don't require another opinion before my sightings make it onto my lists, I certainly don't need to be called a liar by a bunch of elitists because my written description didn't meet their exacting requirements (as has happened!) Recording our wildlife sightings is an interesting, yet not mandatory or important, part of our time on this earth. That nonsense of yesterday is a demonstration (to myself) of why I need to steer clear of Facebook and Twitter - I'd be unable to contain myself when such subjects are aired.
Who am I?
- Dylan Wrathall
- An individual, of no great importance, who is unable to see the natural world as a place for competition. I catch fish, watch birds, derive immense pleasure from simply looking at butterflies, moths, bumble-bees, etc - without the need for rules! I am Dylan and this is my blog - if my opinions offend? Don't bother logging on again - simple!
Dyl, maybe we're long lost brothers?
ReplyDeleteA very weird concept! - keep taking the pills.
DeleteWhile I've never worked in a factory I did work in Sheerness Docks for 34 years and like you, boy do you need to be thick-skinned and have a great sense of humour, to endure the banter and piss taking that goes on in such environments. More than anything, you need to be able to take the piss out of yourself, before somebody else does. It's a great learning curve in life.
ReplyDeleteThe ability to take the piss out of yourself - job done! - Dyl
DeleteMe I worked in a factory, then outside in mains electricity, student (failed), insurance (brief), warehouse, factory (3) again and finally(last eleven years)as a self employed gardener.
ReplyDeleteHas to be self employment for me. I had problems with being employed. Didn't suit me at all.
Now I don't have to tolerate anything or anyone.
Horses for courses I'd say - factory life certainly isn't suited to everyone.
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