A "Duck for luck dad!"

— Ian Porter

My daughter was born in 2008 and I took early retirement from a national role to look after her. Then came separation, divorce and suddenly I'm a single parent without a job or (given the passage of time) a 'network'. Come 2014/15 I was applying for various jobs that gave me the parental flexibility I needed but when I was shortlisted for interviews the inevitable: "We don't often get applications for these kinds of roles from people with your profile/CV" (whatever that means!). Bottom line: come 2016, we're on the bones of our arses and I'm getting more than a little desperate. Anyway, I get shortlisted for this semi-pro football league admin job and get off to the interview with a huge hug and good luck wishes from my 7 year old Doots. They told me on the day that I hadn't been successful so when i got home, the conversation went as follows: Molly: Did you get it Dad? Me: I didn't lovely but it was close! Molly: Where you wearing odd socks Dad?! Me: No! Molly: (Slaps hand to forehead) Daaaad! You gotta wear odd socks to these things and ...(she runs upstairs to fetch something and on her return......dadaaaaaaaaah "Here's a duck for luck dad - and don't forget the odd socks as well next time!" Next time arrived in September 2016 - a 'graduate position' (so obvs I'm more Bancroft than Hoffman at this group interview gig) Nevertheless - odd socks and duck for luck in pocket.........I get the job and haven't looked back since. Who'd have thought?

Try to remember that even in the darkest of times, somebody who loves you can turn on a light that shines and lights the way.