How time flies
My first administration job was back around 1995. It was a shitkicking job of data entry & accounts receivable; invoicing customers & chasing payments.
It was my first real world interaction to back up my acadamic studies. I was extremely shy and had been working in factories for 3 years after my schooling finished.
A charismatic guy from across the road, worked for our Customs broker. He was friendly, positive & genuinely a good person.
Fast forward some 20 years, I bumped into him again at a cafe. He was still his amicable self. He even introduced my business into his workplace, helping me build my business. He asked nothing in return. I always felt I endebted to his kindness.
I rang him this week, as I hadn't spoken to him for a cople of years.
No footholds
I had thought that the phone call would be a pleasant one.. it wasn't.
My friend had lost his job due to the covid. The economy is locked down and there are not many jobs available.
He has been using his credit cards to pay his expenses. Always hoping that he would find a way out.
Now, he is $100,000 credit card debt. Something, that took some conversation for him to finally admit to.
End of his tether
The pressure he feels is tremendous. He has been trying to withdraw his retirement funds to pay off his debt. An action that would leave him destitute in his old age.
He said, "Alot of other people would have committed suicide at this point."
A comment like that is distressing. He is having a reality check. His circumstances are now dire.
One Good Turn Deserves Another
Here I now see it is time to help him. To find a way for him to navigate theirs difficult waters.
It is his ship to sail. However, every Captain needs a reliable Navigator.
I've reached out to him & sent him some links of how, I believe, he should set his course.
I have made myself available next week for him. I will call him tomorrow to set up a game plan. I feel he needs support and my experience with credit control will come in handy.
Let us hope that we can find the best outcome.
To anyone suffering in silence. Please, reach out to those who love and care about you.