Moving On (to God knows where)
Two days ago I resigned from my contract.
There are so many reasons I did that – personal and professional – but it finally boiled down to the fact that my heart wasn’t in it anymore and a realisation that , while I felt (and still feel) a sense of duty and responsibility to the company, I felt a higher duty to my family. I had been posted from my operational role to one in Plans and that didn’t really ‘float my boat’ so I did some major soul-searching while on leave. You have to be committed to what you do to justify the risk and the separation from the family. I just didn’t feel that commitment anymore. So, it looks like I won’t be making that ‘Year in Afghanistan’ after all.
I’m job-hunting now and I’ll stay on The Circuit. I’m sure, some time soon, I’ll be off to another place in another role. I’m still hoping to find that cushy fly in – fly out security consultancy role!
I plan to re-badge this blog to make it more about life on The Circuit more generally and keep you up to date on the various assignments that take me wherever they may so, for now, it might be slim pickings here but keep me bookmarked. Until then, it’s time to catch up on all the chores around the house that have needed a man’s touch for too long and time to reconnect with my family and with the ancient art of beer drinking.
If you’re a contractor somewhere out there, stay ready and be safe. To paraphrase Orwell and Churchill, if you’re at home and sleeping peacefully tonight, spare a thought for all those rough men out here who stand ready to do violence on your behalf.
Thanks for being part of the journey.
Kandahar Diary 
Really enjoyed reading your perspective on the war, thank you. Looking forward to what you’ll write about next…
wow.
I’m at KAF working with Cdn Military.
enjoyed your blog. 10 months to go for me.
stay safe.
enjoy your family.
d.
I’m pleased you’ve made a decision to find employment that will suit you. I’m looking forward to seeing where you find yourself next.
First, it’s great to hear you are ok. In light of the last round of attacks on contractors I was beginning to fear the worse since there hadn’t been any posts. Whew! I was most happy to see “Kandahar Diary” in my mailbox! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and look forward to the updated version. I still say you should write a book! Take care, all the best to you and your family.
Hmmm Im in i similar position and struggling with my soul as we speak. Not sure I will make my year either but many tell me to suck it up and take the money, but its not all about the money….
I’m sorry that a good, smart, responsible writer will no longer be reporting from the field. I’ve especially enjoyed following along because my son in in Kandahar so I felt you were filling gaps while providing a different (contractor) perspective. I wish you well, wonder what “the circuit” is, and look forward to hearing more when you have the chance. Warm regards.
Thank you for your sacrifice and the sacrifice so many others have made in the protection of your client and the ultimate goal. I look forward to reading more from you in the future. I hope that the insight and experience you have can be shared with others hoping to achieve a greater good. For now, enjoy a few beers for those who cannot, and tuck the family in at night every chance you get.
I’ve enjoyed your blog! Sad to see your “Year” come up short, but wish the best for you. May that cushy “fly-in” job find you..
Hey Centurion, its been a most excellent time reading about your life and the operations of a Contractor. After awaiting your return, im most pleased to hear your decision. I wish you and your family a great future. From one man to another, you seem like a intelligent and honorable person. Take care my friend, and good luck on whatever endeavors that you may get into.
Thank you for providing a ground level view of the conflict in Afghanistan. Although your topics may change your skill at writing will not so please continue to post.
I also really enjoyed reading, stay safe and I hope the future holds good things for you and your family.
Im sorry but I was not following your blog early on. What kind of a contract were you working and I understand about some of the issues here,but what was teh main reason you decided to resign? These contracts are difficult to work if you are used to actually accomplishing things in your life. One also has to wonder about the risk that we all take for the possible gains here…
At any rate i wish you well and above all, be safe
Glad you updated us with what is going on. I was starting to worry too on how you were doing. My husband is deployed to KAF, but has yet movd from there to a differnt location. We know how important Family is, glad you get to have the choice of leaving there sooner n going home. I hope that where ever life may lead you that you keep your head high. Best wishes
Godspeed Mate. As someone currently serving in Afghanistan, it was nice to know that someone with values and ideals similar to mine was posting and able (due to the differences in our employers) many things I’m not permitted to write about. Good luck in your new adventures and take care.
I’m just another reader who has been enjoying a view from the Circuit. Good luck. Enjoy your well deserved time with the family.
Hey, we have all been there and sometimes you just have to take a break or move on to better pastures. Family is soooo important, and contracting can be hell on it.
For me, I will take as long a break as I can, if I need it. I also save my pennies so I am not a slave to the contract. It pays to not overextend yourself financially back home.
Enjoy your time home and I hope the job search goes well once you kick it in again. Great blog by the way, and keep writing!
Thanks Matt. Take it easy out there.
Heard you on Richard Fidler’s ‘Conversations’ (ABC Brisbane) this Thursday just past. An incredible insight into what is going on in Afghanistan. I hope a lot of Australians take note of what you said about the future of Afghanistan; as to what needs to happen etc. It will put the current political debate on Australia’s involvement into a very different perspective. All the best with your next career move. K.//
Glad to hear that you will get some time with family and beer. I really appreciated your view, and hope that you might continue to publish your opinions of the conflict, even if you are not in the field.
All the best to you and your family who, I imagine, will be very relieved to have you home.
Thank you.
Karen
Glad to hear you are indeed safe. Hope you will remain safe. Good luck in your next opportunity.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us common folk. And thank you for keeping ‘us’ safe.
How lucky we are to have people like you putting your lives on the line so we can live the lives we do.
I hope the Afghani people can too experience this privilege too sometime in the very near future.
Cheers
Enjoyed your blog, stay safe and get human again
Followed your interview on ABC radio. That which does not bring us down serves to make us stronger. Thats you. Confronting, thought provoking interview. Thanks for the lessons learned. Wish you well.
J.