I’m sorry to hear about you losing your friend. You’re right – just because someone’s a close relative doesn’t automatically mean you’ll miss them. I was completely indifferent to the passing of my dad as well. Anyway, all the best with dealing with that.

Thank you again for your kind comments. It’s such a liberation being away from work for a while, as I know you understand.

All the best from a very wet Bristol.

Why avoid solicitations? Don’t be such a hero.

That’s not the easiest way to get a holiday but you’re grateful. You can study for the game with your newfound free time.

I’ve never like my job. Not one. I do it because it affords me a nice life outside of work. But it’s a miserable way to spend my day.

I lost a close friend. 64 years old and this is the first death that rocked me. When my dad died I didn’t care. I was sad when my mom died but it didn’t mean anything for my day-to-day existence. I still absentmindedly pick up my phone to text him.

And yes, having time on your hands can be pricey, but the joy in the morning of turning over in bed (very carefully) rather than having that jolt of anxiety that going to work always brings, is priceless.