the Otter's Pool - web home of Ady Gould -

I travelled to Perth, and was met by my accountant. We grabbed my bags, went to his office to sort some small items out before going to collect my computer from the importers and the customs clearance required.

Once we had done that a couple of small stops before I travelled up to Kalgoorlie for the end of my holiday, and to prepare to go back to work the following day. It was the 27th August 1997, and I was shattered, but excited.

I was eager to talk more to God, and to ring my partner, and to share our trips home with each other. We spoke briefly before I went to bed ready to go to work the following day.

I headed into the university college campus where I work, and went to see Bob. He and I talked briefly, but it seemed that no-one was expecting me yet. The scenario was to get worse as the next four days occurred.

I went to my boss and was greeted without any warmth. Some members of staff in my department were eager to see me back, despite them running a book (or so it seemed) that I would not return from the UK at all.

I did some searching and talking to people around the college, trying to get myself some work, Bob doing a great part behind the scenes. But the worst was to come on the Monday morning.

I spent Monday chasing people, eventually getting to see the director of the section I work in in the afternoon. I arrived late as my hamstrings were making me limp badly, but I knew things were going to be bad as I saw my boss walking back from the director's office.

I got into see the director to be told that I was not supposed to be here at all. I explained to no avail that I was correct in being here, but it was like a brick wall.

I felt alone, battered, and walked over by the time I left that office, and headed up to see our human resources officer to get all the evidence I could that I was in the right.

I grabbed it all and was going to see the next person up the chain of command later in the week. Tuesday came and I worked a bit at home, occupying myself, talking to God about the whole thing. Tuesday came and went, and I was lying in bed on the Wednesday morning when the phone rang. Human resources indicated that I was needed by my boss for a meeting.

I held my breath, and asked God for patience. It seemed that there had been a change in heart. I was supposed to be back from leave and working. I thanked God for his intervention in the situation, but to this day I still have to receive an apology for what I was put through. It hurt to think that they did not trust my opinion, but when the dollar sign was waved things were done.