My Farewell to Facebook

To All of My Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds all of you in  good spirits and health.  I write to you now hoping that you have watched the video I posted back in February.  If not, please watch it  before you proceed, as it will help you to understand more why I am writing what I am.  This is my “Farewell" to Facebook.

First, I can safely say that I am glad to have cut FB out  of my digital routine.  It was difficult at first, I admit, but  the longer I was away, the better I felt.  In a way, I went  through withdrawal.  The first few days were the worst.  I felt this perceived need to check in and when I didn’t, I felt weird.  There were times where I was checking in just to pass the time.  I never saw anything new or interesting,  yet this was a habit I had formed.  And thanks to knowing the science behind how social media  works on the brain,  I knew why I felt better the more I checked in.

Next is the matter of time spent on FB.  While I did not  use an official app tracker to see exactly how much  time I spent on FB, I knew it was a considerable  amount.  There were even instances where I was so involved in scrolling and swiping that I lost track of time  and was late a few times to planned events. That  bothered me.  I wondered:  If something that is meant to be social causes me to be late for something that is  actually social, is it worth keeping?  Also, in the video, one of the speakers talks about people’s excessive use  of Social Media simply because they lack something better to do.  I came to realize that for myself, there  were too many things I wanted to do, explore, try, or learn that it’s just not worth putting those things aside for merely scrolling, liking, sharing, etc.

Please  know  that  I do not  think ill  of anyone  who is  able  to  keep a  balance  here.  FB can  be  a  valuable tool,  and is  being  used  responsibly  by many,  many people.   You are  probably one  of them.   So don’t think  I condemn  anyone  who wishes  to remain active  on FB or any other social  media. Because  I don’t. My decision  in this  matter  is  based solely  on personal  reflection  on my own set  of circumstances  and thinking about  what  truly  is  best  for me.   Nothing  more.

So, you may  wonder  …… what’s  next?   Well, I plan  on focusing more  on my  blog, of which, this  is  a post  as  you are  aware.  My blog has  the  ability to  post  links  to FB, something  you also are  aware  of; and  so I will  use  that  option to  keep in  touch with all  of you.  I can  promise  you that  there  will  be  no blurbs  there.  Posts  like  this  one  will  be  the  order of the  day;  complete  with pictures, videos, and whatever else  I feel  like  adding.   However,  I will  not  be  logging  in to FB anymore.  So even as  you read  this, I will  never see  again if  you like  my post  or comment  on it.  And I'm  ok with that….  No offense.

I thank you all for sharing in this  with me.   I look forward to seeing  you in person sometime, or perhaps I might  hear  from  you in a  text,  email, or snail  mail.   Feel  free  to send one  or another,  or perhaps  any combination, from  time  to time.

Your Friend and  Family  Member,

James

A Fond Farewell

To all my railroad brethren,

I hope this letter finds all of you well and in good spirits.  I wanted to let you know that I will not be returning to work with you.  On Wednesday, March 23rd, I will be returning my remaining equipment and officially resigning from NS.

I have to admit, I have collected many great memories and friendships along the way.  From the red-eye, called-on-short-rest trips, to working the yard and kicking cars for hours, it was more than a decade to remember.

I can understand how some of you may be wondering why I would not choose to return.  Here's why.  First, I honestly didn't think arbitration would be in my favor with regards to the combined circumstances of the incident that got me removed from service.  Therefore I simply set it in my head and heart to move on. Second, and more important, I had the chance to see how my children benefited with me home and on a regular schedule.  I can honestly say that the improvement in our relationship cannot be measured.  When I had considered these along with all of the other factors with an honest and impartial eye, it didn't take long to figure out what I needed to do, or what the best choice for my family was.

It is true, I am not making as much now as when I was on the railroad.  But that's not an issue either.  I chose to keep my eye simple when I worked for NS, and now I can say that I own my home and my vehicles as well.  So, even though I make less money now than I did, I don't face any financial hardships, and that is primarily because I didn't do as some have done, and load up on the things that a railroad payroll can afford, and leave myself up to my eyebrows in debt.  No, I may not have the newest, best, fanciest, or shiniest of things, but I can sleep at night and not worry about how my bills will be paid.

To close, I wish you all the best in your endeavors.  I know that the railroad life isn't the easiest. But for those of you who are reading this, you have made it bearable, and even enjoyable.  Stay watchful on the road.  Be mindful in the yards.  And may you come home safe to your families.  After all, aren't they worth it in the end?



With Sincerity and Best Regards to Each of You,


James