I was already happy on Saturday (having had a day off work) but discovering an old Columbo movie on telly I hadn't seen much before was added bliss (love Columbo)
Then ... I noticed my completion certificate had made a much awaited appearance! Still can't believe it, but it's there before my very eyes, I'm looking at it now, can't stop looking at it to be honest.
When I say happy, I mean happy in the sense that anyone in an IVA can possibly be, or feel.
My IVA journey began 6+ years ago when I knew I had to do something about mounting/unmanageable debt which was seriously overwhelming. I was stressed, depressed and didn't know which way to turn. I'd previously been self-employed and was doing very nicely financially until the economic downturn/financial crisis during 2008 and beyond. My business dwindled, then ultimately failed and I sought employment elsewhere. The only work I could find was part-time hours with the chance of overtime now and again - not always guaranteed, but any port, etc. I (sort of) held things together for a further few years until a shortage of overtime became too much to bear. Finding another full time job, or other employment to fit in with my already working hours was nearly impossible, so I found myself on the path of an IVA.
I was destitute, I was desperate. And was glad to have the chance to pay off my debts with a grand portion being written off. Sounded too good to be true.
The start of the IVA was fine. Then came even more reduced hours at work due to cutbacks, etc, and sometimes no overtime at all, which left my nerves in absolute shreds. Would the IVA fail? Where would that leave me if it did? I was sure I was already paying the absolute minimum into the IVA and there'd be no chance of reduced payments. I was also was still desperately looking for work elsewhere as well (some chance as I'm no spring chicken!) But I was, by this time, in a very bad place and had very dark thoughts I hate to say. I nearly gave up on the IVA a few times but thankfully spoke to a couple of lovely understanding people at the company and had a couple of breaks. I was also terrified of my neighbours/people from work finding out about the mess I was in (I had visions of some of them spending their days browsing the insolvency register and relaying my business to the world and his wife - oh the disgrace of it all!) I know, I know, I know, paranoid or wot ... but that's the way it gets you. Then I got a grip on myself and thought aah frig 'em all, I don't owe them any money so why should I worry about them, they don't worry about me! That old adage came to mind: 'Those who matter don't care, and those who care, don't matter'.
Anyway, now it's all done and dusted, and it's over, I have my completion certificate and now I really AM happy! I have another day off work this Saturday and will have another hunt around the channels to see if I can find yet another Columbo movie - I may even splash out on a celebratory pizza.
It really is the little things in life, isn't it.
