Quiet gratitude and satisfaction of a job well done.

1. 

After weeks of frustration and tension finally delivered the 5 sets roof truss appraisal reports to the client. When I handed the report personally to the client's general manager I could see him flashing a big grin and his face lighted up instantly. Obviously he was also pressured incessantly by JKR to submit the reports.

Preparing the report was really a frustrating chore. First I had to wait for the contractor to mark up all the existing trusses and rafters on a piece of paper. With the contractor's sketches I had to get the draughtsman to transform the raw data into a CAD drawing. The previous draughtsman had left the company and the thankless and frustrating task of teaching the new guy the ropes in the shortest time sent my blood pressure soring into space many times.

Then I had to wait for the anti-termite specialist to come on board and to inspect the trusses. After inspecting the trusses the anti-termite inspector took some time to produce a report. Then I had to send the report back for the anti-termite specialist to sign. While all these obstacles were running their course in the background I had to figure out what to write and how to present the report. I have never written a roof truss appraisal report before in my life.

With so many challenges, the contractor, JKR and my employer were breathing down my neck for the report, as if I could magically create it with a snap of my fingers.

It was only after the general manager had accepted the documents from me that I felt a overwhelming sense of relief, satisfaction and gratitude coursing through my consciousness.

I am glad that despite the intense pressure and obstacles the strong desire to keep going forwards no matter the outcome finally paid off. What I have learned from this experience and so many before is that when things get rough, you need to exercise strong courage, belief in oneself and boundless patience to carry the day.