A big shout-out...

To the people who got us to where we are today!

Take a moment to think back to the pivotal points in your life; chances are that there is someone you should thank for an introduction, opportunity or advice that put one part of your life on-track for where you are today.

Robin Bennett is mine; in spring 1995 I had graduated university with a degree in Archaeology and was drifting between temp jobs with no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Rob was working in London but used to come and stay at the weekend, proudly packing a toothbrush in one jacket pocket and clean pants in another, to catch-up with our gang of mutual friends over beer.

On one visit he mentioned that he'd started work at a software company near Croydon, who were hiring Support Engineers, and that he'd suggested me for a job. That day a third pocket in his jacket had an application form and, as well as quite a lot of time in the pub, we spent the weekend completing it and drafting a cover letter.

A week later I had an interview and, just after Easter, I joined BTS in my first full-time job as a 1st-line Support Engineer. By the time I left BTS nearly 6 years later, I had been a Support Product Expert, QA & Test Engineer, New-Product Lead, Y2K Bug Lead and, finally, Support Manager; but it all started with a folded paper form from Rob's pocket.

Of course there are lots of other people who have helped me along the way in my career since then (not to mention the ones who affected other parts of my life!) but Rob was the key - if he'd not thought of me when he was asked "Are there any more like you at home?", then I doubt I'd have thought of going into the software industry, and I certainly wouldn't be here today.

So, as we start to look forward to time with family and friends over the holidays, I think we should all take a moment to say thank-you to the people who started us off on the various paths of our lives, whether that is in work, in a hobby or sport or even introducing you to a partner. Take a moment to remember how far you've come, how you got started and who you have to thank for it!