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After this
cash injection his quality of life increased vastly, and Benjamin decided to ask for
another demotion. He wasn't unhappy, but he thought that now, with all this money,
he could do with making his life even simpler. These were good times indeed.
He met with his manager over lunch and explained that he was happy for his salary to
be decreased again in return for a less demanding job. His boss agreed that he'd
certainly managed to forget enough experience since his last demotion that another
downward movement in the corporate chain made sense. Benjamin coughed up some
food from laughing so much at this that he almost choked! He then went home to tell
his wife the good news.
Benjamin also found that with his new easier job he had a lot more free time,
especially in the evenings, as he didn't have to work so late any more. He starting
playing squash and going to the gym more often. His fitness increased quickly, and he
felt much better for it. He started looking better too, and everyone commented on how
great he was looking. He started brushing his hair in a much younger style.
He started going out in the evenings with the younger guys in the office - he couldn't
believe how much his life had changed over the last decade or so. He had felt so old,
and now he felt so young.
His new increased self-esteem led to him flirting with all the girls in the office. They
seemed very impressed with the way he'd skillfully negotiated an easier life for
himself.
All of this seemed to concern his wife.
His daughters must have been worried too, as they both moved back home within
months of each other.
Benjamin was beginning to feel tied down in his relationship with his wife and told
her that he wanted a trial separation for a while. He felt bad about it, well how could
he not - they'd been together for over twenty years, but it just didn't feel right anymore. His life was suddenly very different, and she simply hadn't been able to adapt
to this change.
Benjamin moved into a small bachelor pad, closer to the city center and soon forgot
about his wife.
He loved his new image. He drove around the city in his fast sports car and spent a lot
of time with different ladies. He enjoyed himself immensely and never again had
thoughts of settling down with one woman.
All of this change from one simple lifestyle choice.
If only everyone knew about this!
Perhaps he'd write a book.
His boss offered him an even more junior role in the company, and Benjamin
instantly accepted it. Of course the pay was lower again, so his bachelor pad became
increasingly difficulty to keep. He decided it might be best to move back in with his
parents. His dad gladly accepted him home, but Benjamin suspected it had more to do
with his flashy fast car than him. His dad was quite obviously jealous of his new
youthful life and independence. Benjamin tried explaining that he didn't need to live
his life the way he did - he too could do that same things, he'd just have to be as
decisive. His dad tut-tutted him for saying such things - he loved Benjamin's mother
and told him sternly that one doesn't shirk their responsibilities and run off.