IAIN KELLY

SINK OR SWIM

‘You see that peak over there?’ Get to the top of that and it’s all yours.’

‘That’s quite a climb. How close can the boat get to the shore?’

A pause. ‘You misunderstand. You start from here. Sink or swim.’

Was it worth it? To reach the top of the mountain. The promised land. It all comes down to this.

‘You are hesitating. You have to be certain before you take that leap.’

The choppy water looked unwelcoming. Icy cold and storm-tossed. That was what lay ahead. Or I could stay on the boat. It was safe here.

A deep breath. Time to decide.

Copyright Ted Strutz

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

Excuse the heavy metaphor this week. I’m currently weighing up a new job offer against the wrench of leaving my current position, where I’ve been quite happy for the last 15 years… It’s obviously weighing on my mind!

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

48 responses to “SINK OR SWIM”

  1. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    What a decision!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. pensitivity101 Avatar
        pensitivity101

        Yep.

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Lorraine Avatar
    Lorraine

    Good luck. To you and to your protagonist.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lorraine!

      Like

      Reply
  3. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more Avatar
    OIKOS™- Art, Books & more

    Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  4. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    But of course, he’s not safe there. He has to keep moving. Nicely written, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil

      Like

      Reply
  5. Mason Bushell Avatar
    Mason Bushell

    What a conundrum. I’d need to know what awaits on the mountain before I could decide too. Nice one, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Mason

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Bear Avatar
    Bear

    Some life decisions are just plain hard. 15 yrs with the same company is impressive in today’s world of rapid turnovers. Yet, i do totally understand the weight of your decision. Hubby has made that decision twice recently the only thing holding us back, though was the lack of affordable housing. Sigh…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s the not knowing which is for the best that makes it tricky. Fingers crossed I make the right choice!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Bear Avatar
        Bear

        Prayers raised, for sure, Lain.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Liz H Avatar
    Liz H

    Jump! But grab some shark repellant, an energy bar , and a life ring before you go!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good advice Liz!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Vartika Avatar
    Vartika

    Sink or swim, sometimes life gives us these two choices only.. good one Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  9. forestbathing hermit Avatar
    forestbathing hermit

    Very good, the fundamental question..stay in the comfort zone or not..

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s the dilemma. Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  10. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    ‘Who dares, wins.’ But do you want to be a member of the SAS?
    Remember that your current employer will have no loyalty when deciding on whether to retain your services or otherwise. Which is not to say you shouldn’t stay with him if you want to keep putting your family first.
    Your story is a super metaphor, Iain. We all admire the person who will take the challenge, but are they right to do so?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good advice Penny – I agree – we all like to think we are valued, but in reality we know we are expendable in our jobs, and will be treated as such if it comes to the crunch!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    Oh, good luck! I had a similar decision 21 years ago when my employers retired and I decided to start my own business and work from home. Never regretted it. Similar issue now with trying to get my craft business going. Personally though, with that picture, I think I’d stay on the boat. LOL

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Fortunately I have no such physical trials in my decision! Thanks Janet.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    What’s life without taking a chance or two? Mind you, that is a bit of a challenge!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      You could do it Keith, I have no doubt!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Decisions are always challenging, myself I was like a arrow with a broken flight, changing career path every few years. Good luck with whatever you decide

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael

      Like

      Reply
  14. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    The arctic version of between a rock and a hard place! Sounds like his choices are barely so! Let us wish he doesn’t freeze before he gets to the other side!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dale!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        😊

        Like

  15. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    Perhaps it’s safer in the boat, but is it going anywhere? Well written quandary and best wishes on your own.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  16. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i always abide by the saying, when in doubt, follow your heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Good advice

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Danny James Avatar
    Danny James

    Safe!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A decisive answer! Thanks Danny

      Like

      Reply
  18. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Ooh, stay or go? Do or don’t? Left or right? Decisions we all have to make sometimes.

    Like

    Reply
  19. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Excellent, Iain! Leaving us in suspense, like “The Lady or the Tiger.” Either way, there could be much to gain, or much to lose .

    Like

    Reply
  20. GHLearner Avatar
    GHLearner

    Great story, Iain, very thought-provoking.
    Metaphorically speaking: no risk no gain. In this actual situation: don’t. If stormy weather is ahead and this is a part of the sea you don’t know, you’ll freeze to death, or drown. If you stay on the boat and live, there may be other chances. If that is the one and only chance though… difficult and depends on the kind of gains.
    About your job… I’ve been in my current, not so superbly but decently paid, job for more than 20 years now but will leave next year before retirement for personal reasons. It all depends on what you really want and need. Family is always first, employers may value you but only as long as you are carefree.

    Like

    Reply
  21. Courtney Wright Avatar
    Courtney Wright

    Nope! I be staying right here thank you very much!! I would definitely stay on the boat….
    Very thought provoking though. I like the fact that someone has to think of priorities. Good job!

    Like

    Reply
  22. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Oh what a choice. A heroes journey indeed, I imagine all sorts of adventures… many not good. Great piece.

    Like

    Reply
  23. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
    Na’ama Yehuda

    I dunnow, given that ominous bet, perhaps it is NOT safer on the boat after all … 😉
    Well done!
    Na’ama

    Like

    Reply
  24. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    Time to decide, indeed Iain. Chillingly dramatic.

    Like

    Reply
  25. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    I can feel the weight of the dilemma, both the one in the story and your real-life one. Good luck, Iain.

    Like

    Reply
  26. Elizabeth Young Avatar
    Elizabeth Young

    I guess it all depends on how good a swimmer he is.

    Like

    Reply
  27. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    Love the build up to the person’s choice, and what a choice, between the devil and the deep blue sea.

    Like

    Reply
  28. ahtdoucette Avatar
    ahtdoucette

    I want to say “I’d stay on the boat” for sure but in the “real world” I’ve definitely jumped at least as often I’ve stayed and while I can’t say I regret it, the road not taken, you know? Sending positive energy that you make the right choice for you at this time! Job choices can be the worst.

    Like

    Reply
  29. jlennidorner Avatar
    jlennidorner

    Good story. I wonder what the protagonist picked?
    Hope you figured out the job choice and it’s going well.

    I’m enjoying #WRiTECLUB2021 over at DL Hammons blog. The entries are fun to read and vote on with feedback.
    Plus, I’m currently reading Patricia Lynne’s Being Human.
    And I’m scheduling debut author interviews at Operation Awesome.
    I hope you have some fun plans for the rest of 2021. 🎄🎆⛸🥁✉🥂⛄ May your days ahead be merry and filled with positive experiences.

    Like

    Reply

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