International Men’s Day 2023
INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY 2023 – “ZERO MALE SUICIDE”
This year’s theme for International Men’s Day 2023 is “zero male suicide”.
We all know the stats by now, but we’ll never stop reminding everyone about the seriousness of the topic.
Of all suicides in 2021, men aged between 50 and 54 years old made up 75% of those. This topic shouldn’t be overlooked or disregarded for any man (and person) of any age.
Mental health varies from person to person, and the same can be said about the events which lead up to the emotions of, to put it bluntly, feeling like crap.
So, for this year we wanted this survey to be a reflective exercise.
By asking what may seem like simple questions, it’s surprising how often we don’t reflect on the amazing things we’ve achieved. It’s very easy to sink into negative thinking, so re-wiring your brain (and ultimately your mood) to reflect more so on positive experiences helps break the routine of combating thoughts which can lead to declining mental health.
Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come, and how far you’ll go.
So, we just had two questions for our team…
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
My children are my greatest achievement and I’m very proud of them.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
It’ll be Christmas soon!!!
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I’ve achieved a successful career, even after starting quite late in my life.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I’m looking forward to spending quality with my family.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Finishing my ACCA after a long hiatus in my studies, and my handsome little boy.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Excited for the future professionally at TC Group and seeing my little boy grow up.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of offering my children a safe, fun and family environment to prosper in and watching them turn into good eggs.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Excited about what the future holds after a period of personal change.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Been a bit of a rough year in terms of health, but I look back on it and realise how strong I’ve been and how resilient it’s made me. So I’m proud that I haven’t just wallowed in my own pity and just dusted myself off and kept going.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I’m excited about getting back into shape and seeing where new relationships will go.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
The achievement I’m most proud of is a little cliche, but it’s definitely my children and the way I’ve raised them.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Most excited about giving my social life a boost, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, with some overseas travel involved..
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Achieved: A range of qualifications from school into my 30s.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Excited: The Christmas break.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Most proud of fathering three wonderful daughters who in turn are mothers to 4 amazing grandchildren.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Most excited about now enjoying seeing those 4 grandchildren grow into young adults and being around every step of their journeys.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of buying the house we live in…
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
…And I’m most excited about watching my daughter grow up.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of having a family and two wonderful boys.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I’m excited about the lifestyle I’m working towards, which will hopefully give them an opportunity to succeed in their own lives one day.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Passing the Morse code test.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
What’s next: tomorrow, the next day, and planning to the things I love doing and discovering what’s next!
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Exam passes.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Moving into a new house with my Fiancé / being done with exams soon.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Running my first marathon in May 2023.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Training for my next marathon in May 2024 and hopefully doing better than I did this year.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Reflecting on the fact that I’m the father of two amazing girls!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Spending Christmas with the family!
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Creating the family which I have.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
What the future holds for my family and me.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Becoming a chartered accountant and a homeowner at 23 during the pandemic.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Getting married in 2025.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Successful interview at Haines Watts, which started my employment journey from Haines Watts to Fortus to TC Group.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Planning new trips and adventures for next year! Having something to look forward to is so important for me! Keeps spirits and energy high when the time to time monotony and stresses of day to day life creep in.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Working abroad for a charitable project to help communities by building homes and schools.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I have some exciting family events coming up in the next few years which will be life changing for me and the people closest to me and I cannot wait to share those moments with them.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Creating a family home that my family can feel safe and happy in.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Travelling the world and exploring as much of it as I can.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
My two daughters who make me smile every day without fail.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Being part of the senior leadership team to take TC SEM forward and really maximise its and my own potential.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
The death of my father was hard a few years ago. He had a short-term battle with cancer and my siblings and I came together with my Stepmum to put a care plan in place. I’m so proud at how I stepped up to help him when he most needed it, despite it being the hardest moment of my life and living 100 miles away. I’m so pleased I got to spend some quality time with him.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I’m getting back into running and I’m loving the impact it’s having on my wellness. Although I don’t enjoy it in the moment, the after effects are doing wonders for my mind and body!
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Promotion within TC – worked very hard with study and the job itself to get where I am now.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Purchase of a first home and a puppy!
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Raised two children who’ve flourished into fully grown adults, who I’m immensely proud of. Their life choices and commitment to building their own futures and the ambitions they’ve set themselves are very rewarding to see firsthand.
Recognising how resilient you can be especially when you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals with a shared goal.
Celebrating 20 years of marriage (28 years together).
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Runs side-by-side with the first question. Preparing for our (my wife and I) future together and what it looks like. Professionally, embarking on a new and exciting project albeit a familiar one. Personally, financial security for both of us and our family, being fitter and healthier’s something I’ve neglected for a while now, reconnecting with friends and family more frequently. Lastly, freedom. Freedom to make life choices and to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Having 2 fantastic children, and watching them grow into amazing adults.
Also, cycling from London to Paris for Charity.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Climbing Kilimanjaro next September.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Becoming chartered in my profession.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Anything to do with playing/watching sport.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Being consistent in going to the gym for over 2 years and living a healthy lifestyle.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Going to see more of the world this summer.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I held my senior school 100 metre record. The record stood for 20 years after I left.
Achieving grade 8 clarinet without any music talent, just hard work.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Possibilities in my career. I’m surrounded by a work team I enjoy working with and looking forward to what we can achieve.
I’m also pushing to get back in shape and hope to beat my 120kg personal bench press record.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
The big stuff? Buying a house of my own, with a balcony and a driveway and the interior design of a tattoo studio at 24.
The smaller victory? Expanding my culinary palette from being a really fussy child to a slightly less fussy adult and realising that food isn’t something to be scared of thanks to the support and fantastic cookery skills of my partner.
The hardest victory? Graduating from a degree I hated, at a uni that made me miserable, and picking myself up from the bottom of the barrel to work out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go next – didn’t ever think I would then end up sticking at the career I’d had from 16.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Getting married to my best match, my person, in September 2024 – and forging a future together in the next chapter of our lives where we get to share a surname and be our own version of a family.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Pulling myself out of a rutt and purchasing my own home.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Making positive plans for the future to make the most of what’s around me.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
My University Deans award.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Becoming chartered.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Raising over £4,000 for different charities.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Finishing my exams and moving out.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
This year I’m proud of my determination in my studies, I was given an ultimatum from the learning provider which has left me buried in books for what seems like the most part of this year. I’ve sacrificed a lot of happiness; social events, holidays, spending time with loved ones to continue but I have been resilient and I’m proud of myself for it.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I’m really excited for the next steps I will be able to take in all areas of life once I have qualified.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Winning a football competition when I was younger and the prize was to spend a day at the Manchester United training ground and play on the pitch just before kick-off at Old Trafford.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Looking into buying my first house.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Having my son.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Enjoying each day as a healthy family, as hearing so many sad stories lately.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Doing a 10k run after not running at all.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Getting to the end of exams.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Getting a first class degree.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Seeing my mate play a gig.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Many, which is a privilege to be able to say!
Bought a house with my partner, achieved a First Class degree, passing my driving test, and being good at my job. All of which make my family proud too which is amazing to think about.
Most importantly, I’m proud of the fact that although almost everyday can be a struggle to get up and face the day, I still do it. As hard as it is to get in a good place with my mental health, I still manage to get through yet another day. That’s a pretty good achievement.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
I’m excited for what’s ahead, as difficult as the future can be to think about. There are trips planned for next year – many family and friend celebrations too – so I’ve got to stick around for that, for them, and for myself!
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
All sorts of things – happy healthy family, fulfilling and enjoyable work, etc.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Really enjoying my running at the moment.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
My daughter. She’s absolutely fantastic. Caring, funny, good at making friends and always happy. She’s a superstar and the most interesting and inspiring person I know.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Pretty hard to think of anything as I’ve just returned from Holiday, which was the thing I was most excited about! So, I’d have to say Xmas.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Studying and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant has to be up there, but my family’s certainly top of the list. My son was born just one month before I started studying so to put up with the stress of me working towards a qualification, starting an apprenticeship and also moving away from where we grew up is testament to how much they support me!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Pompey winning the league this year!! Or otherwise I absolutely love coaching my son’s football team and I’m excited week in week out to seeing how the boys get on at their games.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Bringing up and providing for my kids.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
The future of our business.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Career progression and making a difference to people.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
The countdown to Christmas.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE ACHIEVED IN YOUR LIFE YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Achieving a 1st in my degree.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
Holidays! Going to Venice in November & Marbella in May.