After working in a commercial job for a short time in Nigeria Michael Sharpe returned to England, and for nearly thirty years had a career in what is now termed Human Resources. This was mainly in large organisations, including British Gas, British Airways and Burmah Oil. The outstanding extramural interests in his life have been singing and politics. Tiring of the corporate rat race, he took early retirement in order to run his own small company in the Cotswolds, one of the most beautiful areas in this beautiful country. It was hard work, lasting for fourteen years, and at the end of it all, with no regrets, he thought he would like to share his experiences with you. They say "it takes all sorts", and you will certainly meet some of them in the very public world of retail. These reminiscences are meant to be funny - Michael Sharpe has always thought that there should be fun in your life - even at work. But his brand of humour often has an acerbic or even polemic edge to it, as he can't resist pointing the finger of scorn at the ignorance and ineptitude which blight so many areas of our life. But he is not slow to be self-deprecating either. So enjoy a book which is by turns amusing, annoying, informative and, he hopes, challenging.