What would you do? Dilemma!

[pipscariad]

I can't decide what to do, so thought I'd tell you good Grapes and see what you would do in my situation! Last year I joined our local rowing club - we row on the sea, in wooden Pilot Gigs. I really enjoyed it, and carried on 'til the end of November, when they stopped for the winter.

Anyway, a couple of weekends ago I had a phone call from one of the organisers asking me whether I would row in the Novice Ladies Team in the World Championships in May!!! I was really chuffed, and very excited until I realised that we really couldn't afford it, so after some thought, declined the offer. Anyway, I had a call from him again tonight to ask if I would reconsider, as they had gone out at the weekend with a replacement crew member and it hadn't gelled, so they'd really love it if I could manage to go. (It's held in the Isles of Scilly btw).

But my dilemma is this - the money it would cost me to go could be used on so many other things that we could do with, or towards a family holiday which we would all get pleasure out of (in an ideal world we would all go, but that's out of the question as it would just cost way too much, and it's only for a long weekend). Aargh, I don't know what to do!! What would you do??

[kirsty b]

I'd compete. Its not every day something like this comes along, surely the family would come to cheer you on and make a mini-holiday of it?

Well done you by the way!

[di]

I know you say money is an issue,but is there any way you could all go out as a family for an extra few days either side of the weekend....that way family gets a holiday....you get to row & they get to cheer you on!!

[JanieB]

Also, you never, ever want to think back and "I wish I had".

[Westcoast]

Life to short, find a way for all of you to go.

MG

[pol]

Why not try and see if you could get sponsoship,either from your place of work or local companies in your home town.Contact your local newspaper and see if they will run a story.Get your friends to donate quality items and organise a raffle to help raise funds.

[bobleponge]

Money is clearly the overriding factor, but for the chance to represent my country, I would do what I could to get there.
If the family are supportive too, then go for it.
I wouldnt want to be in my dotage saying "I could have"

Good luck and let us know what you do, Champ!!

[willowstar]

I'd do anything I could to go...in years to come your kids would surely feel bad to think you passed up an opportunity to represent your country because of them. I agree with Pol...you may be camera shy (?) but local rags love this kind of thing and I am sure you could raise the money as a team. good luck!

[Mcbee]

Compete. Sometimes you have to do what is best for you.

If the position was reversed, wouldn't you want your partner to compete, and take part in a "once in a lifetime" opportunity?

There is always things to spend money on - and in general those things never go away, or if they do they are just replaced by something else. But World Championships don't come along often, and even when they do, to have a chance to take part in them you have to be pretty good. Those two things coinciding are quite unique and might not ever happen again.

You may think that your family might miss out this year, but with planning you can make sure you all do something next year.

And if you are good enough to compete you owe it to yourself as a reward for all the hard work you've put in.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

[Hashette]

Go for it. If your other half had the same dilemma, you'd say the same, wouldn't you?

[Two_Sheds]

Did you explain to them that money was an issue?

You never know, they may have a way round it. If not, just do it.

I will always regret not being able to try out for the British judo team when I was a lass ... we didn't have the money for extra training & transport.

[bobleponge]

*makes mental note never to say anything unpleasant about Two Sheds*

[zazen999]

Sponsorship - and tell them that the cash is indeed an issue...

Well done, by the way - it's not every day you get asked to compete INTERNATIONALLY in WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS...respect is due.

xxx

[Nicos]

Looks like you're going then????

Yup I'd go....just think about the thrill and pleasure you're going to bring to so many people whether you win or lose!

Well done- you're clearly needed....don't let the team down!

[jackie j]

My niece belongs to a rowing team and they have got sponsership from local businesses, but that is just for the tops they wear but its still money at the end of the day. I agree with others try and get the local papers involved and see what happens, I am sure if the team want you they will help you to find someone to help, the business may provide enough money to help the whole team. Go for it.