First off, sorry I couldn't message anyone before about what was happening or keeping them in the loop about when I was planning on coming back, or even conversations.
Essentially, back in January I was placed into a full time 24/7 carer role without any warning, or knowledge how to do it. Partner became incredibly depressed for medical reasons and uni reasons which I won't go into. Needing help with a lot of things and asap response needed. Then the robbery happened and that made everything so much worse. (House broken into, laptop with sensitive files stolen).
At first I could handle it somewhat, but as it continued the effects got worse to placing me under stress and feeling unwell. I started cutting things out of my life to make sure that she ate, slept, didn't do anything else stupid and harmful, and helping go to the right departments to stop a stupid decision the uni made, and seeking out the right help for her whilst balancing my own life involving uni, health, social life, and mental health.
Over time, it got worse and worse. I started dedicating more time to helping her, which I don't regret at all. But it meant I wasn't able to talk on Slack, in-game, discord, forums or anywhere else. Changes started rolling out on the changelog and I know I was a fair bit behind. Meaning I wasn't sure what was happening in-game, or socially (CM drama or such, I don't know and won't go into). It suddenly became that I was far behind and wasn't sure when I was able to catch up with gameplay changes either for gameplay or admin-side. It finally hit the point where I would have to drop everything I'm doing to go and help, which means if I'm certain roles, or working on a case in-game, I would have to drop it then and there with no warning, maybe little text. I knew I couldn't continue working as staff for Colonial Marines for the time being. So I made the hard but simple choice to put in a retirement to the head mods on the 19th of March. My birthday, timing, eh? Was gonna make a retirement post on 20th but worse things happened and I was pre-occupied for the next few days getting the right things sorted.
Things have been resolved now, Partner is okay and at the right place now so no worries there. I'm about 8 weeks behind on uni-work and steadily building up what I had so although I may jump into game, I'm not able to dedicate the hours and times I was able too.
That said, ideally when dust settles and I catch up I'll start playing again and apply for staff again in the future. It was one of the most fun things I've done and the community is really great.
Sorry I dropped off the radar with no warning and couldn't message.
Staff, <3 Thanks for all the great times. Close community with lots of fun and memes I'm already missing you aha.
Head Staff - Thank you for being so patient with me and trusting me in the first place. Being on staff here was/is awesome
Admins - Congrats on getting to T-admin and passing! Knew you could do it, keep up the great work :P
Retired staff - Sorry I couldn't see you go, and thanks for all the memories and fun. Wishing you well.
New Staff - Congrats! Wishing you well in the future and hope you have as much fun as others did!
Players - Thanks for making the game so great haha. From getting FF'd by a nade accidently, to buckshotted, to getting saved by some Rambo with an M41A QF/BFA and a bad attitude, it's always been fun.
I'll be back in the distant future when the dust settles ideally. Til then, I'll probably lurk in the shadows and occasionally you may spot a Reece 'Rock' Begum in Delta squad, timidly prepping up :P
