Working as an apprentice, fell into a bit of bad company, troubles related. Sentenced to Borstal Training which did not suit and was almost dismissed as a Borstal failure. Released but prior to release I realised that this country had nothing for me. Moved to England after my 18th birthday, got a few jobs, applied back for college and was able to kickstart my apprenticeship education coupled with similar work in an engineering plant. Finished education, passed exams, had a look around and decided i did not want to turn out like my workmates , all married in early 20s, saddled with mortgages so I applied for the Royal Marines. Not initially accepted as I had been in trouble with the lawso went to the Army, they had no real problem with this and 3 weeks later I was a recruit. More training, followed by more education then posted to Germany in 1980, joined an Infantry Unit that was about to embark on Op Banner in West Belfast. Returned on Op tour in 1981. The place had not changed a bit. Even the 70s fashions were still in place. Inside 6 years I had turned full circle from being in the pits, lower thaan even many west Belfast losers into a well adjusted well equipped individual, ready for life's challenges such as finance, housing, recreation and travel. Left the Army after 15 years and have been in business ever since. Not always been easy but have always been able to breakout of a rut.
I think what went wrong with Belfast back in the 70s and 80s was there was never any realistic encouragement to move away and make a life elsewhere. It's not easy to make that break as a young person but it's a heck of a legup in life's ascending ladder. Now when I return to Belfast, I see a dead industry that has been offshored in engineering works, and I see a government that is more concerned with their own parties rather than the needs of people who they have been elected to represent. The City I rembered from the 60s as live vibrant place, died in the 70s 80s , was resurrected in 90s and 00s but is now once again on the decline. It needs inward investment and the lions share needs to be sparked by those from within. An interesting challenge but a valid one for anybody who has the intiative to force integration against the politicians will to keep division.
Rant Over.