Madam, - I have read much lately of the misery of young people having to take the Leaving Certificate Examinations. They don't know how lucky they are to have a potential choice in life.
In 1949 I left school to start factory work at 14. My mother held my hand tightly on the way to the tobacco factory. I was wild and restless, and she knew I was gone if I got a chance. She had not held my hand in public since I was about seven, and I found it very embarrassing.
I was four years in that factory, the longest job I have had. There was a big clock on the dirty yellow wall of the factory and I watched it tick away each day. Boredom can be utter misery.
Just before I was 18 the foreman said: "In 50 years you can get a fine pension here". I was on the boat to England in two days.
I am now 70. I have had about 60 jobs. I think the misery of those four years in the tobacco factory made me completely restless. I have had an enjoyable and interesting life, but I still remember the complete misery of that first day in that factory. - Yours, etc,
NICHOLAS EMMETT, Rathcofey North, Donadea, Co Kildare.