Molotov's Retirement

[Molotov]

Dear OzzyGaming,

It has been my pleasure supporting OzzyGaming over the last seven years. The last four have certainly been the most challenging but rewarding as an Executive. I have worked with remarkable people and helped bring a vision for this community to life. The staggering amount of time required isn't what I remember most about this process, but rather the people I have met and the friendships I have gained.

It is with sadness that I am announcing my retirement from OzzyGaming. There is so much more I could say and want to say, as that's one of my faults, I just never quite know when to shut up. But I promised myself I'd try to keep it brief.

Returning to Ozzy started as a favour for a friend (Boss) but grew into a passion project for me. Ozzy remains one of my proudest achievements, and I'm happy that long after any of you remember my username, my fingerprints remain throughout. Knowing I had a hand in enabling so many friendships, stories, experiences and fun for so many, most of whom I will never know personally, made everything worth it.

Ozzy has given me amazing memories, friends and experiences - and very difficult challenges. It turns out running a gaming community is like any large group, it's a cold day in hell when there is a simple 'right' or 'wrong' and someone is always going to be upset.

I feel it would be irresponsible of me to not explain generally why, though for privacy reasons I will skip much of the detail. It has nothing to do with Ozzy. During the last year I achieved a level of happiness I have never experienced before, a bunch of pieces fell into place (like getting my dream job after years of trying). But as you probably guessed and have likely experienced, the higher you go, the further you have to fall. Fall I did. Like an achievement speed run, I managed to achieve not only the highest, but also the lowest I have ever been.

I thought taking a month away with family over Christmas would help, I guess in some ways it did, but it wasn't close to enough. To add to my personal problems (which we don't deal with here - inside joke alert), kicking a man while he is down is one of life's favourite past times, as I learnt late last year about some family issues too.

I have always taken my role, and it's responsibility to Ozzy seriously, and I respect this community (and myself) far too much to hold onto a role for the sake of it. My ability to support this community has been severely damaged, and my heart isn't in it any more. I find myself staring out at the fragments of my world, wondering what I am to make next.

I would like to specifically thank those I consider some of my closest friends. You helped me without question and stood with me when my world was crumbling - your patience, understanding and compassion cannot be understated. @MJC@Boss@Caldweld@The Silverback@Wrath@Kieran@Bendacat You all helped me more than you will ever know at the time I needed it most. You're all exceptional, and I am grateful for everything.

There is a long list of other friends who have aided in making the last few years unforgettable, even those I sometimes disagreed with, but I'm trying to keep this short (-ish) so won't try to list you all, and I'd hate to risk forgetting anyone. I hope you know who you are.

Stepping down was a difficult decision to make, I will miss it, but I need to focus on my affairs and Ozzy is certainly big enough and ugly enough to manage without me. I always said that no one is irreplaceable on Ozzy - including me.

While this is a sombre occasion, I'd like to focus on the great things that have been achieved and how far Ozzy has come - what started out as a bit of a pipe dream with a single 32 slot FiveM server spawned a thriving community and so many copycats, the ultimate form of flattery when you think about it. 3.0 is on the horizon and that will certainly offer an interesting change of pace.

If there is one thing I could ask of the community, remember you've all been drawn together for the same reason - your shared interest. Roleplaying provokes a lot of emotions - remember that your character is just that, a character, and the person you're speaking with is another human just like you on a different keyboard who is no less human because you cannot see them. Try not to let your emotion outpace your reason.

I know there are a fair few romantics on the server and gaming communities seldom talk about love, but you all have or will face that hurdle in your life, so here is a thought-provoking talk on the topic that I recommend: Click here.

I would also like to address one of my passions and one of the gravest problems plaguing the world - mental health. You need to look after yourself and never give up. Even if you think no one believes in you, I believe in you. Ozzy has had too many amazing people hospitalised and worse, and the world is poorer for it. No matter how dark it gets, hold on, you'll find your way. Being unable to see the way through doesn't mean it isn't there. Reach out, don't let yourself become isolated, you'll be surprised how many people reach back. If you're struggling, I dedicate this song to you - Click here.

I suppose this all sounds very doom and gloom, but don't fret, I'll still be around playing games, you'll see me loitering. Come say hi if you're brave enough to risk my bizarre and coarse humour. No matter where life takes me, I'll always come back to play games. I just know many people won't care a second past the point I don't have the tags to help them out, I don't take it personally.

Ozzy is an amazing place and the place so many people learn to roleplay here. It is one of the most inclusive gaming communities I have ever been a part of - and tragically I can say that because I've been in gaming communities longer than some of you have been alive thanks for making me feel old. Thank you to the staff for your selfless volunteer work, and thank you to all of you for your passion, stories and humour. You all helped make Ozzy what it is today.

"Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder" - Henry David Thoreau.

All the best,
Molotov

[Jacob Potty]

I will truly miss you molotov knowing you back from when we were both inducted into staff together ive got to know you well, while we don't talk much now days I will always consider you my friend and will truly cherish all you have taught me to becoming a better staff member and better person in general because as much as I meme that I taught you all you know about staff I wouldn't be half the staff member I am today if it wasn't your influence on my time at ozzy. Dont worry i have plenty of shit memes to send you.

[ConnoR_]

So I am not a close friend...

Good bye my friend, Simmy

Edited February 4, 2022 by ConnoR_

[Cadjup]

aye mate il never forget the day u banned me for crosshair i thought gaming was gone forever and then i waited a month and came back to a great server and never used a crosshair again!!! And shout out to @Listo@lunaei@Surp@soleKEFSthey really made my journey a successful one hopefully i can make it back to the server soon with @Wrathand his sunday church really made my week a blessed what a good guy he is!!!! But anyways i think it is time for me to stop talking and i wish u all the best mate your a good bloke. F*ck B*tchs Get Money!! Thank me later bro you will be in a Maxxed C63 Coupe asap buddy.

[vSeltic]

thank you for your service

[Nemesis]

Goodbye.

[John Ox]

Does this mean I get my MAR-10 back?

[P R A E T O R I AN]

GG Molotov xx