I was very sorry to hear of your recent loss on Twitter, having previously read your posts on what had triggered your decision to retire a few years ago. I had originally chosen not to reply to your tweet, as we'd only chatted online (missed you at the Tweet & Greet and your Brisbane drinks - not a lot of luck!). Though as you've shared your thoughts here, I thought it more appropriate to reply!
Having never met you, I can only go on what I've read on AFF (and Twitter and the occasional SMS)... you've always come across as an incredibly kind (and generous) person - having offered many AFF members so,
so much and asking for absolutely nothing in return. IIRC, after the loss of your mother, you really seemed to value the people and relationships in your life, as opposed to your ability to grow your business interests (and fortune) even more. As you are now re-examining your life, I hope that genuine people and relationships are still your priority - regardless of the decisions you ultimately decide to make. The fact that you do still take to heart comments made by those who are close to you, does show that beneath it all, you're just as vulnerable and down-to-earth as any of us. Privileged, yes. Out of touch? I'm not so sure...
Overall, I think it really depends on who you want to be "in touch" with. People in executive positions are very rarely "in touch" with those who are unemployed and are living in poverty, and it would be fair to suggest that the reverse would apply too (perhaps with a hint of jealousy). If your partner (and close friends) really considered that you were "out of touch", perhaps it was more of a reference to the financial (and scheduling) freedom that you enjoy, when compared to those who are focusing on a set career path, and who are working very inflexible hours. No doubt some time spent at the very bottom will help you to remember what it may have been like earlier in your career (with the drive to reach the very top), though it will also likely remind you that you have already been there before, and have worked your hardest to rise to the position you are in now. Your partner obviously expresses the concern that if he were to burn his bridges by suddely leaving his position, it would be difficult for him to return to develop his career in the future, in the way that you have developed yours (albeit in a different field). As it doesn't seem that the two of you are married (or "civilly unionised", or whatever the UK term (or stance) is), he is likely only trying to safeguard his future prospects, which perhaps explains his "out of touch" comment.
The sudden loss of your father is incredibly unfortunate, particularly given the physical distance between the two of you at the time. Personally, I have been estranged from most of my family for about 12 years now - including my father (by choice, and frankly necessity). Not something I'll go into in great detail on a public forum, but I do strongly remember the feelings of hurt and loss when the estrangement occurred. I was only a pre-teen, but it was also as though these family members were gone forever - which is still the case to me, and likely to be literally possible for a few of them... I just don't know, as in my head, I've already 'lost' these people. I won't pretend to know what you're going through, but I certainly do understand the sudden re-assessment and concern over one's own life that can follow such an event, which takes me back to what I said before - at heart, you're no different to any of us.
Anyway, on a lighter note, I really hope you enjoy your time in DXB! Fortunately (and as you may already know), my work is very seasonal and contract-based, so I have the freedom to travel almost whenever and wherever I choose - whether it's a new destination for me, or even one I've been to many times before... the only problem is (of course) paying for it all, which keeps me at home more often that I'd like! Though, as my circumstances often let me travel on a whim (eg. AKL for only 12 hrs, or b'fast in BNE, lunch in ADL and dinner in PER), I've entered QF's competition to win a trip in J on the same inaugural DXB flight (with attendance to the events you've already described). As with any competition, I very much doubt I'll be the winner, but it doesn't stop me from trying! If I do manage to win, we'll have to catch up at some point, and if not, I hope that our paths do cross one of these days - it would be a pleasure to meet the infamous
bossreggie!
I wish you all the best with your personal search... and if your hospitality work ever takes you to Rockpool or the kitchens in the QF F lounges, I'm sure that would be reason enough for an AFF "do" (or even a future QF Loyalty lunch)