James Hird says he is planning a holiday with his family and he can float to a swim up bar somewhere in the world knowing it could have been a whole lot worse.
A 12-month ban is substantial, but it came with plenty of sugar.
Although there will be a financial hit, as the AFL stressed he can't be paid during his "gap year", Hird has been handed a contract extension taking in 2015-2016.
There is nothing stopping Essendon chairman Paul Little topping up Hird's wage in those two years to make up for the lost cash in 2014.
Hird also has the security of knowing his job is there - and even the chance to be part of the coaching team if Essendon makes the finals next year given his suspension runs out on August 25.