I have had a very bleak few days worrying about money and work. Actually the distinct lack of to be precise. All the "think happy thoughts" reminders along with the "be positive" self assurances didn’t help for shit. I became an asshole to be around. Trust me. I’m stuck with me!
This morning I got out of bed feeling a little chirpier and somewhat happier although still in the reality that something has to give and I have to get work soon! I had breakfast and decided to make this day work for me.
I bashed out the emails that I had been sitting on for a few days now. I really just didn’t have it in me to write them over the weekend as they would have come across a bit negative since I’m pretty expressive of my feelings when I write. They had to wait until I was feeling better but they couldn’t wait any longer. Laptop out!
It wasn’t so much the emails that did it. It was the thought process that was triggered while writing them. I started a search and low and behold, today an opening for a perfectly matched position closes for applications. I know it’s perfect cos I wrote it, 18 months ago when I quit my old company. Yup. It’s Africa. Back in the frying pan. That’s if they will even talk to me that is. Here’s hoping.
Is going full circle on something like this considered failure or something else that can be chalked up to great life experience? I like to think the latter.
It’s still early days. I don’t even know they will open my email yet. But now I’m feeling positive. I’m feeling good! I’m having coffee outside watching the world go by.
~ Posted from my iPhone
The Pete
December 1, 2009 at 3:03 pm
It could be a change and sometimes going back to something is a change too.
You have the experience of having gone through it all before and while you might not be able to change the way things get done you might be able to cope with it all a bit better.
I have been trying to find something too and it looks like I will have to take a few steps back to try and figure out a way forward.
Took a while to get my head around it but now it’s something to look forward to, I think.
HooX
December 1, 2009 at 5:29 pm
TP – When I first joined my last company I went from being IT Manager in East Africa to a Helpdesk operator after struggling to find work in London and working as a barman. It taught me humility and to appreciate the required steps to achieve a goal. I just jumped off that goal and created a new goal. Now the old goal is the new goal. Again. Whatever. Good luck with your ventures and ignore any pride issues if you have any, just like I will have to do in front of 2000 construction workers. Haha. Lifes an adventure isn’t it? A few steps back is less pressure sometimes. Gives you a chance to regroup and do it better 2nd time around
The Pete
December 1, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I could possible be mirroring here.
Going from IT Manager to God only knows at this point.
Got my notice to serve and then it’s back to being on the beat.
No pride issues at the moment, can’t have too much of that when there are other people dependant on your pay cheque at the end of the month.
HooX
December 1, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Could it not be considered a wiser move to find something before you jack it in? Something I have never done so I’m not speaking from experience. Haha. Just an idea. Or are situations just unavoidable now? All the best mate. If there’s anything I can do to help when I’m back on my feet just let me know. Where are you based now?
The Pete
December 2, 2009 at 9:09 am
In the past I have always only moved on if there was something to move on to.
At the moment, the situation dictates that I can’t line anything up just yet (I have to work a 3 month notice period).
After a good amount of time in London, I have moved back to Cape Town, although I still work in London.
I commute once a month for 10 days – 2 weeks to make sure my team are doing what I am telling them and for the rest of the time I work from SA at the end of a net link.
The constant to-ing and fro-ing has just become too much of a hassle as well as not being able to settle into a routine in either country.
That is why I have called it quits and will have to find something else more suitable.
On the flip side, if there is anything I can do for you then please let me know.
HooX
December 2, 2009 at 9:43 am
TP – You have made a huge decision and rightly so. Stick with it. It’s what anyone (or most) would do in your position. Even when you start missing the travel and things, try to remember how you feel right now! I have forgotten so I’m trying to go back.
Why Cape Town? Were all the other good cities taken? Hahahaha. Im kidding. Enjoy the summer!
The Pete
December 2, 2009 at 11:43 am
Cape Town is home, so going back to what I know.
I won’t show all my bias and say it’s the best place to be, but I do like it there.
Most of the decent jobs in SA seem to be up North though, from the limited amount of research I have done so far.
The initial proposal on paper seemed to look good, live in CPT and work in London and earn Pounds. The reality of it is not that great.
Having to work until 7:30PM when in CPT and then when in the UK working crazy hours because there isn’t much else to do with the family all back in SA.
Hopefully I can market myself successfully back in SA and find something suitable.
Good luck in Tirana and finding something in or around Europe.
I know of a position that’s opening up here in about 3 months or so.