After a much needed break, I’m back. I’ve got brand new toys and lots to tell you, but far too much for one post so I’ll eke it out over the next week or so. In this post, let me tell you about the exciting news of my new new job. As those of you who follow me on Twitter will know (and as an aside, I’m pleased to see more and more of you are joining in the fun and following the adventures of yours truly), a few weeks ago I was offered a job at a university and was planning to start on Monday. Let’s call that the job at University A. It wasn’t the ideal job for me, but the money was good and since the goal is to make enough to pay for a Masters degree next year, I thought I could live with it. I sent off my application and waited to hear back.
Around the same time, I spotted an advert in the Sydney Morning Herald for a fabulous job at University B. This job was a LOT more money, a LOT more exciting, and far more along the lines of my actual ambitions. I submitted my application for that one, too, and crossed my fingers. Of course, University A got back to me quickly, invited me along for an interview and offered me the job. I accepted because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and resigned myself to putting the University B idea in the mega-pile of failed applications for work in Australia. I had a new job to go to, and everyone was happy.
All that changed last week when University B rang me up and offered me an interview for the dream job. Naturally I bit their hand off at the chance to show them what I can do, so on Thursday I went along for my interview having done more research than I did throughout my entire time at university. The interview itself was a great success: the people are lovely and we all got on like a house on fire; the job is brand new and I had loads of ideas which seemed to go down well; and by the end it was more like a discussion than a formal interview. The only down side: they told me they wouldn’t let me know till the middle of next week. I would have to start the job at University A and, if successful, I would have to hand in my notice two days after I started. Not good.
Friday was my last day at my current job. Just as I arrived in the courtyard for my leaving drinks I got a phone call from University B offering me the job! Apparently they had heaps of applicants and I should be very pleased with myself for beating them all. I have next week off and then, from Monday 27 April I am the Student Communication Officer at University B. The job involves researching communication tools for students and deciding how best to get them involved with the university, writing copy for the web site and university publications, and running events for students and staff. Basically, all the things I do at home, except this time I’ll be getting paid for it! Yay me! Unfortunately, having a new new job, I had to ring the old new job and tell them I wouldn’t be starting on Monday as planned. Have you ever had to call someone at 4.30pm on Friday and tell them you won’t be showing up for work after all? Awkward! But, once that was done it was all champagne and drinks and partying into the wee hours. I woke up this morning on the sofa in my clothes. Who cares? I’ve got all week to recover.
Dear Friends,
Sorry not being in touch sooner. I have received one or two reminders to get back in front of the computer and tell you all about Australia, but it has been a little hectic here and the more time that passes the more there is to say so it gets harder and harder to know where to start! Thanks to everyone for your kind messages after my grandad’s death – it was very difficult being so far away, but also easier in some respects and it was lovely of you all to send your wishes.
You can watch a BSL version of this, or read on. (more…)
This afternoon I went with my sister and brother-in-law to the airport and saw them both off onto a flight back to the UK. This day was always coming, of course, but it came a week sooner than it should have so that Kara could get back to the UK in time for our grandfather’s funeral on Friday. (I planned to go but flights are in the region of $2,000 and that’s just too expensive for such a short trip, sadly; I shall be writing a brief eulogy instead.) So now we’re back to just Jim and I in the flat. It’s strange to think we lived like this for years. I’ve got so used to having compay all the time that I don’t know what to do with myself now that they’ve gone. It’ll pass, but I have a better idea of how my mum felt every time we moved out over the years. I think I’ll give her a call tomorrow.
In unrelated news, I got a job! today It’s only temping in a similar role to my old job and it’s only part-time (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), but that gives me plenty opportunity to apply for writing jobs, arrange interviews and actually write for myself. It also gives me a wicked long weekend. Every cloud has a silver lining.
In no particular order:
- Updated the photos on his blog to get rid of that stupid ‘Open Wide’ picture.
- Podcasted the sections of the blog he meant to
- Put the last Letter Home into BSL
- Got a job
- Changed his phone alarm from 8.45am because he wakes up at 7.30am and it’s a good way of remembering where he left his phone last night if it makes a noise and gives away its hiding place.
- Had a cup of tea in five days
- Got out of bed before writing this list
- Skyped Milo because the mic on my mac will only work when it thinks you’re not looking, which means I have to sneak up on it with the volume and never, ever make eye contact.
I’m sure there’s more. It’ll come to me.
Three bits of good news from Tuesday:
1. I had a job interview at a university in Sydney. It’s similar to my previous role, but in a completely different department, and the pay is good so I have my fingers crossed. The interview went well and we all seemed to have a good time (which upon reflection is unusual – should I have been more nervous? Am I too confident? Oh crikey, did they hate me?!?); as I left they told me they would be in touch “very soon” which I’m hoping is a good sign.
2. I was invited along to the University of Sydney Open Day by the MA Creative Writer lead lecturer for a chat. I have decided that the best way to get on a course is by getting my self known, making myself a familiar face and thus an obvious choice when it comes to deciding whether or not to admit me for 2010. I popped over, introduced myself, asked about the course and the writers’ scene in Sydney (as a newbie here I’m taking every opportunity to find out what’s out there) and then listened to all the wonderful things that the course has to offer. I was even invited along to a couple of the lectures (“just let me know which units you are interested in,” he said, “and I’d be happy for you to sit in on a couple of them.”), which I think is a positive sign. He also told me that he strongly recommends part-time study, for which I am very grateful as (a) I’m not going to be able to afford full-time and (b) my sister’s preferred wedding date falls right in the middle of the full-time term. So, all I need to do now is get writing again, get some critical feedback and have an application ready to submit by 31 October. That’s going to come around faster than I think.
3. Finally, and most excitingly, I had an article published! You can download a copy or visit the 3sixtymag website and get it from there. Go straight to page 21 and there it is, complete with typesetting and pictures! I am officially a published writer! My plan now is to simply write and write and write and e-mail editors and pester them until they give in. With one article under my belt, I’m in a better position than no articles: I intend to milk my advantage for all I’m worth. Wish me luck!
