All Change

Where have I been? Working, I'll have you know! So don't give me that look, I don't mean to abandon you for such long periods of time, Dear Constant Reader.

In amusing news I was laid off from work two weeks ago, although in an unusual show of generosity, I was given two weeks notice. And last week on Tuesday I took time off to attend a job interview. In even more amusing news this job interview was at TVW, my former employer before I moved to London. They have adopted a fancy new Greek name so shall for ever more be known as Spartan (in memory of my much missed favourite Gladiator, who hasn't graced our screens for far too long).

The interview was a bit "X-Factor"-ish and just generally surreal. First of all it was just weird to walk through the reception doors again after my years away. Then whilst waiting for the other 11 candidates to arrive, I was greeted repeatedly by my old friends as and when they walked past (which got me some raised eye-brow looks from the other candidates, especially as when we were being walked to the assessment room people were coming out of their offices to greet me like some returning hero). After each part of the assessment (maths exercise, English exercise, and roleplay), the unsuccessful candidates were asked to leave after an agonising wait in the break room. Eventually there was just the five of us left and whilst the other four had their interviews, I was asked to wait... in my old office! Chatting away with old comrades-in-arms just before an interview for a job you've already done is insane.

Needless to say... I got the job. I knew I had the skills to do it but I also know TVW were sticklers for protocol and I'd have to prove to them I did all over again before they'd employ me. Now I've just got to complete a millions bits of paper so they can do background checks on me. Fun times!

So... I left DFDS Seaways last Friday, as per usual I was the last temp standing (I have a habit of staying with things until the bitter end) as the rest had already made a run for it. I start my new job at the end of November so have a few weeks of being a jobless bum to suffer enjoy.

And the kids are soon to be here which is quite fitting as my last post was made on the day they left us last! See... it all works out in the end...

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Friday. In celebration of getting a job, and in commiseration that the kids are on Jim and I went drinking around Chambers and Skuba followed by a lovely meal in the Portofino restaurant on Sandgate Road. Delicious!

Saturday, we made a random visit to my Nan up in Snodland followed by an afternoon drive by of my Mum's place in Stanford.

Sunday, we headed to Mum's again to meet... Nan... again. Plus Uncle Graham and his girlfriend Rebecca (pregnant with yet another cousin of mine). Was nice to see everyone, although slightly ruined by my 14 year old sister phoning constantly to shout at my Mum. Eventually I took the phone and after finishing the phone call was physically shaking with anger. She shall be getting a sound speaking to when I see her next. Honestly, I don't give a shit about what's going on between her parents. She needs to start treating them BOTH with respect (rather than just one) or she'll have this big brother making her life an absolute misery. For her own good.

Monday. First day of work, involving finding out Ben lookalike didn't get a job and discovering I had to wear painful safety shoes. Followed by a trip to Sandgate in the evening for "Liberal Drinks" in the Providence Inn. Lovely.

Tuesday. Health and safety. Found out, too late, I didn't have to wear painful safety shoes as long as I always had them with me. The blistery damage was done. Also had a security briefing, a tour of the port, and a return trip to France.

Wednesday. Ouch. My feet! The two mile journey each way is HORRIBLE with blisters! But after just a day and a half of training (yesterday didn't count) they let me start taking calls! Hurrah.

Now I sit here in the living room hoping my feet stop hurting soon.

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Jae Gets A Job

Obviously, Dear Constant Reader, you are my good luck charm! I've finally got myself a job offer after yesterday's adventures in Dover.

I got a phone call from the employment agency who contacted me about it originally and they were very circumspect, asking me if I thought I'd like to work for the company etc. I confirmed I would, at which point they said they'd offered me the job but "were concerned I might not want it". Mum had warned me that people might not be offering me jobs because they were worried I was "overqualified" but I hadn't really believed her. Now I do, and I'm just grateful they offered me the job despite thinking I might not want it!

Currently it looks like I'll be starting on Monday, I'm just waiting for a confirmation in the post. Good times! And not a minute too soon, as my bank account has been bled dry.

Now if I can start to sort my finances out I'm one step closer to another plan I've hatched during my blog silence... starting an Open University course!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist

Adventures At Dover's East Dock

I had an interview today for a cross channel ferry company at Dover's East Dock. I arrived at their ticket office and collected my pass and together with another interviewee (who looked uncannily like Ben (see June 2002 blogposts) was sent off into the docks, unsupervised, with vague directions to the building we were to be interviewed in. After several wrong turns, a stay in between the French and British passport control stations and a wander round a large but incorrect building we eventually arrived. Seems like a small team, a good group and thus I'm hopeful I get this job.

In other news... I have wearing interview clothes!!

If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist