There are many new years in any one calendar year. Today is another one - Nawruz or Nooruz. I’ve seen it spelt various ways. It’s an old Zoroastrian festival celebrated across the Middle East and Central Asia on the occasion of the spring equinox. It celebrates the new year on the day that winter ends… Continue reading New year, again
Four weeks and counting until my secondment is over and I have to go back to my old team. Attempting to avoid this outcome, I’ve been applying for other jobs, and last week I had some positive news - an interview! But not a regular interview facing people across a desk, no. Not even an… Continue reading The Interview
My team moved to a new office while I was away on holiday. They didn’t do it to hide from me. The move was planned and well publicised. I even had the chance to visit to the new office premises before I went on holiday. Knowing Canary Wharf not at all well, I studied a… Continue reading My new commute
...but not too deep, or you might inhale the corona virus. Rising infection numbers of the Omicron variant in England have prompted the government to take action and instigate a "work from home if you can" instruction. Just when I'd started to get used to seeing people and talking to people and not having to… Continue reading Take a deep breath in…
So today is the day I officially reach 20 years of employment with the one institution. That feels pretty amazing, as after my last interview before I started here I felt I would never get a permanent job ever again. The interviewer said to me, "Why would anyone hire you? You haven't held a job… Continue reading 20 years of transition
There's been a lot of advice about how during these (insert word of preference here) times, we should be kind to ourselves, that we should resist the exhortation to be super productive because this is a stressful time and we may be more stressed than we realise, that dealing with ‘everything’ may mean we are… Continue reading Moving slowly
I never wanted to be a teacher. I have two sisters who are teachers, and that's not what I wanted to be. I fancied myself in some kind of high-flying corporate career. Which is why it's surprising, after 20 years working for an international development bank (and let me be clear, this is not as… Continue reading Teach, Speech, Reach
This week at work they announced the winners of the staff photo competition, always and exciting and tense time for me. This competition has been running for many years, and every year when the categories are announced and the deadline for submissions approaches, I spend hours (in consultation with husband) choosing what image goes best… Continue reading Small victories
It's been a while since I was out in the market looking for work. But something happened this week that reminded me of my temp days, working for agencies, looking for something permanent. Here's an example of a typical prospective job conversation I would have with someone from an agency. Hi Michelle, it's Kate/Amanda here… Continue reading The world of work
I had to attend a steering committee this week.For those not familiar with the concept, it’s something between a tough job interview and a trip to the headmaster’s office. I know head teachers don’t give kids the cane anymore but in preparing for a steering committee the threat of a beating hangs over your head… Continue reading Steering Committee
Tales from Tobhamhor 