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
Category: Work
Moving slowly
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
Teach, Speech, Reach
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
Small victories
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
The world of work
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
Steering Committee
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
Job Interview
I had a job interview this morning. It was my first interview for two years - in fact, since I got the job I’m in now - and I was determined to nail it. The interview was for a job on the same level as my current job, but in another team, so a lot of… Continue reading Job Interview
My work, my countries
My work is divided up amongst the team on country lines. Each project is based in a country, and if you’ve worked on one country, you will also probably get the next project that comes up in that country. Sometimes projects are assigned on linguistic lines (Russian speakers more likely to get Caucasus/Central Asia projects,… Continue reading My work, my countries
Best team ever
I am working in the Best Team Ever. It’s not just me who thinks it though; both present and past members of my team have commented that this team is the best team ever. I’ve been thinking about why that is. Collaboration and support We’re lucky to have work which doesn’t set us up to… Continue reading Best team ever
The multicultural workplace
For my first years in the UK, I was in predominantly all-British workplaces. People didn’t understand why I’d left my home and my family and travelled to the other side of the world. People grew confused about why I didn't watch and hence couldn’t talk about Eastenders (or Corrie, or Brookie) and why I didn’t… Continue reading The multicultural workplace
Tales from Tobhamhor 