I’ve been at my current employer for about 16 and a half years now, minus the nine months I took off when I had my son. I’ve jokingly said to colleagues that the rate I’m going I’d be there for the rest of my working life. And why not? I have a pretty interesting job, the working conditions are pretty good, the superannuation is great and there’s plenty of opportunity to move around.
The thing is, though, that I’ve been getting restless. While my job is pretty interesting it’s not exactly what I would like to do forever so I’d been looking around.
About two months ago I saw a job for a Digital Consultant advertised on Twitter. I ummed and aaahhed about whether or not to apply but eventually did. I got an interview which I really enjoyed. I went to Bali and was contacted while over there for a second interview and then a few agonising days later I found out I got the job.
Back to the first interview. Two very good friends gave me a mock interview the day prior and I’d written down some things on paper because I didn’t want my nervous interview brain to make me lost for words. When I brought out this piece of paper I showed them how organised I was. But to even get to this interview was a mighty effort in itself.
It was on a Friday which normally wouldn’t be a problem but it was also a pupil free day at my son’s school. I’d planned for us to spend the day together and then I had to try and arrange childcare which isn’t always easy. I eventually managed to find a friend who was able to have him and hopped in the car to go drop him off but the car wouldn’t start because the battery that I thought had a bit more life left in it finally went flat. I had one hour to go before the interview.
In situations like this my brain immediately kicks in and I quickly run through all the possible scenarios. That involved going inside and ringing up my babysitter. Her son answered (he also had a pupil free day) and told me she was in the shower. I rang another friend who lives close by cause I thought she could help but the call went to voicemail. I rang a third person and she was home and available to come and get me and look after JJ also. I rang back the first babysitter and told her not to worry about having JJ, explaining why.
I made into the city with 15 or so minutes to spare.
So, I’m leaving a very large organisation of some 3000 staff for a small privately owned organisation of about 12 staff and I can’t wait. I can’t predict how it will all turn out but I’m SO ready for a change and I feel like this is absolutely the right thing to do for myself at the moment.
As I gave four weeks notice – far too long as I’ve now realised – I’ve had plenty of time to tidy things up and get myself ready for the next job. One of those things is getting a cleaner to do my house once a week. I’m trialling a couple of people at the moment so hope to settle on someone pretty soon. This is also something I’ve been thinking about for a while and especially ever since I’ve been seeing The Surfer my time at home has been limited so I’ve had to clean when I get the chance and not put it off for the next day like I always used to.
I’ve got one week left at my current job then I’ve got a week off inbetween the old and new job. I’m taking JJ out of school for four days so we can go to Melbourne. I’ve booked our flights and a hotel in the city and I’m looking forward to having this time away and with him. It sounds like there’s some great exhibitions on at the moment in Melbourne, ie the Titanic artefact exhbition and the Tim Burton exhibition.
My Bali posts will resume after this. I’ve got a couple left. I know it’s a month since we got back but I’ve got to drag out the memories somehow.
Wow, that’s a big step to take but it was obviously meant to be 🙂
Congrats and well done 🙂