Buskers

I’m one of those mugs who give money occasionally to beggars or the homeless, especially if they’re selling the Big Issue. Well, when I’m in work I do so. I musr admit that part of this is a real fear that I could end up in the same situation (although I have an exit strategy planned if things get this bad). But I find it hard to give to buskers – it seems like a double reward to me. They are already blessed with the ability to play an instrument (and many can earn a living in a band or orchestra). So why are they seeking funds from people less fortunate than themselves? Still, at the moment this question is academic. Looks like I’m going to have a long spell without work. A chance to enjoy all this sunshine we’re getting? Plus keep plugging away at my computer ventures – more of this in a later post…

One more week..

..and then I’m a jobseeker again. Should I take up a course (harder choice than it sounds – in IT you can say study VB and then not make use of it in your following contract)? I should certainly start to get out more in the fresh air. And of course, start to blog regularly here again…

Another day, another dollar.

My contract has been extended by another month. Yippee! Even if I no longer have work after February (and there’s a small chance a different project there may have work for me) it all looks good on the cv. Fingers crossed this good run continues.

Another piece of good news – it’s a nice sunny day in England. That’s something that definitely won’t last!

Nervous times…

Contract runs out in 2 weeks. Markets are very volatile; I hear reports of companies cutting back on staff and cancelling projects. Could be my first venture back into UK full-time work will come to a shuddering halt. At least the days will start getting longer soon – I certainly hope so, this has been an exceptionally wet and gloomy winter so far here – we’re starting to get floods around Oxford.

Survival

It’s getting ever more difficult to survive this time of year isn’t it? Party invites, extra cooking, buying presents, sending cards, accepting/declining invites, wrapping presents, over-indulging etc etc etc. All while keeping a semi-fixed smile on your face and pretending to be enjoying it. The worst part is probably the first day back at work after New Year. A killer or what? Take it easy out there folk, and have a safe New Year!

Progress

Another week, another step towards that all important first payment. I’m getting more confident in my role – although it’s still hard work, I’m not so terrified any more about getting fired (the first week I was sure I wouldn’t make the grade).

One thing I’ve got my eye on for a future purchase (probably with my second pay-check) is one of those Ipod devices. Previously I was learning German (and trying hard not to neglect my Spanish). Since I spend 2 – 3 hours daily on public buses, the ability to listen to podcasts will come in extremely useful.

The weather here in the UK is very nice and pleasant, possibly the best and most settled it’s been since I came back here from Spain in July. Ok, so the temperature cools down at night, but generally we’re getting sunshine most days. Just a shame I’m working and can’t get the benefit from this. Never mind, I’m able to take a walk in the sunshine today – Lucky Me!!!

All systems go…

The contract’s been agreed, I’ve got the overdraft to enable me to survive 2 months before I get paid, and I start work tomorrow. If I perform adequately, you won’t see much of me over the next few months (may be an occasional weekend post). There again, if I completely mess up I’ll probably do something drastic (let’s hope it doesn’t come to that). One thing (and I know it’s a small thing) that I’m not looking forward to is getting new ids and passwords to use on the IT systems. I seem to be creating new id/password sets everyday now, and it gets really annoying. Often I set the browser or computer to remember the password automatically – doesn’t seem much point in having the password!