Outer Ear

Issue 5, June 2001

Win When You're Singing

So what's new? Well, my job-avoidance campaign has finally ended in failure. Yes, I am gainfully employed as a Project Manager with Transition Computing - a small, but perfectly formed, e-company based in Bletchley. It seems my blinkered search for all things web, and on my doorstep, finally paid off - although I believe my success was due, in no small part, to the Robbie factor. Having driven to a few interviews listening to the audio tapes I acquired during outplacement, I decided that it wasn't helping my cause to arrive in a coma. Consequently, I decided to make the switch to Robbie Williams - in the hope that his energy, enthusiasm and large cohones would transform me into Ms Hyde by the time I arrived. It seemed to do the trick - instead of entering the interview muttering "energy, enthusiasm, confidence", I went in singing:

♫ I've got the gift, gonna stick it in the goal,
It's time to move your body ♫

To my credit, I chose not to re-enact the entire Rock DJ video - just down to my knickers. (Well, you have to save something for the Christmas party, don't you?) The truth is, they employed me on the condition that I stop right there. I'm looking forward to my first assessment, though I am somewhat concerned by the fact that 'the management' keeps telling me to go home! And, to cap it all, this usually occurs when I've made the effort to stay late. Some Fridays I am even instructed to down tools and down't pub. Naturally, I try to resist but, as ever, resistance is futile.

Did you know, this is the first June issue of Outer Ear? This time last year I was half-way through the Australian leg of my severance tour. My life was like an empty carpark then - I could go anywhere, do anything, heck - be anything. (OK, not much like a carpark but lots of choice being the idea.) So after this time of reflection, exploration of my inner self and extensive researching for my ideal job, I chose to ... return to IT. So, much for thinking outside of the box!

I'd like to thank those who were concerned about the reliability of my alarm clock prior to my starting work. Thankfully, my so-called friends have bought me so many alarm clocks over the years that the accumulative effect of them all ringing was enough to wake the dead ... and me.

I'd also like to say a big fat thank-you to those who've helped me through my wilderness year - of both professional and personal change. For keeping in touch, providing counselling, inviting me out to play and plucking my head out of the sand when required. It wasn't so much that I was sliding down more snakes than I was climbing ladders - it was more that I kept stopping to play Cluedo. There are so many things more interesting than job searching! Thanks again, you know who you are - and you've been great!!

Finally, I'd like to thank God, the Director, the Producer, ..... the Key Grip and last, but not least, all those who chose to renew their subscription by contributing to this issue.

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Next Issue:

Don't sit on your laurels, you'll squash them! Don't wait 'til the deadline either - send your features, news, letters and links to the Editor as and when the mood strikes you. Deadline: 15th August.

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