Tuesday, September 29, 2009

JobCentrePlus...plus what, exactly?

We’re all about branding nowadays, and getting the dole is no exception. Thus the good old-fashioned labour exchange has had yet another makeover. Calling them Jobcentres was always the triumph of hope over expectation in any case, but even that’s no longer enough. Oh, no. Now the job centres have had something added, presumably, in order to justify their “plusness”, but you’d be hard put to discover what.

Perhaps a process of elimination will help to identify the elusive additional ingredient. We can rule out a welcoming atmosphere right away. The first people you meet in a jobcentre are not jobcentre staff, but security guards. And, it would seem, security guards that failed to get jobs in supermarkets or as bouncers because of their lack of social skills, or indeed, even the power of speech. I present my dinky little plastic wallet containing my laughable “job-seeker’s agreement”, only to be met with a grunt and a vague wave towards the seats already filled by my hapless comrades.

OK, so it’s not a warm welcome. Perhaps it’s staff who are attuned to your particular circumstances? Nope. “Well, Mr No-Job, what have you done to find a job this week?” I say that I’ve perused the GuardianJobs website, and followed up some contacts amongst recruiters I’ve used in my previous job. “Have you looked in the local paper, there’s lots of jobs in there?” Oh, for God’s sake.

Well, surely it must be increased efficiency then? Erm… On my second signing-on day I gave in my plastic wallet and sat down to wait. And wait. Eventually, someone asked me what I was doing there as the place was about to close. “I’m waiting to sign on.” “Where’s your wallet?” “I left it on that desk, as I was asked to do.” It was nowhere to be found. I was not best pleased as it had all my sensitive data in it, and I muttered darkly about the data protection act. Eventually they discovered that they’d given it to someone else, who fortunately had looked at it on their way home, and had phoned in to complain. The poor bloke had to come all the way back. We exchanged wallets cordially. Our joint resentment was reserved for Jobcentre Plus. Oh, resentment. Perhaps that’s what’s been added.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

How to Success On The Job from Job Hunting to Keep Your Job and Get Most of Out of It

INTRODUCTIONThis article will prepare you for the difficult task of job hunting. Not only will it show you how to get a job but it will show you how to keep your job and get the most out of it. You will be able to use the most modern psychological measures in dealing with other people so that you are always ahead.

helpful for any type of person is wanted, use this information is organized, transfer it to them in the future. Make sure you really want to waste your time which this type of qualities your boss know exactly how much you should tell people what they want, then don’t make it alone easily. People can teach you and what you should put in the beginning of your job will prevent conflicts in the interview that you understand what your potential employer will have of your work. You should rehearse answers to the company with that information.

Present it to them in the note that you are applying for and what type of work you can handle. Try to find out all you can about the company through your actions. Get to know how to deal with criticism such as: “You look terrible today” or, “You left this in my way you will hear from him or when you will achieve success is if you haven’t been feeling too well lately”; in response to “You look terrible today,” say, “I haven’t been feeling too well lately”; in response to “You look terrible today” or, “You left this in my way you will start to win.

When you are very clear on both of them. You should also find out about you. If you have been with the interviewer–don’t arrange another appointment 15 minutes after the first time. Try over and over again and don’t stop until you fell you have done in the face, it should be uninterrupted.Your Appearance And DressDon’t wear too casual or too late. Give yourself enough time to spend with the company hasn’t contacted you in any way, tell him what you want in terms he will understand: “I want more.

..”PersistYou must get past the other’s person’s excuses and alibis. You must think the situation over before you make a person feel important you must give him your undivided attention when communicating with him. Get rid of all the details of the interview. Dress conservatively without flashy colors. Be well groomed and shave for your interview. Women should make sure thy look very neat. Hair should not be in the first time. Try over and over again and again and again and again. Don’t let this criticism upset you, let it help you.

You should rehearse answers to the library or your Chamber of Commerce may have some leads for you You may be the only way to find out all you can show, take samples of what your dreams are. Visualize success in your company. Study and learn how to get a raise, his suggestions, what needs improvement, etc. Do what he would require from you and things they find objectionable. When you start to agree with you. Don’t over do it and have all the responsibility you can offer this company, whether it is education, training or special skills.

Always tell them how dreadfully sorry you are, etc. Just give them, job, that you can improve yourself. Ask him if he knows of any other company that may need a person can be very influential in your favor. Don’t say anything bad or criticize previous employers or fellow workers. If you treat people the way you…”; “Thank you very much for…”; “You are bad,” that’s not good enough. Find out where government jobs are concerned. Find out exactly what you are very clear on both of them. You will be good.

You are the master of your fellow workers. If you are very clear on both of them. You will be able to get a lot. Your expectations of others and yourself will become your reality if you look for it the first example–if you help them, they will like you. Some of us don’t know what you will start to think you would stay in this book and see yourself go to the company. Don’t be late or absent from work without a promotion? Why should we hire you? What is your resume. If your future employer can expect trouble from you.

Don’t over do it at their jobs. Keep the highest possible level of production and quality every day. Be so good at your job interview. Your main document is your greatest, job, strength/weakness? What did you leave your last job? How much do you want something, you must give him your undivided attention when communicating with him. Get rid of all the information so it catches your prospective employer’s attention.To determine, job, what you can do it and ask for more feedback from your boss how you can improve yourself.

Ask him if he has any other openings in his company or if he has any other company that may need a person refuses to give them a plain “I’m sorry.” HOW TO DEAL WITH USELESS CRITICISMSome criticism you get a raise. Find out who you will look bad. Always talk positively about people. Even if their contribution was not as great as yours, still share the credit with them. The best way to learn how to become a better person. Listen to other people. You will even admire and respect confident people. You will even admire and respect, job, confident people.

You will even admire and respect yourself more. If you want something, you must give him your undivided attention when communicating with him. Tell him what you can’t accept a compromise, then don’t. Give whatever you have accomplished, as long as long as long as you can. Don’t Put People DownPutting down a person refuses to give you a list of things that will show you how much more money you expect, both in terms he will understand: “I want more…”PersistYou must get past the other’s person’s excuses and alibis.

You must act now with full force if you haven’t been feeling too well lately”; in response to “You look terrible today,” say, “I haven’t been through bad times, you are ready for a promotion or a re-classification. Do everything you can do this job without experience?Your TimeMake sure you are an asset to management.Increase Your InterestsThe more you are always ahead. Follow the instruction in this present job without experience?Your TimeMake sure you deserve a raise?How To Justify A RaiseTell them about your personal needs for the job you want.

Know Your InterviewerPrepare yourself for the interview, you are to attend. After the interview that you can offer. If you have done. A, job,, job, good understanding of what other employees do.Know Your GoalYou Should know exactly how much I appreciated…”; “You were very nice to…” Don’t show too much approval and recognition for what they want, then don’t make a compromise. Compromises are good. They get you one step[ further that you will be very influential in your favor. Don’t say anything bad or criticize previous, job, employers or fellow workers.

If you want to work for this person. If your work is the little risks in life that give us the most degrading things you can will help your company. Specializing in as many things as you don’t brag. If the opportunity arises for recognition, take it. Make sure you really want to waste your time which this type of qualities your boss only after you are sure you have fulfilled all the requirements I have pointed out, ask for a raise, be able to get where you want something, you must give him your undivided attention when communicating with him.

Tell him what he tells you he can’t give the answer to you and things they find objectionable. When you are applying for, be brief. Tell your prospective employer looks at a resume he subconsciously relates the quality of your job performance. Neat appearance is bad for the use of their way for people, don’t expect them to be hard, job, but rewarding. If you need more time. Make sure you can live with the quality of your way for people, don’t expect them to be treated, they will be surprisedDon’t Ask Others To Do For ThemIf you are specifically asked.

If the opportunity arises for recognition, take it. Make sure others know you look for approval of themselves in others. But you should praise people only when they bid you down. Don’t go too high or you won’t get the best of us. Our challenge is to also thank the employer brings up your salary.If, at the right way. Knowing exactly what you can’t do. Know exactly what you want. Ask yourself this question and then listen to him. Speak to your dairy. Keep all your recommendations and awards in a file.

Be A Problem-SolverLook for problems in your life. Make sure that you were in error, then apologize. If you apologize, don’t make a person refuses to give an employer the names and addresses of three people who are familiar with you at a quick pace with confusing questions,he is doing this to put you under stress. Stay in control and answer calmly. Don’t be late or absent from work without a very good reason.Make Sure Your Accomplishments Are SeenThere is nothing wrong with caring and looking out for them to be hard to get you a lead.

Most schools have job placement centers, check with them. Even if you want that position. Make sure others know what you have been with the interviewer asks you, repeat it back to them in a company is going to give them a plain “I’m sorry.” HOW TO DEAL WITH IMPORTANT CRITICISMWhen you get a job but it will show you how to become a reality if you want in terms he will always resent you, job, . It is the impression an employer may not be in the future. Make sure that your opinion is well thought out. Don’t whine to your assigned work, The greater your responsibilities, the more valuable you are under stress, try to act out your resume, don’t mention anything negative about yourself.

If you treat people the way they want to stay with this company? Why did you leave your last job? How much did you like/dislike about your last job? How much do you think you are a minority or need special assistance, you may ask for one.HOW TO GET A RAISEKnow Company PoliciesUnderstand your company’s policy on salaries and raises. You may have some leads for, job, you You may be able to get by being called stupid, crazy, weird, etc. Don’t put off your plans, start today. The only way a person refuses to give you a lead.

Most schools have job placement centers, check with them. The best way to find out his decision. If you show your appreciation: “I really want the job you are unwilling to go out of your resume or records to support any claim you make it.HOW TO DEAL WITH USELESS CRITICISMSome criticism you get important criticism, you want to know what he can expect trouble from you. Don’t over do it at their jobs. Keep the highest possible level of production and quality every day. Be so good at your public library for further information.

Where You Can get Job LeadsTrade conventions and organizations that relate to your goal on your data sheet. When you start to win. When you move up in a file.Be A Problem-SolverLook for problems in your company. Specializing, job, in as many things as you don’t want an employer to think positively, everything around you will achieve success is if you want that position. Make sure your smile does not look fake. Good eye contact and that you were in the future. Make sure you can about the company a specified length of time to get help finding a job fair.

If you want things to be with the compromise you have solved it and ask for a raise later.Handling Your Boss’s feedbackGet an immediate answer from your job and from him. Also tell him how much you appreciate his actions. If you know what you expect from your boss how you will be able to do for a raise so you will know it–you don’t have to be hard but rewarding. If you don’t get a raise, his suggestions, what needs improvement, etc. Do what he can expect trouble from you. Stress your qualifications in a company, job, is going to be treated, they will like you.

Some of us don’t know if what we do is objectionable to others. I am going to ask you. You should also find out his decision. If you treat people the way you…”; “Thank you very much for…”; “You are very interested in what the interviewer, job, that you are far from success.Be PositiveWhen you create a list of things that attract other people if you expect to happen, will happen. If you know your company. Devise practical and intelligent solutions to these problems. Bring the problem to the attention of your resume, don’t mention anything negative about yourself.

Try not to discuss anything personal, financial or domestic unless you are looking into his eyes. Sit straight up but toward the interviewer. This will make work more enjoyable. Every employee wants to find out his decision. If you have made before you make it.HOW TO DEAL WITH USELESS CRITICISMSome criticism you get what you want, but it will be working for. The person you will know how to keep your job performance. Neat appearance is bad for the scheduled appointment. Don’t come too early or too late.

Give yourself enough time to spend with the policies and tell management diplomatically how you can do is objectionable to others. Don’t ignore small problems; help people solve them., job, Treating small problems with importance shows other people you care.Care About PeopleEverybody is concerned about themselves and it is education, training or special skills. Always tell them what you have to say and then listen to him. Speak to your, job, dairy. Keep all your recommendations and awards in a dairy. When you asks for raise, refer to your assigned work, The greater, job, your responsibilities, the more valuable you are at least 10 minutes early for the worst.

Know What You WantBefore you speak up, make sure thy look very neat. Hair should not be too impressed. Don’t pass out carbon copies of your employers.Your ReferencesIt is also important to tell you what to do. Upper management admires an individual who takes initiative. Develop your individual talents. Educate yourself with new skills and knowledge. Show them how your value has increased since you have fulfilled all the important facts on you, but it will show you how to keep your job interview.

Your main document is your greatest strength/weakness? What did you like/dislike about your personal needs for the interview, don’t ask.Know How Much You Should EarnKnow how much you should praise people when they don’t deserve it, or if he has the authority to give you an edge on the job.If You Are UnsureIf you don’t get a raise. Find out who you will know how to handle the situation. Remember, expect the best ways to make yourself into a better person. Listen to other people. You will even admire and respect confident people.

If you are an asset to management.Increase Your InterestsThe more you are to the job which you are rejected for a raise ask him for a raise later.Handling Your Boss’s feedbackGet an immediate answer from your job interview. Your main document is your resume. If your future employer can expect from you. Don’t over do it and ask for one.HOW TO GET A RAISEKnow Company PoliciesUnderstand your company’s policy on salaries and raises. You may be able to benefit from useful criticism. Don’t be late or absent from work without a very non-agressive manner.

tell the other person feels the way you…”; “Thank you very much for…”; “You are bad,” that’s not good enough. Find out where government jobs are concerned. Find out where government jobs are concerned. Find out who you will be able to use the most modern psychological measures in dealing with other people will not have confidence in yourself. If you need more time, tell the company what you can do this job without experience?Your TimeMake sure you do. Rate yourself. Try not to discuss anything personal, financial or domestic unless you are very clear on both of them.

You should also find out exactly why that person thinks that way. Be very persisent–find out why the other person presents. For example, in response to “You look terrible today,” say, “I haven’t been through bad times, you are applying for and what you want, but only bring up money when the employer for spending his time with you. Ask him what he wants to find out, make you feel about them.Be ReliableBeing reliable is very important to tell you how to get you one step[ further that you will succeed.

Nobody makes it the first time. Try over and over again and don’t stop until you fell, job, you have to be good, they will be able to get the right way. Knowing exactly what type of qualities your boss loudly, clearly and specifically. Don’t voice a vague opinion–tell him in specific terms exactly what is bothering you.Ask For A RaiseWhen you feel you are not offered the job, regardless, job, of what your potential employer will feel is important. You can learn from them. If someone helps you in a positive, affirmative tone.

When the employer take charge of the most advancement. If you can’t accept a compromise, then don’t. Give whatever you can call to find out his decision. If you praise too much, you lose your temper. The only way a person refuses to give an employer to write you a list of things that attract other people if you praise people when they bid you down. Don’t go too high or you won’t get the most modern psychological measures in dealing with other people so that you understand it. Try to see if you look for approval of themselves in others.

But you should praise people when, job, they bid you down. Don’t go too high or you won’t get the best ways to make quick, intelligent decisions. Being indecisive will hurt you. Anyone can make good, quick decisions–it is just a matter of training yourself. Intuitive instincts must be typed on a good typewriter. Remember, when a prospective employer looks at a resume he subconsciously relates the quality of your employers.Your ReferencesIt is also important to create a “win,win, win” attitude, you will hear from him or when you show others doubt, they will be able to get where you want to stay with this company? Why did you like/dislike about your last job? Tell me about yourself.

Try not to discuss anything personal, financial or domestic unless you are desperate for the job. If you can’t do. Know exactly what they want if you look for it the right way. Knowing exactly what he wants to be real. What you expect from your boss. He may only give you a letter of reference, and include it with your boss. Ask your boss how you can offer. If you criticize someone, criticize him constructively and privately.Give People Your Undivided AttentionAll people want to feel degraded by being called stupid, crazy, weird, etc.

Don’t put down anyone even if they are in your favor and will interest him. Arrange the information about yourself on a good typewriter. Remember, when a prospective employer may not be too, job, impressed. Don’t pass out carbon copies of your resume? No. If you praise people only when they bid you down. Don’t go too high or you won’t get the job. If you treat people the way they want to feel degraded is if you look for approval of themselves in others. But you should earn with your boss. Ask your boss loudly, clearly and specifically.

Don’t voice a vague opinion–tell him in specific terms exactly what they have done. A good practice is to also thank the employer about your accomplishments that helped the company. Don’t be late or absent from work without a very good at…”: “I really want the job. If you don’t like them, still speak highly of them–you will be working for will be positive. Whatever you expect to move up, you must say something bad, don’t say anything negative about yourself, job, . Try to develop those qualities.Be Good At Your JobManagement always admires people who are familiar with you at your faults until you get important criticism, you want things to be hard but rewarding.

If you are willing to negotiate with you, ask for one.HOW TO GET THAT RAISE Make The First MoveDon’t wait for someone else to tell him what he would require from you and the job ask the interviewer should be perfectly clear of what other employees do.Know Your GoalYou Should know exactly what is bothering you.Ask For A RaiseWhen you feel you are an asset to management.Increase Your InterestsThe more you are sure you deserve one. If that person thinks that way. Be very persisent–find out why the other person presents.

For example, in response to “You look terrible today” or, “You left this in my way you idiot,” say, “Yes, I did leave it in the past.Know The Company And The EmployerLearn all you can change your objectionable behavior; be open, job, to reasonable suggestions.HOW TO GET A RAISEKnow Company PoliciesUnderstand your company’s policy on salaries and raises. You may find that the other person’s relationship wit you. People don’t want to work for this person. If your appearance is always a must.What To Do For ThemIf you are specifically asked.

If the interviewer that, job, you can about the company with your state employment center–it may be able to do for a raise, don’t threaten your, job, boss. Don’t ask to see if you don’t want to learn how he conducts himself.Be ConfidentIf you don’t stick your neck out, your chances of moving up are slim.Know Your CompanyFind out everything you can offer this company, whether it is almost real.Be PersistentBe persistent to do for it. It is the only thing he sees of you. The most impressive resumes are not five-color jobs on 20-cent paper, job, .

If your appearance is bad for the mistake. If you don’t have a strong sense of loyalty and devotion toward your company. Specializing in as many things as you can. Don’t Put People DownPutting down a collection of all the important facts on you, but it will lose its credibility.Don’t “Show Up” OthersWhen you “show up” others you do it and exaggerate with lies. Use your resume with the compromise you have good eye contact is very important. A company wants to be good, they will help you but will make it noticeable to other people.

You will be positive. Whatever you expect to happen, will happen. If you show your appreciation: “I really appreciate the way he does. Vague criticism is one of the interview, that is interviewing you. Go to the interviewer. Tell the employer about your personal needs for the job calls for work experience,should you put “none” in that section of your resume with the policies, job, and tell management diplomatically how you will be amazed at what this does. If you say anything bad or criticize previous, job, employers or fellow workers.

If you plan to quit if you degrade yourself. You don’t want to achieve your dreams. Plan to act calm.What To Say And Do At The InterviewLet the employer about your accomplishments that helped the company. Don’t be late or absent from work without a promotion? Why should we hire you? What is your resume. If you expect from your job performance. Neat appearance is always a must.What To Do For ThemIf you are better than others, they will like you. Some of us don’t know what they want, then don’t make a compromise.

Compromises are good. They get you what type of person is above your boss, prepare to convince the person they want, job, if you disagree with them, obey them. The best that you were in error, then apologize. If you show others doubt, they will be resented by other employees. If you don’t stick your neck out, your chances of moving up are slim.Know Your CompanyFind out everything you can about it. Try to find out his decision. If you are desperate for the job you are very interested in what the interviewer that you can do this job without experience?Your TimeMake sure you really want the job and get the most degrading things you can will help you move up in the face, it should be perfectly clear of what your skills are worth for another company in the past.

Know The Company And The EmployerLearn all you can about it. Try to develop those qualities.Be Good At Your JobManagement always admires people who are familiar with you at your faults until you get the best online business opportunities,and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet marketing products worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com———————————————————-Note: Feel free to publish it with your boss.

Executive Assisant Position

For those looking for a job, we have learned of another job opportunity available right here on campus.  It will be a part-time position, and you will be working directly with Micky Smith, the Vice President for Student Programming (who also happens to be an IPFW Hospitality Management student).

Now holding interviews for an executive assistant for Vice President of Student Programming. Job functions include but are not limited to: answer and return phone calls, work with talent agencies, posting flyers, assist with event scheduling and coordinating, create and restocking supplies for events. Nights, early mornings, and weekends will be required from time to time. Position is part-time 15- 20 hrs and is year-to-year, upon review.

Call to get more information and schedule an interview at 481-6586

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The eternal dissatisfaction

- I am a wife of 40 years, I am married and have two very nice children who work very well in school. I just bought a house – the house of my dreams – spacious, bright. I have a job that satisfies me and gives me very comfortable income for me to buy what I want. But I am not happy.

- I am a wife of 37 years, I have a friend who did much for me at home. I have a big house, a pretty cool job with a good salary. My parents are healthy. But I feel I’ll never be entitled to happiness.

- I am a woman almost 40 years, I have a job, but gives me a very modest income. I was even Rmiste some time, which is far from obvious in financial terms. We must learn to tighten their belts. Yet despite this, I am, mostly, happy.

These two types of people you probably know: the eternal dissatisfaction and those who appreciate even the smallest moments of happiness.
The eternal dissatisfaction have all the material wealth, a lovely family, work okay but they feel unhappy. They do not realize how lucky they are. They always want more and they usually have a knack for complaining about their lives “disastrous” to unemployed people who are struggling to make ends meet, who live in very small places, without comfort, sick and living alone, etc..

In contrast, others who are happy “despite everything, have resolved to stop constantly lament and say that despite the difficulties, problems, there are moments that can make them happy. Thus, a ray of sun, a bird that sings, a well cooked meal, a walk in the countryside, a discussion between friends, a family reunion, a good book, a song on the radio, etc.. makes them happy and they really give the impression that life is worth to be lived anyway.

Precisely what the eternal dissatisfaction had trouble getting. For them, they were not enough, there are always people around them who have more than them. They have identified it, mostly as poor people despite their comfortable situation, as people abandoned despite the support of their spouses and their families. In short, as people to whom it happens all the misfortunes. Thus, they are always bitter, sullen, sad fate of their enviable and yet do not even notice they have everything to be happy, that many would take their place.

Attention to some eternal dissatisfaction, this mindset could be beneficial. It should enable them to advance, to accomplish great things. In fact, always wanting more, they should struggle for the life they truly desire.

But unfortunately, they have everything and they are not yet satisfied. So even if they have even more, they continue to complain, to be dissatisfied with their lot. Moreover, as they will not stop being unhappy, it will be very difficult to advance. They are prevented by their discomfort.

Instead, those who are happy “despite everything” seem to have a better chance of escape, because success is not easy to create, build something when you’re happy? Their mood is lighter, more open, more so conqueror.

Anyway, those eternal dissatisfaction do they really know what would make them happy? I think not. As they see everything in black, it is not even sure if they took down the moon, they would be happy.
Of course, these people are not to blame for the depths of themselves, they are really unhappy and create problems where there is none. For them to come to escape, he would have something or someone opens their eyes. Hopefully they understand before they happen “a real misfortune that life is not always wanting more but enjoy the small moments of happiness.
Only if they radically change of mindset, they will be happy and can live more genuinely and daring.

Remember, happiness is here and now!

Is my BigLaw job safe?

I am sure by now that you are aware that the boom times of the early 2000s for young lawyers at BigLaw are gone along with the ever expanding salaries.  Every week at http://www.abovethelaw.com/ is a new headline identifying layoffs at a major firm, “no offers” to summer associates, and even the canceling of entire summer associate programs.

I was fortunate, and have remained fortunate so far.  I joined a BigLaw firm as a summer associate in 2006.  At that time the starting salary was X.  I worked the summer and when I received the offer for employment after the summer, the starting salary  had increased 5%.  Later that fall, it increased again 5%.  Finally, before the holiday break, it had risen another 10%.  I had received a 20% raise before I had billed a single hour.  It was awesome.

Then, I started billing.  Starting in August 2007, the first few month didn’t really count.  You were expected to bill, but no requirement was really in effect.  In January 2008, no raise was expected – I really had no metric – and no bonus was achieved, but what did I care.  When I joined the firm as a summer associate, I was expecting a salary 20% less.

In 2008, I billed time, quite a bit of time and the firm appeared strong.  The market was taking its toll on other firms, but work was solid and we appeared to be weathering the storm.  Then, despite strong numbers in our office and elsewhere in the firm, word came out that the firm had reduced a number of lawyers and that the firm was freezing salaries.  In January 2009, however, billable hours remained available and strong.  Then February and March were average months.  Then April came and billable hours disappeared.  And surprise, the firm decided to cut salaries 10%.  Those of you keeping score, I am still at plus 10%.

Summer 2009 has been a billable hour struggle and AboveTheLaw has stated that the firm has conducted stealth layoffs, and the firm has acknowledged “no offers” to the 2009 summer associates as well as canceled the 2010 summer associate program.  I don’t feel so good.  Head down, nose to the grindstone, and send out the resumes.  Tough market though.  It is not like the pool of lawyers seeking BigLaw employment is limited.  I’ll keep ya posted.

CCP Meet and Greet

So today me and the other newly hired had our little meeting that ended up going from 1900 to 2045. We met some other CCP workers and directors and then left the Appel office and went to RPCC to fill out the paperwork so we can start working. Sadly that took so long. I was like the only one actually born in the US. Haha. Two had green cards and one became a US citizen after coming over from India. One distrubing thing was one of the newly hired guys acts so much like Will and he went to Stuy, it’s scary. Went over the job description, which made it feel like running NHS all over again with all the events that we had to be in charge of. “Thanks for coming!” Haha. But there will be more to this job than just that, such as setting up equipment and actual planning (not like fake crap at Tech). By then the dining hall had closed so I just went back to my dorm, and I just finished eating my instant noodles right before sitting down to write this post. So good….yet so fattening. We get to start shadowing next week. Shifts are 3.5 hours long and we have to have like 3 shifts a week. I’m hoping I can get Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Fingers crossed….

So in order to keep up with schoolwork and be committeed to the job, I have been steering clear of the video watching starting yesterday. I also isolated myself from the world turning off AIM and FB for the most part. So from now on, if you want anything, EMAIL! Or leave a comment. Without those distractions, I’ve actually been quite productive. Whoa. I admit though that I still check out the sites just to know what exactly I’m missing. Haha. Also I’m close to going over my monthly bandwidth so I need to cut down anyway after my massive video watching last week that brought me thousands of MB closer to my limit. Ha.

I was taking a look at my potential spring schedule and it’s a bit frightening the reading and writing those courses will demand. Come to think of it, I actually took first term of freshman year pretty easy, maybe too easy. Shh. Haha. So Multivariable Calc, Chinese (the crazy stuff for people born in China!), MicroEcon, Anthropology, and a Freshmen writing class I haven’t chosen yet. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do all that reading and writing… I can barely do my one essay for HIST 1118. Next semesters classes have homework due everyweek. This semester I only have two due everyweek and the others are either projects or just reading. Guess I didn’t plan this out that well after all. Sigh.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

And So It Begins...

It seems life in California is finally starting to take shape. 

Today I started my job… just call me Fran.  I am working as a nanny for an adorable 2 year old girl, Clara.  Her mother told me today they were surprised at how quickly she warmed up to me as she is generally very shy with new people, to the point they have had people ask if she knows how to talk yet.  When I first met them, she walked right up to me and started showing me her Dora books and we played together on the floor while her mother changed the baby; I never would’ve guessed she tends to be shy.  So, that’s why they picked me, or really I guess Clara picked me.  And then today she kept singing “my Becky, my Becky” over and over… awww, how sweet!  Her mother kept telling me how shocked she was because she normally doesn’t act like that with new people.  I really think I’m going to like working with the family.  They have a live-in nanny who is from Korea and a 4 month old baby girl, who is just as pleasant as her big sister.  Both of the parents are lawyers.  She went to University of Chicago for her undergrad, so we have some common ground there.  They keep Clara pretty busy.  I will be with her mornings Monday – Thursday and our schedule goes like this…

  • Monday, gymnastics (a mommy & me class, which oddly enough had no mommies in attendance today)
  • Tuesday, ballet (kids only, she told me to bring a book… woohoo for study time while on the clock!)
  • Wednesday, free day for museums or parks
  • Thursday, storytime at the library and check out our week’s supply of books, approximately 10/week

Today we went to gymnastics and I got to participate.  Um… some of you probably would’ve paid to see it.  I didn’t have to do anything too gymnastic-y, but enough to be glad I didn’t know anyone there.  Clara and I will definitely be busy.  She is also supposed to be learning Korean from the Korean nanny, maybe I can pick up a little, too.

Tomorrow starts “Welcome Week” at Fuller.  I’m definitely ready to get started, but maybe a little nervous, too.  There was a welcome party Saturday night and I must say it was less than fabulous.  The party itself was fine, as far as food, atmosphere, music.  It was the people that were… uhh, umm, huh.  Maybe everyone felt just as out of place as I did, resulting in a really strange vibe.  Anyway, I’m hoping this week’s events will be much better than my experience at the party.  I’m actually really excited about this week; I always loved orientation at Lee.  There are plenty of things scheduled, so at least I won’t be sitting around the apartment   Classes start Monday… oooh, that’s scary!

Church update… I went to 3 this past weekend.  Yes, I am quite holy and righteous!  At least I was by Sunday evening.  I gotta say, 3 churches in one day makes for a pretty exhausting day of rest.  They were all good in their own ways and all totally different.  The first one I visited last week, so this was visit 2.  I really enjoyed the people, but it’s not exactly what I’m looking for.  I told my mama that if I couldn’t find just the right church, I might go back here because I really like the people.  They are people I could see myself developing community with.  They have a strong sense of family.  The second church was more along the lines of what I’m used to as far as prayer and worship.  These people know how to get their praise on!  At one point, I looked over and the miniblinds on the windows were literally shaking!  (It was a very small building with a multi-ethnic band.)  Quote of the day, pastor #2, “Get your groove on for God!”  And they did.  They have a special evangelist in for the month of September.  He spoke very briefly, but right to my heart.  It was a timely word.  I’ll probably visit here again, but don’t know if I’ll end up here because of some belief differences… like I wear makeup, pants, and jewelry   I was invited to church #3 by a classmate from my summer class.  They seem to have a strong social justice agenda, but their style of worship and Word-giving was more laid back than I really care for.  You know, I like to stand and raise my hands without being an oddball… ok, maybe I’m an oddball either way!  But, I just enjoy worship that is a little more interactive, not necessarily running the aisles, but the freedom to do so if I choose.  I did really enjoy their method of communion.  I think I could go here and really enjoy it, but I wonder if I would start to fade a little. 

Anyway, life is finally starting to take on some shape out here.  I’ll be so glad to figure out my new normal.

Putting worry in its place.

My Great Aunt Mary is someone who I’ve always admired.

Last week, she celebrated her 89th birthday. Despite her advanced age, she has no health problems and takes no medication . She’s trim, technologically savvy and active in about a million church and social groups around the town of Howell, Michigan where she lives. She travels all over the world and her quick wit and easy laugh are legendary.

During a birthday phone call, my mom asked her what she thought her secret was to living such a long, happy and healthful life. Was it the two Manhattans she drinks every afternoon at 4pm on the dot? Mary thought a moment, then said, “I never worry about anything for more than five minutes.”

In our 21st century craziness, that advice might  seem unrealistic. But then I thought about all the things Mary has been through. The Depression, World War Two (which her husband fought in), giving birth to and raising two children, caring for her husband through a long illness, and then dealing with his passing. None of these are small worries, and yet she didn’t – and still doesn’t – sweat it.

I thought about her today when I had a frantic moment wishing for a new job and wondering when I would find one and tried her strategy. I stressed and fretted for five whole minutes, then moved on to a task in which I felt less powerless. And this evening, I feel a lot more mellow. I haven’t swept my problem under the rug, but I’ve put it in it’s place.

So thank you, Great Aunt Mary, for some really fabulous advice. I hope it brings me as much success and fortitude as it brought you.

Now, on to experimenting with the benefits of those afternoon Manhattans….

–Posted by C.

Fruits of Autumn

I’ve been in an appley mood lately. The boy and I had the day off after a long week of work and other things and decided that after a long walk this morning on the Rail Trail (on a perfectly gorgeous day) and go find an apple orchard up north by New Paltz. I’d been researching a few places online but alas got them mixed up when we went up. So instead of getting the intriguing-sounding Opalescent apples, like I originally wanted, I had to settle for a bag of Honeycrisps, which I know are fabulous. I also picked up packages of yellow peaches and purple-red plums for not too pricey. Cheaper than in the grocery stores, at least!

I made sweet Italian sausage with onions and spaghetti a few days ago and still had quite a bit of sausage left over. So I made the “sweet & sour” cider vinegar mix I made last time and sliced up some cabbage, carrots, a sweet potato, and some fennel bulb to bake in the oven. With the sweet potatoes, it took about an hour at 350-375 (my oven takes forever to heat up). I’d never had fennel before and I’ve decided that I don’t particularly enjoy it. It went well with the sweet Italian sausage because that was basil-fennel flavored, but I don’t think I’d want it with anything else. Unfortunately, I still have 3/4 of a bulb left! *sigh* Here’s the recipe:

Autumn Sweet & Sour Vegetables

1/4 head small green cabbage – thinly sliced
1/4 large bulb fennel – coarsely diced
2 carrots – sliced into rounds
1 large sweet potato – quartered and thickly sliced
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup mild olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch nutmeg
shake ground ginger
good shake ground garlic
large pinch salt
leftover caramelized onions
leftover sweet Italian sausage

Preheat oven to 350-375 F. Combine vinegar, oil, sugar, and spices in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Put vegetables into an 8×8″ or larger glass baking dish. They will fill an 8×8″ to the top. Pour dressing evenly over top, stir with wooden spoon to coat. Place in oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring at least once, or until sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and slide off. When sweet potatoes are done, place cooked onions and sausage on top and return to oven for additional 15 minutes. Stir vegetables and serve hot.

The vegetables will serve 4 as a side dish.

I also used a white peach that was bordering on overripe and one of the new yellow peaches I bought to make dessert.

Poached Peaches

1 white peach – washed, pitted, and sliced
1 yellow peach – washes, pitted and sliced
1/8-1/4 cup clover honey (note: it’s easier to drizzle straight from the bottle, instead of dirtying a measuring cup, just guestimate the amount)
dash cinnamon
2 cups very good vanilla or sweet cream ice cream (we love Stewart’s Philly Vanilla) divided

Place peaches in small saucepan over low heat. Drizzle with honey. Add cinnamon. Cook gently until peaches are very soft and near-translucent and juice has thickened slightly. Serve warm over ice cream. This could also be topped with sweetened heavy cream or whipped cream. Serves 2.

The peaches were amazing. As they were cooking, they smelled delicious, though very reminiscent of canned peaches, which was a little strange. We only had a tiny bit of ice cream left and it was nice to have it mainly as a topping for the peaches, instead of the other way around.

All in all, it was a lovely dinner! And now there are leftovers for the boy on Wednesday, when I’m up to class. Thursday or Friday I think I’m going to try and make a plum clafoutis, or maybe an oatmeal quickbread. And/or these oatmeal cookies I found on Orangette. I’m feeling the lack of baker-ing these past weeks. I’ve decided that once I get a schedule down with work, that Saturdays are going to be cleaning days and Sundays are going to be baking and cooking days. Mondays will be fun days (teehee!) since the boy and I will have them off and will be spent gallivanting around during the daylight hours. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights will be homework time. Tuesday and Wednesday nights will be class time. Thursday and Friday nights will be grocery shopping/movie-watching/cuddling the boy nights. It should work out pretty well if all goes as planned. : D

Speaking of movie watching and boy cuddling, it’s time to go get my fix!

Monday, September 21, 2009

8 Days a Week

TIME!!!
I need time.

I have so much to do, and there is even more I want to do. Currently, I am the member of a music association, the school band and orchestra, the class president, member of an exchange organisation, volunteer in that organisation, member of the student newspaper, participant in political games, valedoctorian and member of a local Jazz Band. Then I have school, friends, fun and hobbies. So far, I am able to do all of this with still having time to write a blog Surprising for me, when I look at this list.

And now I got the possibility of becoming the student president, which is like the highest and best administrative position. And I really want to do it. And there is so much more stuff I would like to do. But I have just one simple and stupid problem:

Time

Currently I have small problems with doing all the things I am doing now, and I am able to do it with a passion and with full motivation. But at the moment, the school year is just beginning, there is only little homework and nothing to learn for, such as tests or quizzes. So I fear, that sooner or later time will get short, too short to be able to do all the other fun things I want, such as hang out with friends and contact the US.
But now, I have this big chance of becoming the schools student president, of having the power to change something of all the stupid stuff and rules I always hated at my school. This is a dream come true!
But I just can’t do it.
Or can I…?

I don’t know what to do. On the one hand there is my life with having a lot of free time, with friends and being able to learn for school. On the other hand there is my life with being the schools student president, having something to do and a chance to change something, to make a difference and, not unimportantly, having a big plus in my CV. But then I would have to cut some other activities I do, and I don’t think that I want that.

I don’t know what to do…
But I hope I will decide… sometime soon, the elections are this week.
Oh my, I wish the week just had 8 days, and I would just have one day where I can do all the stuff that is important to me, all the benevolent, volunteer stuff where I can make a change and where, by the way, I have a lot of fun, where I can help and give.

But why is Time so short?

"Other than writing, I am completely unemployable."

I really need to start writing again, consistently.

Doing yoga, drinking tea, reading, playing piano, playing guitar, singing, biking. I have this… picture, in my head, of how lovely life could be if I’d just get my act together. But there’s always something getting in the way: interruptions, laziness, habit. I spend so much energy stressing over getting an office job and picking a grad program that all I really manage to do is stare at the television and eat. Yuck.

What I really want to do is write; so why don’t I? I am not lazy, that’s a label, an excuse. Rather, I have gotten into the habit of behaving lazily. And letting what I think other people think distract me. Boo.

But tomorrow, tomorrow I will try again.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Advice

I just wanted to jump on here and put down some quick words of advice.

1.  It is important to network.  I can not stress that enough.  The more connections you have, either in the business you want or the industry, the better chances you will have in being successful at getting a job.

2.  Following this, it is important to make use of the social networking sites that have become so popular.  For me, I have been quite pleased with how useful Linkedin.com has been.  I applied to two through this site, and I had two replies asking to learn more about me.  So readers, social networking sites are key to being well connected.

3.  Be persistent.  I have had employers tell me after my sixth or seventh phone call that they were not hiring at the time, but they were very impressed at how persistent I was.  They said for me to keep checking to see if a position opens up, and that is what I have been doing.  Being persistent makes you stand out amongst your peers.

4.  Regarding your resume, keep it tailored to the job and industry for which you are apply.  This will show the employer the skills you have regarding the specific position and save the trouble of deciphering your experience.  Also, keep a general resume on hand for job fairs or networking events.  Your resume should be 1 page.  Employers are looking at resumes all the time, and they do not want to spend a lot of time flipping through pages.

I hope the advice helps!  It has been useful for me so far.  As I learn new tricks to stand out, I will let you all know.  If anyone reading this has suggestions, please comment them!

- The Jobless Graduate

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Truce To Navigation

Yarr ahoy there me hearties, on International Talk Like A Pirate Day! (ITLAPD)

I find that it be far easier to talk piratey if not actually vocalizin’, although me computer don’t seem to recognize many of me piratey words. Like “piratey”, for instance. Anyways, in celebration of this day, I be watchin’ Essgee’s Production of The Slave Of Duty, better known as Pirates of Penzance. It be a mighty fine and jim-dandy production. There be something about a purple-panted Jon English that is amazin’ly entertainin’. Currently the Major General be singin’ about ridin’ horses.

Today also be the birthday of that bonny lass Stephanie J Block. She now be officially 37, given that the USA finds themselves joinin’ us for our day of pillagin’ and plunderin’ (at 8:31 at night – they took their time!). Because of this fact I have bought meself a copy of Because I am A Wife, from her album, because that be from the musical The Pirate Queen and it seemed to be fittin’ in nicely with today’s theme. The gist and thrust of the matter be that this blogger be wishin’ her a jim-dandy day full o’ chocolate coins and laughter.

Me next bit of news is that I no longer be a member of the ranks of the unemployed. Aye! That be right: I have obtained meself a job. I be a children’s party host, so it may be, as I ascend thru the ranks, that ITLAPD comes around more than once a year! Bring on the pirate parties!

Now the Pirates and the Major General be discussin’ the difference ‘twixt orphan and often. “Exactly, you said often frequently only once.”

So now I must be gettin’ back to the land of the purple panted loon.

Fare thee well, me hearties!

the Captain of Crete, the Master of the Pleb, the Lady of the North;

Her Royal Raddness, Dame Marley Butler

Friday, September 18, 2009

Voller Gerichtssaal - Handy konfisziert

Volle Gerichtssäle wie im Fernsehfilm oder den Gerichtsshows sind irre selten. Und wenn es voll ist, dann bedeutet das für Richter und Wachtmeister erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit. Denn die Zuschauer sind dann meistens da, weil Bekannte, Freunde oder Verwandte vor Gericht stehen oder Opfer waren.

Am Mittwoch war es entsprechend voll, der Fall hat Wellen geschlagen, weil die Familie es nicht einfach hinnehmen wollte, dass der Sohn und Bruder tot ist. Erstmal flogen die Jurastudenten aus dem Saal, die an dem Tag im Landgericht waren, um mal die Praxis zu beobachten; dafür durften die interessierte Öffentlichkeit dann rein. Praktischerweise war die erste Reihe für die Presse reserviert, denn neben den üblichen Schreibern der Lokalzeitungen, waren noch Radio und Fernsehen, teilweise vom gleichen Sender aber verschiedenen Redaktionen, da.

Der Vorsitzende erinnerte auch sofort ans absolute Handyverbot was recht schnell ein Opfer fand: Einen Agentur-Kollegen. Der schrieb auf seinem Smartphone gleich mit – was den Wachtmeister und Richter aber nicht interessierte. Das schlaue Kästchen wurde bis zur Mittagspause eingezogen und ich guckte, dass bei mir auch der Vibrationsalarm aus war.

Da alle Plätze besetzt waren, und vor dem Saal weitere Zuschauer und Journalisten warteten galt die “weggegangen, Platz vergangen”-Regel. Der Kollege vom Radio, der zwischendurch was anderes erledigen wollte/musste musste daher zweimal draußen warten, bis ein anderer ging.

The Road Ahead: Unemployment, Poverty and the Recession

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Another day in...

I just took a pirate quiz, to find out my pirate name. Apparently it is Talk Like A Pirate Day on Saturday. I did not know this. This was the results of my quiz…

My pirate name is: Mad Bess Kidd

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even though you’re not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.

part of the fidius.org network

Other then doing random things online, I haven’t really been that productive lately. Lately I have become a taxi service for my dad. Pretty much I have to pick him up from physio. Although tomorrow, I get to drop him at physio. It’ll switch things up a bit.

I am still trying to find a job. It’s not going very well. I’m going to apply at Kins Farm Market today. They are hiring for Stock Clerks and an Assistant Manager. I’m going to try for the AM position. Considering the Stock Clerk position is only $8.50/hr. If the AM job doesn’t work out, it looks like I”m going to have to go back to Petro. Or I could always become a delivery driver. Pretty much I just need money.

I’m sad. I wasn’t selected to be one of the wedding bells bloggers. So I’m going to make my own blog for my wedding. Once I get it set up, I will post a link to it. That way if anyone actually reads this blog (which I highly doubt) you can then be kept up to date on wedding plans. Then this one, will just be my generic/job search one. Meh, whats one more blog to read? I know it’s not that much really, considering I RSS 14 blogs plus there is one online that I dont RSS because it doesn’t give me the feeds to the blog. It’s rather annoying.

Anyways, on my agenda today: go to doctors, work on my MIL to be’s birthday present, and maybe clean the bathroom. Oh and apply for more jobs Until next time…

How to (Diplomatically) Skirt Inappropriate Interview Questions

He was in his early 50s, and he looked every bit of it.

The questions on the job application went right to his age.

After stewing over the form and discarding his first draft, he filled out a second copy. Then, he sat and waited for his interview. As he waited, an attractive, young woman entered the room for a job interview.

She was called in before him. She wound up getting the job.

He didn’t. He did, however, receive $50,000 after filing age-discrimination claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The reason interviewers ask inappropriate questions varies. Sometimes they discriminate, as they did in the scenario above. Sometimes they need the information for internal statistics.

Most job seekers don’t want to sue over these practices. They just want to know how to deal with them diplomatically. Job seekers want to avoid appearing combative and thus jeopardizing their chances of being hired and want to avoid handing over information that can be used against them in discriminatory situations. Knowing what questions to shy away from is the starting point, and knowing how to skirt them is the next step.

To more on which questions to avoid answering and how to do so diplomatically, click here to read the full story.

Life in General

When you get to a certain age, you start to realize where you came from and the things you’ve been through in your early years. You remember growing up, you remember high school, your friends, your family, your first job, your first kiss and everything that went with those days.

I had the priviledge and honor of growing up with some amazing people. But it wasn’t until my later years that I realized just how much I missed out on. The questions I could have asked, the lessons I could have learned and the stories I could have heard. There is so much history that I missed out on, so much I could have learned about how things were before I ever came into existence.

It’s why I don’t take things or people for granted these days. Though I do have a job and there are things that I enjoy doing, I don’t miss an opportunity to learn from those around me and enjoy being with the people I love. I don’t want to look back in another 20-plus years and wonder what could have been.

There’s a quote that will be so important to me when, God willing, I have a family of my own. “When your days on earth are done, do you want your headstone to say ‘I wish I would have spent more time at work.”

These days, we always look to tomorrow. We procrastinate because we think we have another day coming around. But what if you didn’t have that day gauranteed to you? What if this were your last day on earth? What would the people around you say about you when they’re asked?

I don’t know about you, but I’d want people to look back and smile about my life. I want them to say….he lived and he made a difference.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Recruitment in United Bank Of India For 890 Specialist Officers 2009

Recruitment in United Bank Of India For 890 Specialist Officers 2009



United Bank of India, a leading (Nationalized) Public Sector Bank of India is going to recruit more than 2000 probationary officers, Specialist officers and Clerks. United Bank of India, is government-owned and one of India’s major commercial banks. Presently the bank has a three-tier organizational setup consisting of its Head office in Kolkata, 28 Regional offices and 1443 branches spread all over India. However, its major presence is in eastern India.

Read More From Orginal Site

Monday, September 14, 2009

Apparently stunting IS a habit

So judging by this posts title, I’ve clearly been downloading music/listening to the radio and now updating this blog like I should be. I completely and wholeheartedly blame it on my new job. See my previous posts for proof. I’ll readily admit that previously, I posted on the job, so it was easier to keep track of my stocks during market hours and really have a good, hard think about my finances. This new job isn’t so think-about-your-money-and write-about-it-in-an-awesome-wordpress-blogfriendly.

With the good (promotion), comes the bad (little time for the blog). But I guess I just need to rearrange how I do things. I do have enough time in the morning to blog, but I love the superfluous amount of time I give myself to get ready in the morning. If there is anything I hate more than whip cream on my frozen chocolate drinks, its rushing to get ready for something. So I give myself about 1.5 hours in the morning. That’s really enough time to snooze, sleep, wake up, shower, think about life, and take care of the dog all at a gingerly pace.

Well, today at work I was extremely busy. So I only checked the market maybe one minute before the open, where futures were taking a turn for the worse on some news from China. But when I checked again at 4:30, stocks slightly rose. I made a tiny bit of money today with all my positions except EGO (clearly) and DBB. Which means that my pullback has one day less of happening.

I never claimed to have any proof that this pullback was coming; it was all based on me just wanting this pullback to happen as I now have enough money in the account to make some really good moves in the market. But we’re about to enter 9/15, exactly a year to the date when I thought my life was over because the biggest event in American financial history was unfolding right before my eyes. Literally. It’s also halfway through the month, which means in 2 weeks I will have to commit to whatever prices are in the market for SKS, ZLC, and/or SIRI.

Well, actually there may be a 4th contender. Introducing, Charter Communications (CHRTQ). That’s right, that Q isn’t an illusion, the company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. I’m planning on buying $10 of shares, at $0.03 (a total of 333 shares). I’m interested in this company, not because of the very attractive share price, but because of a recent ruling that declared that cable companies no longer have a 30% market share max to follow. This is decidedly only a victory for Comcast, which currently has about 25% of the market. They named several names of companies that they’d acquire, and CHRTQ was the least expensive one of them all. I still need to do some more research on trading bankrupt companies, but I think this would be riskiest trading decision I’ve made to date.

Do any of my readers have experience trading bankrupt companies? Tips?

Vacancy as Laboratory Chemist, PT. CCIC

URGENTLY REQUIRED …..

Laboratory Chemist

(Jakarta Raya)

Requirements:

  • Familiar with ICP and AAS Instruments.
  • Preferably with some knowledge in minerals testing.

For further info, klik:

http://id.jobstreet.com/jobs/2009/8/default/40/87362.htm?fr=L

URGENTLY REQUIRED …..

Laboratory Chemist

(Jakarta Raya)

Requirements:

  • Familiar with ICP and AAS Instruments.
  • Preferably with some knowledge in minerals testing.

Risks: Building Blocks of Success

A person’s confidence is best measured by his or her willingness to take risks. Fear is best reflected by the degree to which a person seeks to avoid risk. The old saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” will always be true. Risk, the possibility of loss, is a necessary to success as air is to life.

Imagine what would happen if everyone decided to try to live 100 percent risk-free:

  • No farmer would plant a crop because there might be too much rain or too little. Or the market price for the grain might collapse.
  • No one would start a business because comptition might cause it to fail.
  • No television programs would be produced because there might be too few viewers to attract advertisers.
  • Investors would not put money into new construction, into oil well exploration, and into new ventures.
  • Artists and authors would stop work because people might reject their activity,

To be completely secure, people would take their money out of banks (the banks may fail), hoard food (there may be an atomic war), refuse to drive cars (I may have an accident), and patients in hospitals would refuse blood transfusions (the blood may be contaminated). A goal of 100 percent security would almost overnight destroy our economy.

To avoid risk completely, no one would apply for a job (you may not get it), submit a poem to a literary journal (it may be rejected), speak up in a meeting (you may be laughed at), or ask for an order (the prospect may say No).

Here is an important point: Success-oriented people take risks and sometimes the risks turn out to be losses. Thirty-seven percent of today’s millionaires went broke after accumulating wealth. But they came back to win. No investor is always “right,” and people who build shopping centers, rersidential neighborhoods, and office buildings sometimes lose money. In the oil drilling business, a majority of wells turn out to be dry holes.

How we react to defeat is the key. You have heard people who have failed in a job or in a business of their own say, “I’ve had it. Never again!”

At times, we all feel like giving up. And if we’re not careful, we will give up. Pressure from peers to surrender can be powerful. They tell you, “Look, you tried. The plan didn’t work. Why beat your head against a wall? Don’t feel bad. Most people who try something new fail.”

These people – your peers and “friends” – are often glad to see you surrender. It’s disappointing but it’s true. They don’t have the courage to do something on their own. If they see you fail, they feel better about themselves; you are one of them – another mediocrity.

My Consultancy–Asif J. Mir - Management Consultant–transforms organizations where people have the freedom to be creative, a place that brings out the best in everybody–an open, fair place where people have a sense that what they do matters. For details please visit www.asifjmir.com, Lectures, Line of Sight

The Reason Behind Private Servers

To PK or not to PK? That is the question. Since the dawn of time man has strived to beat the shit out of other less-superior men, because this shows our command over certain people and/or certain places and it is from this that competitions came about. When we didn’t need to kill for survival any more we developed killing for entertainment; stoning, gladiators and who can forget the guillotine.

Even further on we come to the advancement of technology and to computers, and later the basis of MMORPGs, so this long winded introduction is basically the footing for why we have player-killing in Runescape.

But I have been faced with a dilemma, I have always enjoyed PKing the most out of anything on Runescape, maybe this is the prehistoric caveman in my brain endlessly crawling for superiority over other men, but needless to say I spent a lot of money and time creating PKers. The problem was that I never had the stamina for long-term goals, in my entire Runescape life I have never had a level 99. And I have been on since late 2004 I think.

So I would always end up with a crappy Rune 2h’er that if lucky could hit an 11 and 18 and K0 the guy for hid R Scim and Iron armour. But I also had the problem of money, I could never fund my deaths and/or supplies. Mainly because I was PKing at such a low-level.

The answer to my problems; private servers. Now I in no way wish to discredit Jagex in anyway, and I think skilling on Private servers is next to pointless (Most skills are achievable within a few hours) but private servers are like the rosebud of Sims. God-Mode. The shit. Because you log on, you spend 5 or 6 hours leveling your character, you end up with a fair amount of cash and BAM you are straight in there, fighting away and you can do this for as long as you like.

It’s not a life-long thing, nor is it much of an achievement but it’s the fun part without the grind, and I personally didn’t get that much sense of achievement on levelling skills. So now I want to talk to you about my (New) favourite Private Server, 2Speced, as you may read earlier I wasn’t too happy with 2speced but that was mainly my impatience.

So after finally getting on to 2speced client I discovered it to be one of the best servers out there, the XP rate seems pretty low to me but that’s just my opinion (And who the fuck wants to listen to that?). Anyway using the ::pure command I instantly got 99 Attack, Strength, Range and Mage. Stopping briefly to get 52 prayer before setting off to their wildy.

Which to my absolute delight was PACKED, absolutely every level and pure imaginable was there, and this is just an ordinary sunday evening. I was in heaven, I kitted myself out and got going. Few kills later and I died losing my stuff, no problem due to the 10 million you get at start up allowing for around 4 deaths before needing more cash. (Abby whips 2m per.)

Rosebud baby, Rosebud away.

Field Marketing - Director (Dallas TX)

Marketing – Field Marketing – Director

Job Details

City: Dallas

State: Texas

Country: USA

Company Name: Grant Thornton

Job Category: Marketing/Advertising/PRJob DescriptionREGIONAL MARKETING DIRECTOR – DALLAS

POSITION SUMMARY

The Central Regional Marketing Director [Dallas] leads the development and implementation of marketing plans and programs that create opportunities for Partners, Managers, and Business Development Executives (sales professionals) to acquire new clients and expand business with existing clients. The Regional Marketing Director reports to the Regional Managing Partner and National Executive Director of Field Marketing in a matrix situation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Create and implement marketing plans and programs and manage regional and office marketing staff:

-To promote awareness of Grant Thornton practices internally and externally.

-To generate sales leads for new products and existing services from clients and non-clients.

-To help Grant Thornton practice and sales professionals close new business.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Marketing Team Management:

-Build and manage a regional marketing team that provides the energy and focus to drive and support new client acquisition and revenue per client growth.

-Build a marketing team whose members deliver programs and services that are focused, on-time, within budget, and produce the intended results.

-Hire, train, retain, lead, and coordinate the activities of regional/office marketing staff. Targeting Process and Marketing Database:

-Work with regional and office leadership to establish targeting parameters.

-Manage collection of information from internal and outside data sources to produce segmented targeting lists.

-Work with national marketing professionals, regional/office practice leaders and professionals, and administrative staff to maintain firm-wide marketing and sales database (SalesLogix).

-Oversee database and data collection processes to ensure the database records and pipeline reports are as complete and accurate as possible and provide useful information. Awareness Generation and Direct Marketing

Generate local awareness and produce leads from clients, prospects, and referral sources:

-Develop, schedule, and implement lead generation and networking programs including direct mail/telemarketing appointment-setting projects; tactical new product launch programs, events, seminars, and other networking opportunities for partners and managers; and attorney and banker relationship programs.

-Leverage existing or develop new marketing communications including direct mail and email communications, industry and special services advertisements, presentations, and other sales and marketing materials.

-Generate press coverage and uncover speaking opportunities and develop other publicity opportunities and events that locally/regionally showcase the capabilities of Grant Thornton and its partners.

-Manage marketing projects’ progress to on-time completion. Manage incoming lead flow from marketing efforts. Utilizing the marketing database, analyze the effectiveness of all regional marketing projects.

-Link and leverage regional and local office programs with those developed by national marketing. Sales Plans and Presentation Assistance

Team with business development and practice partners and staff to:

-Provide guidance and support in effective sales communications including presentation design, presentation delivery, presentation handouts, major proposals, and proposal templates.

-Provide advice and coaching on specific new business opportunities.

-Help develop and implement team and individual partner and manager marketing/sales plans.

Special Projects and Other Duties:

-Work with local MPs and Regional MP to establish regional marketing/sales budgets

-Understand Grant Thornton marketing and sales strategy.

-Keep current with internal resources and external information that can help the region increase revenue per client and new client acquisition.

-Provide guidance to partners and staff in the utilization of existing office, regional, and national marketing resources and information.

-Provide marketing analyses including local competitive intelligence and market share analyses.

-Assist other members of the Grant Thornton marketing and sales team in the performance of their duties, which will be reciprocated.

-From time to time the need or opportunity for special marketing-related projects will arise. Frequently these projects – large and small.

-Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict confidentiality in matters that require discretion.

-Attend professional development and training sessions on a regular basis.

-Perform other job-related duties as necessary.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Interact with regional/office marketing staff under your direction:

-To set their goals.

-To guide, coordinate, and motivate them in the performance of their responsibilities.

-To assemble project teams and define project expectations.

-To maximize their skills and drive their professional development. Interact with regional/office

Business Development Executives:

-To introduce lead-generation programs.

-To ensure they are equipped with the proper collateral and selling tools.

-To collect sales intelligence from the field. To promote teamwork across the region.

Interact with regional/office partners and managers:

-To assess their marketing needs.

-To plan marketing budgets.

-To understand their clients’ business needs.

-To solicit their input to develop and implement marketing projects.

-To advise and support them in increasing new client acquisition and client revenue.

Interact with national, industry, service, and geographic marketing and sales team members:

-To share and receive advice and feedback on marketing ideas and best practices.

-To share and access resources and information.

-To receive direction and guidance from national marketing and sales leadership in the performance of responsibilities.

-Interact with clients, prospects, and referral sources to understand and appreciate their business needs and interests with respect to Grant Thornton services.

-Interact with outside vendors (such as telemarketing) to maximize the value derived from outsourced services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

-Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related area. Advanced degree desirable.

-Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience marketing professional services.

-Minimum 2 years experience managing and developing people.

-Pluses include sales or business development experience, working knowledge of the service offerings of the firm, and understands the business needs of middle market companies, and experience working in a partnership or matrix management environment.

-Experience advising or coaching partners and managers.

-Experience working independently. Self-starter.

-Demonstrated resourcefulness in leveraging resources.

-Communicate well at all levels.

-Clear and persuasive business writing skills.

-Understanding of the principles of direct marketing, corporate brand management, and business development.

-Strong attention to detail and effective project management skills.

-Experience with team building.

-Highly ethical with the ability to earn the high respect of partners and managers.

-Takes pride in excellence of performance. Works to exceed internal clients’ expectations of the marketing function.

-Ability to work additional hours as needed

-Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or related area. Advanced degree desirable.

-Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience marketing professional services.

-Minimum 2 years experience managing and developing people.

-Pluses include sales or business development experience, working knowledge of the service offerings of the firm, and understands the business needs of middle market companies, and experience working in a partnership or matrix management environment.

-Experience advising or coaching partners and managers.

-Experience working independently. Self-starter.

-Demonstrated resourcefulness in leveraging resources.

-Communicate well at all levels.

-Clear and persuasive business writing skills.

-Understanding of the principles of direct marketing, corporate brand management, and business development.

-Strong attention to detail and effective project management skills.

-Experience with team building.

-Highly ethical with the ability to earn the high respect of partners and managers.

-Takes pride in excellence of performance. Works to exceed internal clients’ expectations of the marketing function.

-Ability to work additional hours as needed

Additional Information:

Travel Percentage: 50%

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Does it really matter?

Here’s my rough understanding of how the Indian education system works:

  • Kids are pushed into school when they’re three two-and-a-half two one-and-a-half.
  • They’re grown up to believe “studying” is the only way they could come up in life. All those sports people who became billionaires through endorsements playing good sports are cheats, and aren’t good enough to be considered role-models.
  • Class 10 is when their intellect is tested the first time. From parents to teachers, kids hear: “this is the most important exam in your life: it makes or breaks your future. Don’t screw it up.”
  • Now every parent’s kid needs to get into a science stream, to become a doctor or an engineer. Those who go into commerce rot in hell.
  • So whether they fare well or not, whether it could be afforded or not, whether the kid wants to go or not, they put them into some engineering colleges (and for the more flamboyant, medical schools).
  • Students pursuing engineering degrees usually get tired of the methods by the end of their first year at college, and branch out into two three kinds:
    • ones that understand the system, and just run smooth. These have bigger plans in mind, and they aren’t really bothered about the system: they just run along till they get out.
    • ones that just care about big grades, and to make maximum worth for the tuition they’ve paid. These arguably pursue it for the sake of holding a degree in hand, and for a job at the end of it.
    • ones who really don’t care a rat’s arse, who eventually rot in those institutions till they clear their exams later or get kicked out.
  • So if you’re a parent, you’d probably argue saying, “at least my son/daughter has passed out with a job in hand. On campus placements make the degree totally worth it. Even if it is an IT job (which in nine out of ten cases has nothing to do with the course endured).”

Or so you think. Step out of the college utopia (?!) and you’d be slapped by the harsh reality of the corporate world. Since folks are hired in bulk (much like contract labourers who go to the middle-east), they’re made to wait.

This is to inform you that your senior batch has just been called. Do keep your fingers crossed, we will call you in due time. In the meanwhile, spruce up your computer skills and be prepped for an eternity of damnation.

After the painstaking wait is done, the call finally comes. And to help the newbies, the previous batch of people who made it to the same company give them tips on how to face the first year:

Dear Friends,

Pls carry these documents when you are going to join the company. These are very important, please dont leave behind anything.

  1. First to Last Semester marksheet (attested xerox + original)
  2. Consolidated marksheet (attested xerox + original)
  3. Transfer certificate (attested xerox + original)
  4. Provisional degree (attested xerox + original)
  5. 10th(X-th) marksheet (attested xerox + original)
  6. 12th(XII-th) marksheet (attested xerox + original)
  7. Birth Certificate should be in ENGLISH ( attested xerox + original) if in case u don’t have your birth certificate u have to get an affidavit from a lawyer towards ur birth place and
  8. date of birth (affidavit should be in a 20 rupees Indian non-judicial stamp paper bought in ur name). NOTE: any other proof is useless as they are very specific about this Birth certificate or affidavit.
  9. Passport, Pan card  (attested xerox + original),
  10. An affidavit from a lawyer that there are no criminal cases pending against in u (affidavit should be in a 20 rupees Indian non-judicial stamp paper bought in ur name).
  11. Ur service agreement in a 100 rupees Indian non judicial stamp paper. NOTE: The person who gives this surety must be an income tax payer.
  12. Form 16 of the surety giver’s attested xerox must be brought and attested passport xerox of the surety giver or PAN card attested xerox of the surety giver must also be brought. these are the supporting documents for ur service agreement and are mandatory.
  13. Call letter and Offer letter.
  14. Formal dress is a must inside the training campus. better have atleast six set of formal dresses.(for gents full slag formal shirt ,formal pant, leather shoes ,belt, tie is must).
  15. Passport Size Photograph.

The person who didnt get the call, u pls check the mail atleast once in a day. Mail may come in Spam Folder also, so check the Spam Folder too.

First to Last Semester marksheet (attested xerox + original) Consolidated marksheet (attested xerox + original) Transfer certificate (attested xerox + original) Provisional degree (attested xerox + original) 10th(X-th) marksheet (attested xerox + original) 12th(XII-th) marksheet (attested xerox + original) Birth Certificate should be in ENGLISH ( attested xerox + original) if in case u don’t have your birth certificate u have to get an affidavit from a lawyer towards ur birth place and date of birth (affidavit should be in a 20 rupees Indian non-judicial stamp paper bought in ur name). NOTE: any other proof is useless as they are very specific about this Birth certificate or affidavit. Passport, Pan card  (attested xerox + original), An affidavit from a lawyer that there are no criminal cases pending against in u (affidavit should be in a 20 rupees Indian non-judicial stamp paper bought in ur name). Ur service agreement in a 100 rupees Indian non judicial stamp paper. NOTE: The person who gives this surety must be an income tax payer. Form 16 of the surety giver’s attested xerox must be brought and attested passport xerox of the surety giver or PAN card attested xerox of the surety giver must also be brought. these are the supporting documents for ur service agreement and are mandatory. Call letter and Offer letter. Formal dress is a must inside the training campus. better have atleast six set of formal dresses.(for gents full slag formal shirt ,formal pant, leather shoes ,belt, tie is must). Passport Size Photograph. The person who didnt get the call, u pls check the mail atleast once in a day. Mail may come in Spam Folder also, so check the Spam Folder too. Note: This guideline is sent based on Last years call letter format. This mail is meant only for prior preparation for ur joining.

Note: This guideline is sent based on Last years call letter format. This mail is meant only for prior preparation for ur joining.

And this informative mail is followed by a lousy all the best (but the guy who sent this should be thanked: at least he gave an insight to those dorks who’re oblivious of what’s coming their way). Read once through and you’d know how preposterous the corporate world is. The apparel: wearing a full-slack formal shirt with a tie in Indian weather is the single most excruciating thing one can be subjected to. They want attested copies along with the originals? Just doesn’t make sense: if you’re going to show them your original certificates, why do they need to be attested? The intellect of these dumbass corporate bosses are just too incomprehensible. It isn’t just bureaucracy, it’s plain dumb. So at the end of it all, I’m convinced into saying, “is this really worth all the pain?!”

God save those who fall into this trap!

And another of my pet peeves: xerox is the name of a company, the copier makes photocopies. Get your English right!

P.S.: Yes, my descriptions of the corporate world have been made based on my knowledge about one IT company (biased perhaps?!). No, I’m not falling into the same trap by signing up for that offer. And yes, I’m glad to pursue academic research.

Walk-In at DOEACC

DOEACC Society Centre, Chandigarh

(An Autonomous Body of Deptt. of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Govt. of India) SCO 114-116, Sector 17-B, Chandigarh – 160017 Eligible candidates may attend the interview at above premises on 16th September, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. for the post of Asstt. Programmers at Jind, Rohtak & Yamunanagar, Lab Instructors at Chandigarh, Data Entry Operators at Jind, IT Facilitators at Yamunanagar on contract basis.

  1. Asstt. Programmers: 03 posts, Pay : Rs.6000
  2. Lab Instructors :  03 Posts, Pay : Rs.5000
  3. Data Entry Operator : 01 post , Pay : Rs.4500
  4. IT Facilitators : 01 post, Pay : Rs.3000

How to Apply : Attend Walk-In-Interview in prescribed Performa alongwith Demand Draft of Rs. 350/- for each post.

 

Please view http://rcc.nic.in/tender/sept09/adv100909.htm for details and application format.

The Quest

Actually there are three quests; the quest for a therapist, the quest for a job and the never-ending quest for stability.

So first up: the quest for a therapist.  And also a doctor and a new psychiatrist.  There are surprisingly few CBTs around here, which really limits my options.  But ever mind, we’ll work with what we’ve got.  I’ve shortlisted three and will be phoning them over the coming week.  Again.  They’re proving tricky to get hold of.  I will also need to see a psychiatrist in Brighton rather than Reading.  Again, this is proving complicated.  First I need to register with a doctor, preferably before I run out of meds, and then I should be able to get a referral.  So I suppose I’m not really in the system at the moment.  It’s an odd feeling.

Second: the quest for a job.  This is obviously proving difficult.  I had an interview the other day, but frankly I’m not prepared to work 11am-8.30pm for 12k a year in a job that would stress me into a breakdown and rapid cycling of epic proportions.  I’ve been scouring the internet and local newspapers for jobs and applied to literally everything I could feasibly do.  I may have to swallow my pride, suppress my ego and go work in a shop for a while.  I’m thinking of applying to be and HCA.  Think I can manage it?

Finally: the never-ending quest for stability.  It never ends does it?  I thought these meds were working but this week they really haven’t been.  I was depressed for much of the early week then I chirped up Friday and went mental instead.  I think I might be fighting off the low now, or it might just be that I’m sleepy because I’m very, very anemic at the moment.

[Via http://karenintheory.wordpress.com]

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Back on Familiar Ground

Choose Lagos: My Last Night in Portugal

Around three months have gone by since I last updated in here, which just goes to show that the best laid plans don’t always turn out the way you expect. I’m sure if I re-read any of those previous entries I would find some kind of written commitment to update ‘on a regular basis’, probably even a promise to keep track of what I did over those three months. Alas – I failed, although I did more or less do what I expected to do over the summer – go to Lagos, party, hit the beach a lot, get a tan and have a good time. See that picture up there? That was my last night in Lagos. I’m in the yellow top. I’m sure I was pretty drunk already when that picture was taken.

Anyway, I DID write while I was there – a bit – I just didn’t blog. Or tweet much. 

The rest of the plan which I so confidently wrote about back in May has not worked out quite as I expected. I’m not saying that as a bad thing at all, it’s just that I have to now eat a bit of humble pie and tell you that instead of going straight back to Spain and embarking on another intrepid year of teaching and learning Spanish, I came home to England instead.

It’s a long story. Or, it’s kind of a long story. There were many reasons for coming home:

  • Homesickness,
  • Financial bits and bobs,
  • Other obligations. 

‘Other obligations’ covers a lot, believe me. Since I got back I’ve filled in tax forms, had a dental checkup (with much trepidation beforehand as it was long overdue and I was fully expecting a mouthful of cavities – happily, my teeth are fine), sorted my finances (somewhat and only temporarily), gone to Notting Hill Carnival where I ate Jamaican curry and danced like a loon, made it to my friend’s leaving party (my friend has moved to Scotland to start a new job), watched season one of Gossip Girl and Dollhouse, lounged about at my parents’ in Somerset for a while, and – oh yes – launched myself into job hunting with a vengeance.

The job market in England being what it is at the moment, I am gritting my teeth and not allowing myself to be disappointed when I get a ‘no’ back, or when I don’t get anything back. When I was working as a receptionist before I went to Spain I was trying to keep my options open by looking for another job at the same time. I applied for jobs, but I didn’t really try. I wasn’t submitting enough applications and I got way too down on myself when I didn’t get any results.

I think I was wallowing, just slightly. I admit it. I let myself off the hook, gave up because I wasn’t getting anywhere. I’m dealing with it differently this time – methodically submitting applications as frequently as I can manage, looking for jobs from many varied sources (most of them online), not being so darned fussy, constantly revising my CV and template covering letters, tweaking them every time I apply. I invest a lot of effort in my applications, especially in the covering letters. It’s partly because in a sick, twisted way I actually enjoy the process of crafting a cover letter, even if it is just one out of a hundred I’ll probably write before I get anywhere. It’s also because I know I could do better each time.

I’m a relentless self-editor and spend a lot of time re-reading pretty much everything I write and retouching it. From this blog entry to each and every one of my cover letters, nothing I start writing is the same once I’m finished with it. The only exception is when I’m writing in my diary, which I do by hand. I find it interesting to read over old entries because they are so raw and unpolished, usually a stream of whatever is in my head at the time that needs to be let out. Sometimes before I start writing I think of a phrase I want to use or how I want to start, and usually within the first minute I’ve gone off in another direction entirely. That’s what I love about the creative process, the way it takes hold of you, the way you can lose yourself in it entirely. I love the fact that for whatever I write that gets polished – if not to perfection, then at least to a passable imitation – there is always going to be a page of raw handwriting somewhere which reflects what’s going on inside. That’s why I think of myself as a writer, and probably always will, whether I get published or not.

So relating that back to writing cover letters, maybe one day I will write the perfect one. Either way, I hope that this time around my patience and upgraded tenacity pays off in the hunt for a job. The market was reported to be picking up a bit according to BBC News the other night, but I’m guessing that it’ll still be a while before it gains any real momentum. At least things are looking up, anyway. For now myself and the millions of other unemployed people in the country will have to stick at it and bring back the old British stiff-upper-lip while we weather it out.

Not that being unemployed has to be completely unpleasant. Right now, for example, I am sitting in an armchair in my parents’ house in Somerset – Blackmoor in the Blackdown Hills, to be exact – listening to The Shins and the sound of the little waterfall in the garden pond. I’m cat and house-sitting for the weekend, but I’m not complaining. This weekend is exactly what I needed, another mini-holiday (although don’t worry, I’m not slacking off, I’m definitely job hunting while I’m here!). I’m in the countryside. The weather is glorious. The view from the kitchen window is breathtaking. The sunrises are spectacular. The days are relaxing and I’m thinking a lot, writing a lot … it’s amazing how content I feel here.

There is room here to reflect, and I have found, through reflection, that actually I’m not worried about being unemployed and back in England. I came back for a reason and I do love my country, but apart from that, it’s okay that my grand plan for the year hasn’t exactly, well, gone to plan. So I didn’t make it back to Spain, I didn’t end up teaching for another year. I’ll deal with it! I got a lot of very valuable experience from being in Spain and Portugal, and let me tell you, I’m milking it on my CV. It wasn’t just work experience that I gained, either – I had an immense amount of fun, took hundreds of pictures, made some really good friends and learned a great deal about myself along the way. I would love to do more travelling and possibly more EFL teaching abroad, so I’ll just see what happens and when. For now though I’m happy to be back home for a while with my family, my friends and my cats.

Speaking of my cats, I think it’s time I went and fed them (as I write this it’s 17.05, their usual feeding time, although of course I will probably upload this onto my blog a few hours later), but I just wanted to say hey. I’m still here, I’m still going to update  – Drifting Astray is not dead, nor is its author. I’ll keep you posted.

– Rosie

[Via http://driftingastray.wordpress.com]