I start the day with a load of email alerts, from which I find 3 jobs that I could do so I apply. Then I get an email from Krissie. I’ve known Krissie since we were 16/17 years old (she is a few months older than me) but she now lives in Adelaide, Australia. It’s been a long time since she sent me a news letter (especially of this length) that it makes my day, and yes, I will get round to replying very soon.
Then I start to get some phone calls, initially positive and responses to 2 of my earlier applications. One is verifying my availability for an assessment day, and the other checking my skill set before putting my CV forward to their client.
I take a break and ride into town and meet Suzie for a pub lunch (she treats me) and when we part I do a bit of grocery shopping in readiness for the evening’s meal. I call in on first my mum, then Suzie’s, dropping off some “No Trick or Treat” posters before heading home.
Then I get a call about an interview that’s planned for Monday week -- it’s been cancelled, the job has gone on hold until January 2009. It’s the end of the week, and there’s little more I can do, so I finish on a downer. When Suzie and her friend Anne come in I’m a grumpy old man. I can’t help it. I don’t mean to be, but I am.
I’ve done dinner, we sit down and enjoy the meal but I need to calm down. The girls go out to watch an AmDram performance and I’m left to my own devices so I do a bit of ironing and then I sit down to write this as I intermittently watch TV. Today was Friday.
Friday, 31 October 2008
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Boris comes good
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London has fulfilled one of his election promises and rules that motorbikes should be allowed to use The Capital’s bus lanes. Now I don’t get to ride in London very often, I used to but now that I live in The Midlands, well I just don’t get down that way, BUT, I applaud the move on two accounts --
1. When was the last time a politician fulfilled an election promise? Especially one that is good common sense, hounded by sooth sayers and mongers of doom, including the bunch of loonies that go by the name of the London Cycling Campaign.
2. After a period of adjustment, which will be short due to the extended trials period forced by Ken Livingstone, the roads in London will be safer AND congestion and pollution will be eased because more people are keeping moving more of the time
Ken was anti-motorcycling – pure and simple and undisguised. Boris is a cyclist, he rides a push bike, yet he can see the benefits of powered 2 wheelers (PTWs) and their increased use in The Capital. It will never be like major cities in Asia where everybody and his whole family climb onboard a small, under powered and under maintained PTW.
So why do I applaud this move? Simple, it sends a message out to other towns and cities across the UK and local councillors will now have to listen much more with an open mind to local and national pressure groups. It has already started to happen in Derby where I live, slowly the signs by the bus lanes are being changed to include symbols of motorbikes. Rest assured, it will eventually happen in a town or city near you – and that’s a good thing!
1. When was the last time a politician fulfilled an election promise? Especially one that is good common sense, hounded by sooth sayers and mongers of doom, including the bunch of loonies that go by the name of the London Cycling Campaign.
2. After a period of adjustment, which will be short due to the extended trials period forced by Ken Livingstone, the roads in London will be safer AND congestion and pollution will be eased because more people are keeping moving more of the time
Ken was anti-motorcycling – pure and simple and undisguised. Boris is a cyclist, he rides a push bike, yet he can see the benefits of powered 2 wheelers (PTWs) and their increased use in The Capital. It will never be like major cities in Asia where everybody and his whole family climb onboard a small, under powered and under maintained PTW.
So why do I applaud this move? Simple, it sends a message out to other towns and cities across the UK and local councillors will now have to listen much more with an open mind to local and national pressure groups. It has already started to happen in Derby where I live, slowly the signs by the bus lanes are being changed to include symbols of motorbikes. Rest assured, it will eventually happen in a town or city near you – and that’s a good thing!
Royalty on Motorbikes is go
Back in February I commented on the news report that the 2 young male royals (are there any young female royals?) were going to do a Ewan & Charlie style expedition in Africa for charity.
Well, right now they are out there, doing it. I just think that it’s a shame that because of the media hype and their being royalty, that there is all sort of protection going on around them to make sure they come back alive. If you thought Russ Malkin and the crew that looked after Ewan & Charlie was a bit OTT then think again, that’s small fry compared to the size of the team following Harry & Wills. Rumour has it that there’s even a team with Exercet missiles following them about to blow away any threat from the air! Now how cool is that?
Despite everything that is happening to shield these 2 fine young (royal) men from the realities of the world around them I really do wish them well and hope that sometime in the future they might just turn up at a biker meet in the UK on their bikes, with all the gear, a damned great big smile and a story that starts -- “we lost the bodyguards soon after leaving the palace simply by tearing down the Edgeware Road while they sat in the traffic jam in the Range Rovers….”
Well, right now they are out there, doing it. I just think that it’s a shame that because of the media hype and their being royalty, that there is all sort of protection going on around them to make sure they come back alive. If you thought Russ Malkin and the crew that looked after Ewan & Charlie was a bit OTT then think again, that’s small fry compared to the size of the team following Harry & Wills. Rumour has it that there’s even a team with Exercet missiles following them about to blow away any threat from the air! Now how cool is that?
Despite everything that is happening to shield these 2 fine young (royal) men from the realities of the world around them I really do wish them well and hope that sometime in the future they might just turn up at a biker meet in the UK on their bikes, with all the gear, a damned great big smile and a story that starts -- “we lost the bodyguards soon after leaving the palace simply by tearing down the Edgeware Road while they sat in the traffic jam in the Range Rovers….”
Hello from central news
Yesterday I got back from my interview to an email with that title, that went on to say --
“I’m a reporter at Central news and saw your blog. I’m doing a report on the credit crunch today specifically focussing on people who are being forced to find work after being made redundant. It would be great if you could call or email to let me know how you’re getting on and a bit more about your experience.”
Sounds good, and I don’t mind sharing my views and experiences but I’m not going to send an email without first getting some background on what they want for their article and I’m not going to use up package phone time/pay for a phone call when the reporter is the one with a job and an income (and probably gets the phone as part of the job) so I sent an email saying --
“If you'd like to ring me on the number below I'll be quite happy to try and help you out.”
Never heard a thing. Same result as with most job applications, you send them out and hear nothing back.... what is it with people these days?
“I’m a reporter at Central news and saw your blog. I’m doing a report on the credit crunch today specifically focussing on people who are being forced to find work after being made redundant. It would be great if you could call or email to let me know how you’re getting on and a bit more about your experience.”
Sounds good, and I don’t mind sharing my views and experiences but I’m not going to send an email without first getting some background on what they want for their article and I’m not going to use up package phone time/pay for a phone call when the reporter is the one with a job and an income (and probably gets the phone as part of the job) so I sent an email saying --
“If you'd like to ring me on the number below I'll be quite happy to try and help you out.”
Never heard a thing. Same result as with most job applications, you send them out and hear nothing back.... what is it with people these days?
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Interviews, Applications & Family
Another day, another interview. This time it was one interview for two roles. Worst of it is, I really, really would like one of these jobs, not fussed which as both are local and offer the sort of challenges I love. Trouble is, that I get more than a bit up tight when I really want a role and that makes appearing cool, calm and collected during interview. Anyway, it’s done now. I had 2hrs 30mins of the interviewers time, which is an whole hour more than I should have had, so that should be a good thing! Was it good enough? I’ll find out in a couple of weeks.
However, not counting chickens before they are hatched, I got home to a load of email job alerts which had to be sifted through – hurrah! There was a potential job hidden away in there so do the usual apply on-line thing and receive the usual email acknowledgement. Then phone calls to be made, chasing up two roles that agencies contacted me with last week. One is still waiting to hear and the other one is interview date & time TBA -- that’s another good thing! Shame it’s Monday 11th November….
I’m told that my culinary skills are improving, and tonight the whole family was in agreement. Soup starter, followed by chops, chips and veg. I’d done a desert as well, an Aldi special price struddle and a jug of custard – it sounds exotic and/or extravagant but all was bought on a Whoops, special buy or price reduced. Andy was home to join us, Mark got home over an hour later and had his on his own. Over dinner Andy tells us of how the current economic down turn is affecting the BMW dealership that he works at – they’ve made a number of redundancies already and he’s concerned that they may start cutting back on the workshop technicians as there’s not a lot of work going through the doors.
Then this evening I got to see Angie and John. Popped down the road, Dad is home from hospital, bruv & sis are there as planned and it’s good to share stories. John’s job looks safe for now (he’s in construction) and Angie is (like me) looking for paid employment. Again, like me, she’s getting plenty of interview experience, but as another fifty something there’s always a reason why somebody else has been chosen to fill the vacancy. Of course there is no age discrimination now in the UK – yeah, right! So explain why I shop at a local supermarket and nobody that works there is older than the manager, and he’s under 30 years old.
However, not counting chickens before they are hatched, I got home to a load of email job alerts which had to be sifted through – hurrah! There was a potential job hidden away in there so do the usual apply on-line thing and receive the usual email acknowledgement. Then phone calls to be made, chasing up two roles that agencies contacted me with last week. One is still waiting to hear and the other one is interview date & time TBA -- that’s another good thing! Shame it’s Monday 11th November….
I’m told that my culinary skills are improving, and tonight the whole family was in agreement. Soup starter, followed by chops, chips and veg. I’d done a desert as well, an Aldi special price struddle and a jug of custard – it sounds exotic and/or extravagant but all was bought on a Whoops, special buy or price reduced. Andy was home to join us, Mark got home over an hour later and had his on his own. Over dinner Andy tells us of how the current economic down turn is affecting the BMW dealership that he works at – they’ve made a number of redundancies already and he’s concerned that they may start cutting back on the workshop technicians as there’s not a lot of work going through the doors.
Then this evening I got to see Angie and John. Popped down the road, Dad is home from hospital, bruv & sis are there as planned and it’s good to share stories. John’s job looks safe for now (he’s in construction) and Angie is (like me) looking for paid employment. Again, like me, she’s getting plenty of interview experience, but as another fifty something there’s always a reason why somebody else has been chosen to fill the vacancy. Of course there is no age discrimination now in the UK – yeah, right! So explain why I shop at a local supermarket and nobody that works there is older than the manager, and he’s under 30 years old.
Bad news day
Checked out all the email job alerts that came in over the weekend and through the day and nothing! Not one job advertised that I could honestly apply for. Eventually, I find an “Interim Payroll Manager” role on a local job site so I apply on-line. Then I get a call from Allan to say that I didn’t get the Business Analysis role I’d been twice interviewed for at Rentokil in Dudley. I really liked the sound of the job, the Ts&Cs weren’t the best, and the commute would have been horrendous but I would have given it a damn good shot. But it’s not to be. Feedback was all good, but they have decided to go round the block again (i.e. nobody got a job offer). I just don’t understand what prospective employers mean when they describe a job as needing immediate recruitment, must be able to start straight away, and then they reject ALL candidates. Keeps them in a job I suppose!
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Flying visit
Had a phone call at 23:30 on Friday night. My sister Christine calling me from her home in Georgia, USA. She's just got home from work and is ringing to advise me that she's wanting to come over and see Mum & Dad, and is planning on doing so around the 12th November. She rings again on Sunday (at a much more reasonable time of day) to confirm she's coming over on the 13th and returning on the 18th.
It will be good to see her but I hope she is prepared for seeing Dad in his current condition and for being jet lagged for most of her visit. We will make sure that one of us it there to pick her up when she lands in Manchester and get her back there in time for her plane home.
In the meantime John is coming up on a flying visit this Tuesday, bringing Angie with him. I hope I get to spend some time with them but I have an interview at Citibank that morning. Right now I think we need a good big dose of good luck all round.
It will be good to see her but I hope she is prepared for seeing Dad in his current condition and for being jet lagged for most of her visit. We will make sure that one of us it there to pick her up when she lands in Manchester and get her back there in time for her plane home.
In the meantime John is coming up on a flying visit this Tuesday, bringing Angie with him. I hope I get to spend some time with them but I have an interview at Citibank that morning. Right now I think we need a good big dose of good luck all round.
The best laid plans
As we all know, even the best laid plans can go astray, so when I get a call on Saturday to say that Dad is being taken into hospital I just know it’s going to be a case of all change. My plans focused on getting Mark set up with a load of new gear so that he can comfortably and safely commute between home and university on his scooter, as planned. Winter is coming (this week if the weatherman can be believed) and he needed some proper boots (to replace trainers) trousers (to replace thin walking waterproofs) helmet & jacket(old ones are 3 years old, tatty and the helmet has a bit of a niff) and gloves (tin/cold and leaky). Well we managed to get everything except the gloves sorted before getting the phone call from mother. It was then a dash back to Derby, drop Mark off, get down to the bungalow and help get dad on the stretcher and into the ambulance. Then, with mother on board I followed the ambulance up to the hospital and went in to check dad in.
Now everything had gone smoothly and really quite well (this is the 4th time we’ve done this so we are getting well practised at it) until the point where the doctor comes and starts quizzing dad. He’s hardly coherent, but, the (Italian/Spanish doctor – I’m not sure which) isn’t interested in listening to mum or me until we start being a bit forceful. Then he treats us as if we are crying wolf and making a fuss about nothing. As far as he is concerned dad can have a new catheter fitted and sent home. We know it’s not that easy, but then, what do we know. Turns out we do know. The doctor tries fitting the catheter and dad screams out as never before, so doctor decides further inspection is required. We leave dad in their hands, and I take mum home to wait on a phone call, which comes saying they are still going to sent dad home that night, except, they can’t get an ambulance to get him home in time for social services usual daily visit to put him to bed, and as the ambulance staff won’t put him to bed they decide to keep him in overnight “for observation”.
So Sunday morning mum gets a call. In the night Dad had a raging temperature, so they have administered some antibiotics and are going to keep him in for at least 24 hours for observation. Mum & I agree, we have been vindicated and we aren’t impressed with the attitude of foreign doctors who don’t appear to (a) know what MS is, and (b) have time to read medical case notes before jumping to (wrong) conclusions. Still, this is the NHS that Gordon Brown wants us to have. Impersonal, inhumane, uncaring but financially very efficient. I bet he has private health care, of course he does, he’s labour!
Now everything had gone smoothly and really quite well (this is the 4th time we’ve done this so we are getting well practised at it) until the point where the doctor comes and starts quizzing dad. He’s hardly coherent, but, the (Italian/Spanish doctor – I’m not sure which) isn’t interested in listening to mum or me until we start being a bit forceful. Then he treats us as if we are crying wolf and making a fuss about nothing. As far as he is concerned dad can have a new catheter fitted and sent home. We know it’s not that easy, but then, what do we know. Turns out we do know. The doctor tries fitting the catheter and dad screams out as never before, so doctor decides further inspection is required. We leave dad in their hands, and I take mum home to wait on a phone call, which comes saying they are still going to sent dad home that night, except, they can’t get an ambulance to get him home in time for social services usual daily visit to put him to bed, and as the ambulance staff won’t put him to bed they decide to keep him in overnight “for observation”.
So Sunday morning mum gets a call. In the night Dad had a raging temperature, so they have administered some antibiotics and are going to keep him in for at least 24 hours for observation. Mum & I agree, we have been vindicated and we aren’t impressed with the attitude of foreign doctors who don’t appear to (a) know what MS is, and (b) have time to read medical case notes before jumping to (wrong) conclusions. Still, this is the NHS that Gordon Brown wants us to have. Impersonal, inhumane, uncaring but financially very efficient. I bet he has private health care, of course he does, he’s labour!
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Advertising!
Being unemployed, and actively job hunting means spending loads of time on my own in the house. Why? Because I have broadband access to the one place where most jobs are now advertised -- the internet. And as we are having to watch our expenditure and make the money go as far as we can, it’s cheaper to sit at home than to be constantly out and about. But, it gets lonely and I miss the human contact element of life that we take for granted during our working lives. So I often have the television on in the background for company, which brings me to my rant….
Advertising!
Like many of my generation I have lived through the development of advertising from it’s early years to what we see today. In the early days of television, advertising was seen as the media used by reputable companies to raise public awareness of their products. But as use of the media became accepted and as more channels became available, the emphasis shifted to those companies that wanted to be seen as competitors to the “establishment”, those original big name brand advertisers. But that’s not the case today. Advertising today can be broken down into a number of categories:-
The “we aren’t doing very well” category – advertisers in this group are constantly thrusting sales at us. Sales that are “ending soon”. Offers of BOGOF (pronounced Bog Off, when we all know it should be Bog Of) meaning – buy one get one free. Currently included in this category are car manufacturers with supposedly tempting offers of large cash back returns and/or 0% finance if you buy one of their fuel inefficient, old technology, high running cost and tax bracket vehicles provided you agree to pay the full “recommended retail price” (i.e. THEIR full price). Also in this category are the supermarkets who are all trying to outdo each other by appearing to be offering the lowest possible prices to us the consumer in our weekly/monthly shopping trolley. None of these are in our best interest, it’s all about shifting stock that’s not selling at prices that advantage them, not us the consumer.
Then there’s the “change your career” category – these advertisers try to tempt us to pay them to provide training for the career opportunity that you never knew you always wanted with aspirational earnings which very few people will ever attain. Some even guarantee a job placement at the end of the training or the opportunity to join their “fastest growing UK business” implying that by doing so you will attain those aspirational earnings levels. There’s an old saying “it pays to advertise” and it will be a fair bet that these advertisers are seeing good returns on their advertising costs at the expense of those gullible enough to fall for their spiel.
Next up is the “we can save you money on your insurance” category – money saving on an expense that we make just in case we are involved in an event that would result in a cost we couldn’t meet is always attractive (i.e. car accident while driving, fire or flood in the home, injury or sickness while on holiday/travelling, leaving debts to our kin on our death, etc…). So we now have price comparison sites imploring us to “get the best deal” and those that “won’t be found on any price comparison web site”. The former sires work off commission and advertising revenue while the latter are just trying to cut out the middleman and take a greater chunk of profit out of the premium they charge. And they prey on our fears of being hit by an “un-insured driver” and offer NCD (No Claims Discount) protection for life, which you will think means your insurance costs won’t go up if you make a claim – think again, your renewal will go up because the way the premium is calculated will start by taking into account your claim, but, at the end they will calculate the same NCD so you WILL pay more (example:- original premium £400, with 50% NCD meant you paid £200, on renewal will become £750 with 50% NCD leaving you a renewal of £375, or an increase of 187.5%).
Then there’s the “no win, no fee” brigade of advertisers, mainly from the legal professions. Have you “had a slip, a trip, or, an accident at work in the last 3 years” or “been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault”. If you have, why would you want to place your case with people who have enormous advertising costs to cover? Wouldn’t you be better off placing your case with a reputable local firm who will quite happily work on a “no win, no fee” basis IF you have a genuine case that they can legitimately pursue on your behalf?
Last category for this rant, those adverts that are directed at the aging population. Cosmetics to make you look younger, furniture to make you more comfortable and “ease your aches and pains”, mobility aids to help you get upstairs, round the community, health aids and cleansing products to make sure you are always fit and healthy and that your home is germ free.
There are many more examples that I could highlight but what I’m trying to communicate is that advertising today is all about one simple thing…. Separating us from our money, taking it out of our pockets and putting into their corporate coffers so that they can pay the fat cats at the top of the business bigger bonuses and their shareholders bigger dividends. I don’t know about you dear reader, but, I now work on the principle that I steer clear of those firms that fork out for (expensive) television advertising, with the exception of supermarkets where I go and buy only those items that have been reduced in price, and then only if I NEED those products – it keeps my costs down and reduces their profit margins. If we all did the same (which just will not happen) then all sellers would work on smaller mark-ups and reasonable profit margins instead of their current margins that are fuelled by greed.
Advertising!
Like many of my generation I have lived through the development of advertising from it’s early years to what we see today. In the early days of television, advertising was seen as the media used by reputable companies to raise public awareness of their products. But as use of the media became accepted and as more channels became available, the emphasis shifted to those companies that wanted to be seen as competitors to the “establishment”, those original big name brand advertisers. But that’s not the case today. Advertising today can be broken down into a number of categories:-
The “we aren’t doing very well” category – advertisers in this group are constantly thrusting sales at us. Sales that are “ending soon”. Offers of BOGOF (pronounced Bog Off, when we all know it should be Bog Of) meaning – buy one get one free. Currently included in this category are car manufacturers with supposedly tempting offers of large cash back returns and/or 0% finance if you buy one of their fuel inefficient, old technology, high running cost and tax bracket vehicles provided you agree to pay the full “recommended retail price” (i.e. THEIR full price). Also in this category are the supermarkets who are all trying to outdo each other by appearing to be offering the lowest possible prices to us the consumer in our weekly/monthly shopping trolley. None of these are in our best interest, it’s all about shifting stock that’s not selling at prices that advantage them, not us the consumer.
Then there’s the “change your career” category – these advertisers try to tempt us to pay them to provide training for the career opportunity that you never knew you always wanted with aspirational earnings which very few people will ever attain. Some even guarantee a job placement at the end of the training or the opportunity to join their “fastest growing UK business” implying that by doing so you will attain those aspirational earnings levels. There’s an old saying “it pays to advertise” and it will be a fair bet that these advertisers are seeing good returns on their advertising costs at the expense of those gullible enough to fall for their spiel.
Next up is the “we can save you money on your insurance” category – money saving on an expense that we make just in case we are involved in an event that would result in a cost we couldn’t meet is always attractive (i.e. car accident while driving, fire or flood in the home, injury or sickness while on holiday/travelling, leaving debts to our kin on our death, etc…). So we now have price comparison sites imploring us to “get the best deal” and those that “won’t be found on any price comparison web site”. The former sires work off commission and advertising revenue while the latter are just trying to cut out the middleman and take a greater chunk of profit out of the premium they charge. And they prey on our fears of being hit by an “un-insured driver” and offer NCD (No Claims Discount) protection for life, which you will think means your insurance costs won’t go up if you make a claim – think again, your renewal will go up because the way the premium is calculated will start by taking into account your claim, but, at the end they will calculate the same NCD so you WILL pay more (example:- original premium £400, with 50% NCD meant you paid £200, on renewal will become £750 with 50% NCD leaving you a renewal of £375, or an increase of 187.5%).
Then there’s the “no win, no fee” brigade of advertisers, mainly from the legal professions. Have you “had a slip, a trip, or, an accident at work in the last 3 years” or “been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault”. If you have, why would you want to place your case with people who have enormous advertising costs to cover? Wouldn’t you be better off placing your case with a reputable local firm who will quite happily work on a “no win, no fee” basis IF you have a genuine case that they can legitimately pursue on your behalf?
Last category for this rant, those adverts that are directed at the aging population. Cosmetics to make you look younger, furniture to make you more comfortable and “ease your aches and pains”, mobility aids to help you get upstairs, round the community, health aids and cleansing products to make sure you are always fit and healthy and that your home is germ free.
There are many more examples that I could highlight but what I’m trying to communicate is that advertising today is all about one simple thing…. Separating us from our money, taking it out of our pockets and putting into their corporate coffers so that they can pay the fat cats at the top of the business bigger bonuses and their shareholders bigger dividends. I don’t know about you dear reader, but, I now work on the principle that I steer clear of those firms that fork out for (expensive) television advertising, with the exception of supermarkets where I go and buy only those items that have been reduced in price, and then only if I NEED those products – it keeps my costs down and reduces their profit margins. If we all did the same (which just will not happen) then all sellers would work on smaller mark-ups and reasonable profit margins instead of their current margins that are fuelled by greed.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Another milestone
Writing up my JSA review reminded me of another event that I should have shared with you. Last Friday I had a 6 month review – this time at the local surgery with the diabetes nurse, Marion. The good news, I’ve lost 6 lbs in weight since the 3 month review. The bad news is that I should have lost more. The blood test done 2 weeks earlier was “perfectly normal” so my being labelled Type 2 diabetic is all down to a single blood test done because of an infection I’d picked up, done to check that the course of antibiotics had done the job.
However, I’ve been monitoring my blood glucose levels with an Accu-Chek monitor. Showing the readings to Marion proves that I do need to take the medication because I AM diabetic. But I have come to terms with it and have adjusted my diet, perhaps not as much as Marion would like me to, but importantly, enough to control the glucose level in my system. The biggest surprise is that now, after just 6 months I can quite accurately “guess” what my readings are going to be before I take them. On occasions I still forget to take a pill, but, I’m now in tune with my system enough to realise when IT is telling me IT needs some help in the form of a pill. Next review is in 6 months – hopefully I’ll have lost the weight I need to loose by then. Time will be the judge.
However, I’ve been monitoring my blood glucose levels with an Accu-Chek monitor. Showing the readings to Marion proves that I do need to take the medication because I AM diabetic. But I have come to terms with it and have adjusted my diet, perhaps not as much as Marion would like me to, but importantly, enough to control the glucose level in my system. The biggest surprise is that now, after just 6 months I can quite accurately “guess” what my readings are going to be before I take them. On occasions I still forget to take a pill, but, I’m now in tune with my system enough to realise when IT is telling me IT needs some help in the form of a pill. Next review is in 6 months – hopefully I’ll have lost the weight I need to loose by then. Time will be the judge.
Isn’t it ironic?
Today I had my JSA review. At 11:00 I had to meet Vic at the Wardwick Job Centre Plus office. The objective was to review the efforts I had or hadn’t made to find work as my part of the “contract” under which they pay you/me £60.50 per week for trying to secure employment.
Now quite understandably (I think) I was felling a bit down. No, that’s not true, I was feeling really low. I got up this morning knowing I had to attend a review that (in the eyes of the DoE) marked 3 months since Trinity told me I was surplus to requirements. So you can imagine my reaction to 2 different agencies contacting me today saying that there is a role going at Windsor Life in Telford for a “traditional Business Analyst to liaise on infrastructure and software upgrades between Windsor Life and their IT management company" – Trinity!
Anyway, after making suitable notes in my day book I put that to one side and set off to The Wardwick. Boy, am I glad I still have my motorbike. I was still feeling down but at least I had a smile on my face from the brief 4 mile ride into the city. Parked up in my usual spot (free parking for bikes, great!) and walked round the corner with just minutes to spare. It was all a bit of an anti-climax really. Vic was a lot happier about the situation than I was/am. As far as he’s concerned I’m doing far more than most of the “people” that he sees, I’ve had two 2nd round interviews in the past week and I’m waiting to hear the results (but not optimistic) and I have another interview lined up at Citibank for next Tuesday. Plus, 2 roles that I’d applied for and got nowhere haven’t been able to recruit so they are now wanting to see me and I should get interviews at both inside the next week. And there’s Windsor Life – do I? Don’t I? Can I afford not to? I just hope that one of the other roles turn up trumps. And the only tune I can hear right now contains those words… “Isn’t it ironic?”
Now quite understandably (I think) I was felling a bit down. No, that’s not true, I was feeling really low. I got up this morning knowing I had to attend a review that (in the eyes of the DoE) marked 3 months since Trinity told me I was surplus to requirements. So you can imagine my reaction to 2 different agencies contacting me today saying that there is a role going at Windsor Life in Telford for a “traditional Business Analyst to liaise on infrastructure and software upgrades between Windsor Life and their IT management company" – Trinity!
Anyway, after making suitable notes in my day book I put that to one side and set off to The Wardwick. Boy, am I glad I still have my motorbike. I was still feeling down but at least I had a smile on my face from the brief 4 mile ride into the city. Parked up in my usual spot (free parking for bikes, great!) and walked round the corner with just minutes to spare. It was all a bit of an anti-climax really. Vic was a lot happier about the situation than I was/am. As far as he’s concerned I’m doing far more than most of the “people” that he sees, I’ve had two 2nd round interviews in the past week and I’m waiting to hear the results (but not optimistic) and I have another interview lined up at Citibank for next Tuesday. Plus, 2 roles that I’d applied for and got nowhere haven’t been able to recruit so they are now wanting to see me and I should get interviews at both inside the next week. And there’s Windsor Life – do I? Don’t I? Can I afford not to? I just hope that one of the other roles turn up trumps. And the only tune I can hear right now contains those words… “Isn’t it ironic?”
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Another day, another interview
Today I had an interview in Burton Upon Trent. Arrived 15 minutes early, as I tend to do, to be shown straight into the office of one of the interviewers. A few minutes light hearted chat before moving to the room where the interview was to be conducted and meet the other interviewer. An hour and a half later and I’m thinking I’ve done OK and then there’s a cutting parting comment that shoots me right down.
So, what do I think? Straight answer, I just don’t know. And that’s the worst part. I’ve now had two second round interviews at to separate locations, for two leaders in their industry and I won’t hear from either of them before my next interview and Wednesday next week.
Looking on the bright side, at least I got a break from sifting through email alerts looking for jobs to apply for. Well, until tomorrow.
So, what do I think? Straight answer, I just don’t know. And that’s the worst part. I’ve now had two second round interviews at to separate locations, for two leaders in their industry and I won’t hear from either of them before my next interview and Wednesday next week.
Looking on the bright side, at least I got a break from sifting through email alerts looking for jobs to apply for. Well, until tomorrow.
Monday, 20 October 2008
Parents, who’d have them?
Yesterday mother asked me to sort out a little mess she’d managed to create for herself. Now normally, when Dad’s at home, she asks me to handle the renewal of the road fund tax disc on the van when it comes around each year. This year, with dad in respite, she decided to do it herself by phoning the DVLA number on the renewal notice. Only when she gets a letter stating that the SORN will be effective from 1st November does she realise she has goofed.
So I get asked to sort it out and she wonders why I am more than slightly annoyed. Usually it’s a 2 minute job on the internet to do the renewal, but, not when mother has stuck her oar in. I have to take the original registration document (not the renewal notice) and the MoT certificate, and the Insurance certificate, and Dad’s exemption certificate to a Tax Disc issuing Post Office.
Now that may be a simple task to most mere mortals, but, mother can’t remember where she put the V5 registration document, or the Insurance certificate, or the MoT certificate. We quickly find all the old MoT certificates, but the new one has been hidden in a different “safe place”. Having found that the file with all the insurance renewals is produced, going back for the last 4 years, everything is there EXCEPT for ALL the relevant insurance certificates which turn up 15 minutes later in a different “safe place” Then she turns up TWO registration V5 documents….Doh!
Anyway, suitably furnished with just about every document I head off to the local Post Office, where after much explaining and having to sign in dad’s name, I am provided with the necessary disc. Instead of the usual 2 minutes it’s taken me over ¾ of an hour to perform a simple renewal….
Like I said, parents! Who’d have them?
So I get asked to sort it out and she wonders why I am more than slightly annoyed. Usually it’s a 2 minute job on the internet to do the renewal, but, not when mother has stuck her oar in. I have to take the original registration document (not the renewal notice) and the MoT certificate, and the Insurance certificate, and Dad’s exemption certificate to a Tax Disc issuing Post Office.
Now that may be a simple task to most mere mortals, but, mother can’t remember where she put the V5 registration document, or the Insurance certificate, or the MoT certificate. We quickly find all the old MoT certificates, but the new one has been hidden in a different “safe place”. Having found that the file with all the insurance renewals is produced, going back for the last 4 years, everything is there EXCEPT for ALL the relevant insurance certificates which turn up 15 minutes later in a different “safe place” Then she turns up TWO registration V5 documents….Doh!
Anyway, suitably furnished with just about every document I head off to the local Post Office, where after much explaining and having to sign in dad’s name, I am provided with the necessary disc. Instead of the usual 2 minutes it’s taken me over ¾ of an hour to perform a simple renewal….
Like I said, parents! Who’d have them?
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Back home
Saturday saw dad return home from his spell of respite at the Helen Lay Centre. He enjoyed his stay, is refreshed and now back home and putting on mother as he always does. I popped in on them yesterday and again this afternoon. Seems things are settling back down to normal.
The good news from mother is that the authorities and powers that be have agreed that next year they will get 6 weeks of respite through the year, which they have elected to take as 2x one week and 2x two week breaks. Things appear to be looking up in that area.
The good news from mother is that the authorities and powers that be have agreed that next year they will get 6 weeks of respite through the year, which they have elected to take as 2x one week and 2x two week breaks. Things appear to be looking up in that area.
Interviews
Thursday saw me driving down to Dudley for a job interview. The job is right up my street, and I really think that I could enjoy any one of the potential set of projects that they have to staff. Only after the event do I find out that I’m the first of 4 candidates to be interviewed in this in the second round of interviews – and that all the other candidates are to be interviewed after the interviewer has had a weeks holiday. So where does that leave me. High and dry? Uncertain and waiting for at least 10 days to find out the result of my endeavours in this 2 hour epic interview.
So, this coming Tuesday I have another second round interview lined up for another Business Analyst role in Burton on Trent, and I just have to clear my mind, put Thursday in the past and do my best. It isn’t easy, but then, nobody ever said that life would be easy so what right do I have to expect it to be so?
So, this coming Tuesday I have another second round interview lined up for another Business Analyst role in Burton on Trent, and I just have to clear my mind, put Thursday in the past and do my best. It isn’t easy, but then, nobody ever said that life would be easy so what right do I have to expect it to be so?
Recession
This past week has seen a lot of attention given to the plight of those who, like me, are already out of work as (in the words of the media) the recession starts to bite. I spent some time reading the stuff on the BBC web site, and quite frankly I am appalled at the ignorance displayed in the comments I’ve read….
I’ve been made redundant twice this year, being on the dole the first time ever in my life in February after the company I worked for went bust after 30 years trading. Four months in work and I’m redundant again – this time it has lasted for over 3 months and there’s currently not a lot of hope for employment in the near future. In order to find work I’ve posted my CV on all the internet job sites I’ve found, registered with every Recruitment Agency that has advertised a job that I could potentially hold down and then I read comments posted like:-
“Is it any wonder the rate is going up when it pays to sit on your backside?” by Simon, Stockport, England
“Scrap benefits and they will all do their best to find work instead of sitting on their backsides and sheet.” by G E Best, United Kingdom
“Limit the time you can be on JSA! Simple! “ by Ben
“Its not worth a lot of peoples time working, if they can only earn minimum wage, simply due to the stupid amount of benefits, discounts, and deductions that they get for not working at all!” by Chris Bloggs, Salford, UK, United Kingdom
Firstly, JSA is only paid out for 6 months, so Ben, you request has been granted. JSA is paid every 2 weeks at the rate of £60.50 per week, really generous, try living on that and nothing else, because that's all some people have. We are lucky to have some savings and Sue's job to keep us going (for now). As for scrapping benefits – because of my wife’s salary we don’t qualify for benefits, so why bother scrapping them? And if I was to go out and work for minimum wage, how do I cover my outgoings which are geared to an income 3 times my wife’s earnings, which in themselves are 3 times minimum wage?
On the assumption that these are genuine comments being posted by real people, all they do is prove is the level of ignorance of the general populace of the UK, and that they have no idea of the realities of being unemployed. And THAT is increasingly going to be the obstacle to the UK getting through and out of this recession, made all the worse by one Mr G Brown Esq. burying his head in the sand and denying the situation until the situation was too bad to be ignored.
I’ve been made redundant twice this year, being on the dole the first time ever in my life in February after the company I worked for went bust after 30 years trading. Four months in work and I’m redundant again – this time it has lasted for over 3 months and there’s currently not a lot of hope for employment in the near future. In order to find work I’ve posted my CV on all the internet job sites I’ve found, registered with every Recruitment Agency that has advertised a job that I could potentially hold down and then I read comments posted like:-
“Is it any wonder the rate is going up when it pays to sit on your backside?” by Simon, Stockport, England
“Scrap benefits and they will all do their best to find work instead of sitting on their backsides and sheet.” by G E Best, United Kingdom
“Limit the time you can be on JSA! Simple! “ by Ben
“Its not worth a lot of peoples time working, if they can only earn minimum wage, simply due to the stupid amount of benefits, discounts, and deductions that they get for not working at all!” by Chris Bloggs, Salford, UK, United Kingdom
Firstly, JSA is only paid out for 6 months, so Ben, you request has been granted. JSA is paid every 2 weeks at the rate of £60.50 per week, really generous, try living on that and nothing else, because that's all some people have. We are lucky to have some savings and Sue's job to keep us going (for now). As for scrapping benefits – because of my wife’s salary we don’t qualify for benefits, so why bother scrapping them? And if I was to go out and work for minimum wage, how do I cover my outgoings which are geared to an income 3 times my wife’s earnings, which in themselves are 3 times minimum wage?
On the assumption that these are genuine comments being posted by real people, all they do is prove is the level of ignorance of the general populace of the UK, and that they have no idea of the realities of being unemployed. And THAT is increasingly going to be the obstacle to the UK getting through and out of this recession, made all the worse by one Mr G Brown Esq. burying his head in the sand and denying the situation until the situation was too bad to be ignored.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Sunday relaxing
Sunday started early, 4:30 to be precise. I thought that as I couldn’t sleep I might as well get up and watch the Japanese Grand Prix. Amusing, interesting, unexpected…. Just some of the words that come to mind following the almighty cock-up that wonderboy Lewis Hamilton made between the start and end of the first lap. That was followed by a morning of domestic chores, Sunday roast at its usual time then an afternoon in the garden punctuated by a trip to the garden centre for some bulbs, plants and free mince pies with wine from Father Christmas – I kid you not! Then a spot of ironing, a simple teatime meal before blogging. Variety is the spice of life, as they used to say!
Mixed blessings
Yesterday I met up with some fellow Deauvilliers for an afternoon of “biker chat”. Steve and I met up at Donington Services just off the M1 at J24a, took the A453 to Ashby de la Zouch where we joined the A42/M42 down to J9 and then off on the A446/A452 southbound to Solihull. The Bulls Head, Baston Lane, Solihull was the pre-arranged meeting place where we met up with Murray and Benedict. Sat out in the garden in the sun, enjoying a glass or two of the finest, washing down a sarnie and all the time discussing biker topics including trips to and across Europe, places to visit in Czechoslovakia (the venue for DmD 2009) and other such topics, interrupted only by the braying of the resident donkey.
However, the was to be a fly in the ointment, one to take the shine off the day, which was that on returning to the bike it had a flat rear tyre. Fortunately I carry a small air compressor under the seat/tail hump so was able to re-inflate and ride home, but, it stands in the garage now awaiting a permanent solution tomorrow – hopefully a repair can be affected as the hole is very small and right near the centre line of the tyre. But I could have done without it....
Sometimes I feel that if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all, and it looks as if 2008 is going to go down in my personal history as THE year to forget.
However, the was to be a fly in the ointment, one to take the shine off the day, which was that on returning to the bike it had a flat rear tyre. Fortunately I carry a small air compressor under the seat/tail hump so was able to re-inflate and ride home, but, it stands in the garage now awaiting a permanent solution tomorrow – hopefully a repair can be affected as the hole is very small and right near the centre line of the tyre. But I could have done without it....
Sometimes I feel that if I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all, and it looks as if 2008 is going to go down in my personal history as THE year to forget.
Respite 2
Andy took his grandmother to see his Granddad at the Helen Lay Centre today. By all accounts father is looking the best he has for some 18 months, and the same can be said of mother. Both are thoroughly benefiting from the rest & respite. When they arrived dad was sitting up in his electric wheel chair (which had accompanied him on the trip) outside, ready and waiting for them to arrive. Apparently it’s not the first time he’s been outside this week either, having been out and around the grounds. Seems like he’s quite enjoying himself. He says that the staff are good and the other residents are nice. Andy was glad to see it at first hand and came home happy that his granddad is genuinely enjoying his stay.
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Are things looking up?
This week has been a bit of a mixed bag. Yesterday I received an email saying that I wasn't successful in my application for a BA role with Barclaycard in Northampton, but, that I'd interviewed well and would be borne in mind for future roles. The role went to someone with a more technical background and web specific experience - which is what I was expecting, so again I'm a close 2nd.
I had a telephone interview for a BA role in Dudley yesterday, and have been selected for the next round of interviews, up against 2 or 3 other candidates. The locationisn't as close to home as I'd like but the role sounds right up my street - can't have everything I suppose. Good news is that a number of the guys working there ride motorbikes and usng mine to commute wouldn't be an issue (it is with some employers).
Also yesterday, I got confirmation of 2ns interview for a BA role in Burton on Trent. Again, the role sounds right up my street, but, this time it's just 20 minutes down the road. Unfortunately, the interview isn't until the 21st October which means another 2 weeks waiting.
So more positive / good news than bad, but still not landed that all important job.
I had a telephone interview for a BA role in Dudley yesterday, and have been selected for the next round of interviews, up against 2 or 3 other candidates. The locationisn't as close to home as I'd like but the role sounds right up my street - can't have everything I suppose. Good news is that a number of the guys working there ride motorbikes and usng mine to commute wouldn't be an issue (it is with some employers).
Also yesterday, I got confirmation of 2ns interview for a BA role in Burton on Trent. Again, the role sounds right up my street, but, this time it's just 20 minutes down the road. Unfortunately, the interview isn't until the 21st October which means another 2 weeks waiting.
So more positive / good news than bad, but still not landed that all important job.
Success for Viv
After 8 and a bit months searching for a job Viv has landed a job locally as a Relationship Manager in Derby - initially for 6 months to cover maternity leave. I wish her every success in her new role and hope that it leads to something more permanent.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Mother
With father in the Helen Lay Centre mother is starting to benefit from the respite she’s getting from being his carer 24/7. She’s making good use of her time. She’s had the old double bed ripped out and a new one installed. This is effectively 2 single beds joined together, but, made in such a way that they can be separated if required. Dad will be able to have his half raised so that he snores less and mum will be able to have her half reclined so that she sleeps more.
On top of that she’s having some pampering, getting her hair done and stuff like that, After watching her eat at the Beefeater after signing dad into The Centre, we then had mother up to ours for Sunday roast which she appeared to enjoy. She claims that she’s enjoying walking Sheba and feeling much more rested today, so all appears to be well I her world at the moment.
On top of that she’s having some pampering, getting her hair done and stuff like that, After watching her eat at the Beefeater after signing dad into The Centre, we then had mother up to ours for Sunday roast which she appeared to enjoy. She claims that she’s enjoying walking Sheba and feeling much more rested today, so all appears to be well I her world at the moment.
Interviews
Thursday 2nd October I responded to an invitation to register with an agency in Burton-upon-Trent with an immediate, first round interview for a Business Analyst role. No time to think (read, worry/dwell) on it just shoot straight on down and get it done. Which stood me in good stead for Friday as I’d got a “one shot” interview for another BA role in Northampton.
Thursday was successful, I was advised that I’d be in the 2nd round of interviews. Friday went well and I was told that I’d hear today – but I haven’t. I rang the agency and kept getting fobbed off, which can only mean that it’s not the good news I was hoping for.
Tomorrow I have a telephone interview for a BA role in Dudley. The prospective employer has done all the other candidates on a face to face basis but I’m getting a phone call. Doesn’t sound very hopeful, but, I’m still in until I’m told otherwise.
I’ve had a bit of a downer day today, so I can only hope that I’m feeling a good bit more positive again in the morning.
Thursday was successful, I was advised that I’d be in the 2nd round of interviews. Friday went well and I was told that I’d hear today – but I haven’t. I rang the agency and kept getting fobbed off, which can only mean that it’s not the good news I was hoping for.
Tomorrow I have a telephone interview for a BA role in Dudley. The prospective employer has done all the other candidates on a face to face basis but I’m getting a phone call. Doesn’t sound very hopeful, but, I’m still in until I’m told otherwise.
I’ve had a bit of a downer day today, so I can only hope that I’m feeling a good bit more positive again in the morning.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Respite
Dad went into the Helen Lay Centre near Leamington Spa yesterday. This time it is for 2 weeks, in order that both he, and more especially, mother get some respite from the routine that is mother caring for him 24x7. I went down at midday after mum rung me (as arranged) to tell me that the private ambulance had arrived to pick up dad to transport him to the centre. When I got there dad was already on the stretcher and in the ambulance. So after securing his wheelchair they departed, followed some minutes later by mother & I.
We followed the ambulance into The Centre, assisted where required and mother checked dad in, and we eventually got away around 3:30pm. During our time at The Centre I had established that mum had been up since 5:50 and at 15:30 still hadn’t had anything to eat or drink, so I requested a non-motorway route home from the gps sat-nav and on the cross country route I found a Beefeater pub where we pulled in and I made sure mother had a good meal and cuppa. We then hit the M42 / M1 / A50 for the quick route home.
Hopefully mother will get a full break and rest while other care for dad - she needs it. Anyway, we are having her join us for dinner today so that should be a start for her.
We followed the ambulance into The Centre, assisted where required and mother checked dad in, and we eventually got away around 3:30pm. During our time at The Centre I had established that mum had been up since 5:50 and at 15:30 still hadn’t had anything to eat or drink, so I requested a non-motorway route home from the gps sat-nav and on the cross country route I found a Beefeater pub where we pulled in and I made sure mother had a good meal and cuppa. We then hit the M42 / M1 / A50 for the quick route home.
Hopefully mother will get a full break and rest while other care for dad - she needs it. Anyway, we are having her join us for dinner today so that should be a start for her.
Help for Mother
Angie and John came up and stayed with mum and dad last weekend. John went back to Colchester on Sunday but Angie stayed on to help mother for a few days, going home on the coach on Thursday. Angie is in the same position that I am in that she too is currently without a job so her staying to help mum gave her a little break too, in her case, from job hunting. She spent Monday evening with us and she and Suzie didn’t stop exercising their jaws for the whole time of her visit. I did manage to get a couple of words in, but, not many. It was good to see the two of them relaxing in each others company.
Commiserations
I’m sure that all of her former colleagues at zeda will join me as I offer my commiserations and thoughts of deepest sympathy to Susan in Denby on the death of her father this week.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
PMA
As human beings we all have a perception of every aspect of life that is different to everybody else’s. The reason for this is that there are so many factors that we all, unknowingly, take into account when filtering the information that is before us and on which we are making the judgement(s). For example, I like to think that I am reasonably well organised and that contrary to popular belief, I can multitask, something that it is claimed only women can do. Since becoming unemployed I have taken on the role of House Husband. This means that I do the laundry / washing (including tumble drying and ironing), the washing up, tidying the house and shopping. Additionally I mow the lawn, trim the hedges and bushes, do the recycling and put out the bins. I’m still seen as Dad’s Taxi, Bank of Dad and font of all knowledge (as in “Dad, have you seen my….” or “Dad, where’s the thingamybob”).
Now I put this all down to my PMA. That’s Positive Mental Attitude – an attribute I’ve been fortunate to have inherited from my parents, enhanced by my schooling (about the only good thing I can say about it) and a feature of both my business and private life. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, a positive reason, and that includes my current spell of unemployment. I believe that I act positively in all circumstances and that positive good will result from my actions. Everything is achievable, in it’s own time. And I like to think that people around me see my positive attitude and see me in a positive light. So it’s a gentle reminder, a nudge in the ribs, that this isn’t always the case when I hear the words “Don’t worry Phil, I’m sure you’ll find a job soon”. Just goes to show, my perception of me isn’t always in line with other peoples’. Thank God, I’m human.
Now I put this all down to my PMA. That’s Positive Mental Attitude – an attribute I’ve been fortunate to have inherited from my parents, enhanced by my schooling (about the only good thing I can say about it) and a feature of both my business and private life. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, a positive reason, and that includes my current spell of unemployment. I believe that I act positively in all circumstances and that positive good will result from my actions. Everything is achievable, in it’s own time. And I like to think that people around me see my positive attitude and see me in a positive light. So it’s a gentle reminder, a nudge in the ribs, that this isn’t always the case when I hear the words “Don’t worry Phil, I’m sure you’ll find a job soon”. Just goes to show, my perception of me isn’t always in line with other peoples’. Thank God, I’m human.
Not tonight, dear....
While searching around I came across this article from The Times published in November 2007. I don't mind admitting, I made me smile. Career women and feminism , an experts view. Have a read, it might just make you smile too.
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