job – Black Thoughts

Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone

I start a new role within my organisation tomorrow and, in many ways, it’s my dream job. I’m excited and anxious and every possible emotion in between. The post will involve a lot of writing, reading and editing. Three of the few things in this universe that I’m any good at. I’m even moving officeContinue reading “Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone”

Should I Wear Trousers Today?

I have an online work meeting this morning with the ‘big bosses,’ my first of 2021. This involves me making an effort, namely shaving, wearing ‘outdoor’ clothes and generally looking like the competent, professional individual they last saw way back in 1987. I jest, of course, but the longer this current lockdown stretches the moreContinue reading “Should I Wear Trousers Today?”

Things I Do At Work

I’m on the train as another week in the office looms ahead of me. I’m not quite representative of the diagram below but I’ve certainly had my moments. I’m grateful to have my job though. Much as I detest Monday mornings it pays the bills and affords me the financial stability to pursue other interests.Continue reading “Things I Do At Work”

What Fresh Hell Is This?

Fionnuala and the kids bought me some new work shirts as part of my birthday present yesterday. Designer shirts no less. I was delighted until I discovered they had no buttons at the wrists. These shirts were no ordinary shirts, no sirreeeee. Instead, they required cuff links, another utterly alien concept to me on myContinue reading “What Fresh Hell Is This?”

I Got The Job

Well, despite my best efforts I passed the interview board earlier this afternoon and have been promoted. I am now officially a BIG BOSS. Two weeks of worry and gnashing of teeth evaporated the second the BIG BIG BOSS told me I was a BIG BOSS. I’m now in charge of a NOT QUITE SOContinue reading “I Got The Job”

My Mind Is Turning To Mush

I’m….ahem….working from home today. My ever so supportive boss authorised this so I could prepare/cram/panic blindly in advance of my promotion interview tomorrow. I’ve hit the books all morning but, as my brain is on the verge of turning to macaroni & cheese, I’ve decided to take a blogging break. Some people boil the kettleContinue reading “My Mind Is Turning To Mush”

The Job Interview

I’ve been quiet of late for a number of reasons. One of these is that I’ve applied for a promotion at work so have been working on my application. Lo and behold, I now have an interview on Thursday so need to further prepare for that. This has meant less time for writing but considerablyContinue reading “The Job Interview”

Are You A Confident Person?

Fionnuala and I are attending Hannah’s annual school review this lunchtime. This does exactly what it says on the tin. We sit around a table and listen as her teacher, classroom assistant, physio and occupational therapist update us as to her progress so far this school year. I know we will have nothing to fearContinue reading “Are You A Confident Person?”

It Is Finished

It is finished. The report, that is, which I’ve been fretting over these last few weeks at work. Following a final big push, it will be submitted today to they who must be obeyed. I can sit back, relax for 11.6 seconds, and then find something else to panic about, for that is who IContinue reading “It Is Finished”

I’m Getting Paid To Go To The Movies

Tonight I’m going to the cinema. Unfortunately it’s not a date night with Fionnuala but, instead, work related. Myself and a colleague are attending the screening of a documentary at a small film festival in Belfast. It’s content is very relevant to an investigation we are conducting and my bosses are keen that we viewContinue reading “I’m Getting Paid To Go To The Movies”

Hobbits, Dinosaurs And Gnashing Of Teeth – My Study Of The Book Of Job

A while back I posted a blog about my struggles with the Bible entitled I’m A Christian But I Don’t Read The Bible. It engendered an amazing response and it was a great comfort to learn that I was not the only person with difficulties in this spiritual area. What it also did was encourageContinue reading “Hobbits, Dinosaurs And Gnashing Of Teeth – My Study Of The Book Of Job”

What Are You Writing About Today ? (1)

I took a day off from novel writing yesterday. I ran and I blogged and I worked. I was still a father, a husband, a son and a brother. But I didn’t write. Which was weird as in the last week I’ve churned out in excess of 11,000 words which is prolific for me. 50,000Continue reading “What Are You Writing About Today ? (1)”