The next chapter

I started this blog when I came back in May, really as a form of therapy to ease me back into the real world and into Scotland. And now, finally, I think I'm out the other side. I only realised this a few weeks ago: I wasn't hankering after what had been and instead was much more focused on what next, where I want to get involved and make a difference. I'm a whole lot clearer on that one now.

Edinburgh is shaping up nicely. John, Pippa and Fiona are looking after me in different ways and I'm meeting some good people. My Glasgow friends are helping me out too. And it is great to see my brother, Paula and Beinn more often. Duke of Edinburgh is proving challenging but fun - how do you keep a room of fifty 14 year olds occupied for an hour? I've found a great group who are interested in spiritual philosophy and meditation and I'm loving all of that, people with whom to talk about the meaning of life! And I love the size of the place, you can cycle everywhere in 20 minutes.

The only real fly in the ointment is work. Finding interesting roles is a challenge. I think this is partly down to the economic situation, partly lack of clarity on my part, and of course the fact there just aren't the same range of opportunities here. And I'm trying to make a bit of shift without a real network to connect me to the possibilities.

Add to this recent contact with my old boss who may have an opportunity for me and I'm feeling quite torn. Is it back to London for now? Exploring the options will help me decide. If it is, it won't be back to old life, I'm confident of that. But I'm not ready to slip into my pipe and slippers quite yet and I mustn't commit myself to something in that environment, I'll be going mad in 6 months. I need to get into a decent role again, I feel I'm stagnating and it is bloody boring. Not to mention the money situtation which is worse than awful.

Whatever decision, I'm there. I've been and seen and am out the other side and feel it is time for this blog to come to an end. Once I find an interesting topic on which to write, I'll start another. Time for the next chapter; thanks for tuning in.

Ah yes, this is real life

Back at work. (Never fear, not for long, just a month-long contract initially.) Day 3 and I'm remembering what real life is like. I have no time to write and waste time reading interesting things on the internet whilst I debate what to do with my life (which is probably already half-lived anyway, I may add, particularly with my bad Grant genes)

I actually have a focus, and it is BRILLIANT. I promise, I will never moan about work again. I'm never happier than when I have a project and I'm right in the middle of it. Yes! Identity! Status! And lovely new high heels from Dune to help me think into this status, I see them as a work necessity. They were in the sale and are on my Amex card which is just as well. Being a freelancer I am technically a supplier so heaven only knows when I'll actually get paid.

Being a freelancer also means you think much more about the value you're actually adding. Better go.