I've tried blogging before and I've never been good at it. Not because I can't write, but because I always find an excuse to put things off or not to.
That stops now.
See, I've realised something. A friend of mine is keeping a blog to help improve his life -- to lose weight, set goals, all sorts (http://tohitarseclass0.blogspot.co.uk) and I can't help but think he's right. Though for me, at the moment, I need it to be about keeping me in line. I'm trying to branch into a new career. And I have to wonder -- am I trying as hard at it as I think I am? Well, if it's written down in black and white, surely it will be easier to keep honest, right? Here's hoping...
So. This week I made a few decisions. I will have a better job, whether it's the new career I'm hoping for (ecology) or just a better job than I have now -- even if I have to go the self employed route. I want to do this by October. We also want to move to a nicer house. So, in the spirit of keeping myself honest...
This week: I spent a lot of the day researching volunteer organisations near where we want to move to. I filled in an application for volunteering with the Lancashire Mammal Group and contacted a friend of mine about both of us volunteering together -- either there or at Delamere.
I browsed over the CJS, environment jobs and simply hired emails that I get regularly. CJS was a no go. Environmentjobs showed a few possible positions, however, one was in Banbury, and the other was in Scotland. They are only for the summer, and I seriously did consider it (given I'm paid a retainer over the summer at present), but have decided against applying because, well, it's Scotland and Banbury. However, the one in Scotland does sound really interesting -- it's surveying fish and requires good swimmers. It would be a good way to shift some weight and get some experience, however, it's just impractical. It makes me sad.
I did look at the jobs on jobs.ac.uk, however, I really don't want to continue in academia unless I have to... and anyway, the only institutions currently hiring part timers in my area are either in London, Cambridge or New Zealand, so that's out.
However, I did see a job being advertised that I thought I'd missed the deadline for -- apparently not. Trainee ecologist in Derbyshire. So, I've applied for it after updating my CV this morning. Here's hoping.
I also intend to contact a chap from Penguin today, along with contacting RECORD to see if they have any interest in having a volunteer surveyor for the summer (or parts thereof). I need experience. And although I'd prefer it to be paid, it doesn't have to be.
I realise that I have put off calling these people. Well that also stops here. Shy bairns don't get owt. So, three o'clock today, I'm calling folks. Not emailing, calling -- sometimes a phone call makes all the difference.
So. Fingers crossed...
That stops now.
See, I've realised something. A friend of mine is keeping a blog to help improve his life -- to lose weight, set goals, all sorts (http://tohitarseclass0.blogspot.co.uk) and I can't help but think he's right. Though for me, at the moment, I need it to be about keeping me in line. I'm trying to branch into a new career. And I have to wonder -- am I trying as hard at it as I think I am? Well, if it's written down in black and white, surely it will be easier to keep honest, right? Here's hoping...
So. This week I made a few decisions. I will have a better job, whether it's the new career I'm hoping for (ecology) or just a better job than I have now -- even if I have to go the self employed route. I want to do this by October. We also want to move to a nicer house. So, in the spirit of keeping myself honest...
This week: I spent a lot of the day researching volunteer organisations near where we want to move to. I filled in an application for volunteering with the Lancashire Mammal Group and contacted a friend of mine about both of us volunteering together -- either there or at Delamere.
I browsed over the CJS, environment jobs and simply hired emails that I get regularly. CJS was a no go. Environmentjobs showed a few possible positions, however, one was in Banbury, and the other was in Scotland. They are only for the summer, and I seriously did consider it (given I'm paid a retainer over the summer at present), but have decided against applying because, well, it's Scotland and Banbury. However, the one in Scotland does sound really interesting -- it's surveying fish and requires good swimmers. It would be a good way to shift some weight and get some experience, however, it's just impractical. It makes me sad.
I did look at the jobs on jobs.ac.uk, however, I really don't want to continue in academia unless I have to... and anyway, the only institutions currently hiring part timers in my area are either in London, Cambridge or New Zealand, so that's out.
However, I did see a job being advertised that I thought I'd missed the deadline for -- apparently not. Trainee ecologist in Derbyshire. So, I've applied for it after updating my CV this morning. Here's hoping.
I also intend to contact a chap from Penguin today, along with contacting RECORD to see if they have any interest in having a volunteer surveyor for the summer (or parts thereof). I need experience. And although I'd prefer it to be paid, it doesn't have to be.
I realise that I have put off calling these people. Well that also stops here. Shy bairns don't get owt. So, three o'clock today, I'm calling folks. Not emailing, calling -- sometimes a phone call makes all the difference.
So. Fingers crossed...
