[Work] An Explanation For The Relative Silence
You may have noticed a certain dearth of witty and erudite commentary on the expat lifestyle in the past six weeks. Apologies, some form of explanation is required, I feel
As I think you know, I came out here with the expectation of moving into the role I wanted to be fulfilling and found out I would be performing that role from Day One. Part of that expectation was I would shift into managing two or three programmers. Three weeks back we hit seven programmers on the project under me - and though two have shifted back out because they were helping us with some discrete work, they will be replaced within the next four weeks with two permenant people. From managing no-oe in London. Add the fact that the project is under a serious chunk of scrutiny and pressure right now, with some politics and shifting sands thrown in for good mix. At the moment I'm coping (barely), "punching above my weight" according to my appraisal, but it's well outside my usual comfort zone!
Factor in recent exams and extra-curricular activities and there's not much time to think. Doing things to keep me sane and grounded, but that's "holding pattern" rather than contemplative and thoughts on life in Singapore
In better news, I shall be back in the UK between 7th October and 23rd October - though the 9th to 11th I will be in Shrivenham. Persuaded work that strategic planning for 2007 should coincide with my MSc residential, so they're picking up the tab for flight and hotel! Shall plan things nearer the time, but wanted to pass on a heads-up
Forgot to say: between now and then there are two big things to look forward to: first is one hundred people dressed as pirates for a party on a junk off the coast, hopefully sailing to a treasure island; second is a trip to Kuala Lumpur on the Eastern Orient Express for supper
As I think you know, I came out here with the expectation of moving into the role I wanted to be fulfilling and found out I would be performing that role from Day One. Part of that expectation was I would shift into managing two or three programmers. Three weeks back we hit seven programmers on the project under me - and though two have shifted back out because they were helping us with some discrete work, they will be replaced within the next four weeks with two permenant people. From managing no-oe in London. Add the fact that the project is under a serious chunk of scrutiny and pressure right now, with some politics and shifting sands thrown in for good mix. At the moment I'm coping (barely), "punching above my weight" according to my appraisal, but it's well outside my usual comfort zone!
Factor in recent exams and extra-curricular activities and there's not much time to think. Doing things to keep me sane and grounded, but that's "holding pattern" rather than contemplative and thoughts on life in Singapore
In better news, I shall be back in the UK between 7th October and 23rd October - though the 9th to 11th I will be in Shrivenham. Persuaded work that strategic planning for 2007 should coincide with my MSc residential, so they're picking up the tab for flight and hotel! Shall plan things nearer the time, but wanted to pass on a heads-up
Forgot to say: between now and then there are two big things to look forward to: first is one hundred people dressed as pirates for a party on a junk off the coast, hopefully sailing to a treasure island; second is a trip to Kuala Lumpur on the Eastern Orient Express for supper