On no. 2011 is much better than 2010 so far.
I've had a job all year. My marriage is in a better state than last year. etc etc

As with most thing's, it feels like a mixed bag for me. Work is very dull, and progression (not even sure I want it as it's into call centre management) is looking doubtful, and ways to switch into corporate IT are looking distinctly difficult.

On the plus side, I live within walking distance of work, have a lovely wife and there's an even smaller Lumb on the way, which tbh does rather swing the overall balance into the positive.

Have to say 2011 is so far looking beter for us

- SWMBO was made redundant in 2010 and now has a job
- I have moved within my job to one where I am not doing 4 peoples work
-
so all in all OK so far

It's been average for me.

Although, I have come up with a plan.

It's a very cunning plan.

A plan so cunning you could stick a tail on it and call it a weasel?

As cunning as a fox who's just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Oxford University?

It's as cunning as a fox what used to be Professor of Cunning at Oxford University but has moved on, and is now working for the UN at the High Commission of International Cunning Planning?

I don't know why everyone still thinks that we should expect better year on year. For me, the final realisation that all this Happy New Year cr*p was a waste of time was the new millennium.

While we all hope for a bright new future, we have had the worst terrorist atrocity in history, two unpopular politically-lead wars, both of which are still ongoing years later, global financial crisis, etc. etc.

One of these centuries, we might live the globally peaceful life envisaged in Star Trek, but for now, let's just stick with the old adage- "Shi*t happens!".

I love JJ's post and I think it's a great question. Interesting that nobody has taken the time to answer it.

I wanted some kind of change/adventure/excitement, so I did something about it. It's a mixed bag and the novelty has worn thin, but there are a lot of positives. So for me, I don't want a boring life, and I'm certainly not having one. Dunno what's next though. Someone to share it with, would of course be nice, but I'm not expecting that any time soon. So for now, I continue to be here and try to learn and experience as much as possible.

Chalk and cheese.
"Interesting" may not mean to you what it means to me.
A great many aspects of my life are interesting. I would't be doing them or be involved with them if they weren't.
I don't want to change my life, I just want to alter certain aspects of it.

Mark

I'm inherently a risk-averse person, so you find me bungee-jumping or scaling mountains. I tend not to do anything silly. Unless I'm in a car, at which point I make full use of my remap, my suspension upgrades and my upgraded brakes. Driving skill is still lagging behind!

I have a job for another year, after which I'll have to start looking for work. The first time since I was 16 and did part time work at a supermarket for summer cash.

I have a car, which I need to pay off, and continue saving for another year. So this year should be a "safe" year, but not necessarily a "lucky" one. I've failed one set of exams, which increases the pressure for the following academic year. Next year will definitely be "up and down" imo so am enjoying the status quo for now.

Challenge accepted.



Adventure. Heh. Excitement. Heh. A Jedi craves not these things.

I've had enough upheaval in my life. I don't need to make large sweeping changes at the moment, I just want to try having a steady job and income for a while. I've not had one of those before.
Maybe one day, I'll make over £20k in a year. Then maybe after that, I'll want to think about buying a house.
What I can't see the point in, is repeating the same habits of going from job-to-job-to-job (as was the norm in the media) never really knowing what you'll be doing in 6, 8 or 12 weeks time, nor when you'll be paid for your time and effort.
So, for that reason, I'm actually quite happy doing my 9 to 5. Washing clothes on a saturday, washing the car on a sunday. Having an employer who understands what CPD means and actively encourages you to pursue training.
I've done my share of sleeping rough outside the office cos it's 3am, your drunk and you can't get home. Waking up and not knowing which part of London, or who's floor you've been sleeping on. Or the name of the person who's room your in.

Been there, done it, and for now, just driving my car to work in the wet is exciting enough.
One day, maybe it won't be. Who knows? My mentor at work has been there for 23 years, and still loves what he does and the organisation he's working for. Shouldn't we all be so lucky?

Indeed. Yet another wonderful post on a day when this Jedi craves nothing more than the knowledge to use the force to restore justice and peace to the galaxy (or maybe just this island for now).

Good for you Prof, enjoy. You deserve it.