Categories: uncategorized, randomness, future-plans, uncertainty
Tags: PhD, Job-hunting, Ministry, Church of England, Benefits, Jobcentreplus, stupidity, Uncertainty, Methodism
Date: 17 June 2010 20:57:51
I've had a mad three weeks or so and therefore just haven't found the time to blog, so here's an update on life at the moment:
I am now Dr TOH, as of 8th June. I have just minor corrections and thankfully not many of them, so the thesis should be all done soon. However, I doubt I'll make July congregation because of the rest of life...
I have been up and down the country looking for work. Had a few interviews since I last wrote anything. One will take a fortnight to get back to me and I'm not convinced I want the job anyway. One would have been great but turned me down - since when has talking through in detail the planning of the final two chapters (representing a year's work) of a PhD thesis been an insufficiently strong example of planning an activity? The interview I had in Manchester today seemed to go well and I'll hear tomorrow. The company seemed great so I'd really like to progress to the next stage. All in all, with job applications, life has been hectic.
I had my first experience of the dismalness of benefit claiming this month. One now has to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit by phone, and they want to know one's entire life story. Then I had to go for an interview with Jo, an advisor who slavishly followed her computer system (which couldn't cope with the concept of a graduate looking for graduate jobs) and talked to me as if I am a particularly stupid monkey with a particular reason to be stupid. She refused to listen to me and the system couldn't cope with the types of jobs I'm applying for - management consultant wasn't on the list, so such jobs can't exist... I've promised to be a good girl and look on the Jobcentreplus (plus what, exactly?) website twice a week, which I intend to use to find the most bizarre jobs going and blog about. I have to go back Monday for my fortnightly humiliation. Prayer please - felt very down after the last time.
TractorGirl has been on a pioneer missioner adventure. Whatever comes of it, I hope it gives her the confidence to explore the Diaconate when the time comes. Can't deny it hurts, though, watching her being encouraged when the Church of England gives one no room to pursue ministry with integrity.
We have had some sunshine at last, and I now have a tan of sorts. In other news, Prince Phillip is still alive. Oh yes, I may have solved my impending housing issue and last week I bought a new tie :)