CYBEREVOLVED

Yes…I know, it’s the thought that counts…..but….

I was told recently at work, that I was part of a “Formula One Team” for the role I played in bringing on board a new client.  I was also told to look out for a “special thankyou” in my inbox.

It arrived today, a printed certificate signed by the MD for the UK – not framed or laminated or anything (though it “was” colour to be fair), fresh off the printer and a Hotwheels Toy Car.

….pauses for effect…..

For the last year there’s been this BIG drive to improve employee engagement, so here I am; poorly paid in my current position, and they thank me for going above and beyond by sending me….a kid’s toy?  If I was happy in my current role, and paid a proportionate amount for the level of work I deliver, and if I wasn’t currently immigrating to another country perhaps I could have seen the funny side, to be fair I still can – but that doesn’t outway how insulted and belittled I feel.

Here I am, with years of experience and respect earned in my role, being thanked by the top dogs with a toy. 

What more can be said?

Since I have lost my precious car, I have borrowed my brother’s little Panda Super Run-about; (well, he hasn’t passed his test yet!) – anyways, it’s proving to be more effective as a stay parked at the moment, as the DVLA say the SORN expired before my dad bought the car, and my insurance does not register on the national database yet! So I can’t retax it online…..plus!  The battery is dead…

Apart from that though; it’s a little belter!

In the meantime i continue, this novel approach of one foot in front of the other; and well, I may just continue this approach where work is concerned (even in NZ if I find digs close enough!)…

On the New Zealand front, I am still awaiting some information off my future employers to enable me to submit my Visa application, and after Friday, they will be the ones holding me up, as I have my Immigration medical then…yes we are talking the “ordeal” involving 6 blood tests, urine test, chest X-ray…(cough)… etc…

Since I am soooo organised my house still isn’t on the market but I hope to get a few valuations and rectify that this week; I’ve decided to target the first time buyer market as I have no chain to speak of, plus as an incentive I think i will include the white ware from the kitchen in the sale (brand new fridge-freezer, dishwasher and washing machine), and a few other furnishings as and where desired…

In other news….I’m “back” down in London on Wednesday but this time I will be taking a partner in crime from work with me, in order to introduce them to a client (as my impending replacement), so should be fun

I’m not going to beat around the bush, I’ve been treading water with my current employer for over a year.  This has sapped my drive, engagement and some of my ambition where I am currently.  BUT – it turns out there could be just the medicine hiding around the corner, an opportunity to push my skills to the limit, at the forefronts of technology, and it’s an exciting prospect indeed.  I won’t go into too much detail yet until I know myself. 

Suffice to say, I am currently doing my homework towards, not just a new job, but a new life as well.

And it’s not just the filling I had at the dentist today either.  My head is swimming, and I don’t honestly know what to think…yes I am told I am “safe” – yet people around me have been made redundant in what appears to be a very arbitrary fashion; something which you may get away with in America, but certainly not here in the UK….  I feel for all those people; for some maybe it’s a blessing in disguise, for others a downright insult for years of tireless support and dedication. 

On the one hand the message being given is one of plenty, the figures are on the up, we’re out of chapter 11!!  Wooo Haar! Yet the other hand – the one so many people never quite see, like a magician suddenly reduces the head count once more (an activity almost as regular as the yearly bonus!)…

So, I am just supposed to blithley ignore all that’s going on around me and carry on working because I’m “safe” right?  Don’t rock the boat!  What boat?  Our boat sank over five years ago, we’re floundering in a life preserver and a dingy!  These latest redundancies clearly illustrate that. 

All I’ve had from the management circle to date is lip service.  “We listen”, “We want your opinions and thoughts”, “We want to ENGAGE you as employees”…

So our office is due a refurb ok?  What happens? They paint the reception area “Mental Institute Brown” (and trust me I’ve seen a few, though not as an in-patient! Despite what dad may say) apparently this is the new corporate colours (oops sorry.. colors! we’re an American company see?) 

So anyways, all of this is making me kinda NUMB where work is concerned, I’ve done this for a good 10 years, constantly telling myself things will change, things will get better…I guess this dingy brown reception area is my wake up call…. 

I know it’s probably not exciting for Aztec Chemicals right now, but thanks to there current misfortune, I have been evacuated from work, and have to log on from home!!

Thanks to this>>

This is what happened about 2 hours ago, and currently is being fought by upwards of 50 firefighters!  Having worked on a Chemical plant for a number of years in the past, I know that this sort of thing “especially” on an Aerosol Plant can drag on for days, if the fire crews can’t find the right approach quickly! 

Meanwhile – it’s not a holiday for me, as I am capable of remote working….(my laptop is switched on next to me as I write this on my home PC!!)….the mad thing is I can still hear the odd explosion from my home, as I am only a quarter of a mile away as the crow flies anyways!

More of the latest from SKY News, including a video report:-

Aztec Chemical’s in Flames

More news and pictures, as this blaze continues>>

one witness has reported this was started by a new can crushing machine on the premises; although no facts will probably come to light until this has been brought under control.