h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have come to a crossroads in my life. I don't want to continue in my current job and have been at a low ebb for quite a while. I mentioned to a friend who works for an international NGO about this and he has given me something to think about. Would I like to go to Manilla in the Philippines and help out in a community working with children and adults with learning difficulties. They struggle to get enough food to put on the table each week and need help in organising their craft workshop. This would be a purely voluntary position.

The other option is to go to Sydney and help with one of their projects there. There would be a salary attached to this one. Both are the other side of the world.

I am attracted to both in their own way, but how do I decide which one to pick - I may still be rejected by the people concerned anyway!

What does your wife think about it?

It might be a bit harsh, but can you afford to take the non-paying job?

It sounds like an excellent idea

Now, what did you say your employer's phone number was?

It was my wife's suggestion, Bel. We both worked for this organisation and that is how we met 30+ years ago.

My wife is in a reasonably paid job and the voluntary post would provide board and lodging and probably a bit of pocket money - so the family here would have enough to live comfortably. It's only me that would face some discomfort!

I should be having a chat with the person who makes decisions in Australia on Monday via Skype. I've never had a job interview by video link before!

You need to have been very naughty in a previous life to deserve the job I am trying to leave, Icy.

That sounds pretty good then Vestie. I'm kinda envious because I've always wanted to go and do some charity work abroad, but ironically have never been able to afford it

Yep, I know what you mean. I gave a bit of time (in the UK) when I thought that I didn't want to finish my degree, so I dropped out for a couple of years. No family commitments to worry about then so the pocket money thing was fine. Then there was marriage and children and this is the first time we have been in a position for either of us to have another go.

Mrs Vestie has done a bit of travelling of her own over the years and has been to Nepal 3 times on her own (with a couple of female travelling companions).

I sent off my application for the Sydney job today.

Sounds good - and there are some very friendly hootooers in Australia.

Something I would do as well, when I can afford it.

Pension is ing, but if my health is ok I could do it then.

I had an informal chat via Skype just before I went to Istanbul for a few days break with Mrs Vesty. The time difference is about 9 hours so if they want to interview me I have suggested they do it at the end of their working day so that I am at the beginning of mine! Early in their working day is the middle of the night here.

Good luck!

Thanks!

Ooh!

How long would it be for?

If you do end up in Sydney, and you'd like to meet an internet wierdo or two, let me know. I'm only 300km down the road, and various others are closer than that.

Thanks for the good wishes. I am applying for an interim cover position that could be for about 8 months.

That sounds like an offer I should look into, Ivan, thanks. But, we don't have kilometres in England, only miles. Do you think I will be able to cope with the change-over or would I have to adjust may walking pace?



I've boon told that they want to interview me on 18 May at 8 am UK time. That's 5pm Sydney I believe.

Your walking pace should still be valid here. There's no enforceable national standard.

And yes, 5pm here is 8am in the UK at the moment. Good luck!

Thank goodness for that. I may have had to change the length of string that stretches between my wellies!

Why do you stretch string between your wellies? There must be more efficient ways to stretch it...

Efficiency isn't everything you know! There's art and culture in that string. The ferrets from my underpants tightrope walk across for exercise and occasionally twang it to get a note or two to sing along to.

Ferrets on a tightrope. If there were badgers, I'd swear you were an aspect of 2legs...