Half-term happy

So, this week has been half term, school holidays and as is always the case, a better week than average. Three things make this a better week. Firstly, I always take a day off in half term and spend time with my family, just doing something fun outside or going to the cinema but mainly trying to avoid the giant list of jobs that take up other bits of free time. Secondly, by virtue of taking a day off, I am much less likely to be able to fit in an overnight trip for work purposes meaning that I am home every night of the week. It's the first time that has happened this week and it was good. Third and final is that with so many people taking time off for the week the traffic is probably 20% lighter and so every journey becomes a joy instead of a chore. If only every week could be a holiday week and this world would be a cheerier place.

 

Also, I handed my notice in this week and so the end is more visible. Not sure when my last day will actually be but at least now I know it will happen.

The last big drive?

It's been a stressful few weeks and for a change the miles have not been the major part of it. Many months ago I applied for a new job and very helpfully came second. Second is not much use on the job front, doesn't even get you a silver medal but on this occasion it might just pay off. It seems I made an impression on one of the people who interviewed me and he contacted me a couple of weeks ago to ask if I would be interested in an informal natter. The natter was agreed and 5 days and a nice cup of tea later he offered me a job. Similar money to what I am currently on, similar job to what I currently do but a lot less traipsing around and much as I enjoy traveling, the amount I do for my current job is starting to get me down and seriously screw up the work-life balance.

The current job involves being a Technical Sales Engineer covering the entirety of the United Kingdom. That's a grand total of 243,610 km. The new Sales Engineer job involves covering the entirety of North Yorkshire, a grand total of 8,654 km or roughly 3.5% of the previous value. Sounds like a plan!

So after a thoughtful week and a trip to one of the nicest hotels I have ever been in (Hotel Indigo in Edinburgh in case your interested) I have decided to accept. For financial reasons I am holding off handing my notice in for another week but that still may mean that the night away tonight might be the last one I do for my current employer. I only wish it could be more impressive buts its a run of the mill Holiday Inn in Elstree, nothing special but it does have a pool and an OK restaurant so I guess it will just have to do.

So, what will happen with the reduced area, I guess I will do less motorway driving, less hotels and nights away but a few more chances to appreciate where I actually live and many more chances to do something other than travel. Then again, I have a three month notice period so could easily do a dozen more nights away before I am done!