Exciting Times!

A few months ago, if you had asked me, I would have told you that we'd sell the house pretty quickly, but it might take some time to find a decent job. As usual, assumptions rarely match reality, but at least now we have some exiting news to share. Beginning April 1st, I'll be the new Systems Administrator for Combat Stress, an excellent charity that serves the needs of Veterans in the UK!

So, how'd this happen so quickly? My head is still spinning a bit, but here's a quick(ish) recap. Two weeks ago, a recruiter found my CV (UK Resume) on a job site. To be honest, I wasn't really looking for a job yet, since I knew we still had over two months until our arrival in the UK, but I was browsing jobs, and figured I might as well upload the CV as well. Anyway, this recruiter thought I might be a good fit for this position, and even though they wanted someone by February, they may wait for the right candidate. I figured they would want someone before March, but had her forward on my CV anyway.

Skipping a few email exchanges and phone calls, we fast forward to Wednesday, and my first ever Skype interview with Richard (CIO) and Sarah (HR) at Combat Stress. I don't feel as though I'm exaggerating when I say I knocked it out of the park. Probably my best interview ever. At least from my perspective (and from my interpretation of Richard and Sarah's responses) I was hitting on all of the key points that they were looking for, and then some. Added bonus that Richard and I got on very well, and I think I could have an excellent working relationship with him. He's an IT guy who worked his way to management, and in my opinion, those types of people generally make the best bosses in this field.

Jump to Thursday morning, and I have three emails from the recruiter, the last one asking me to call her when I got up (they're 6 hours ahead of us.) I assumed this to be good news, and I was right. Combat Stress was "really keen on me" and wanted to make me an offer, and a very fair one at that! I originally told them that I could start by March 21st, but they generously said that they rather I get completely settled first, and could start on April first.

So here we are.... Still waiting on the house to sell, but I have a job waiting for me in England! We have the inspection tomorrow morning (postponed from Friday,) but the option period is up at midnight on Tuesday/Wednesday, and we remain optimistic! Oh, and Anna has some job related news on her end as well.... But I'll leave that to her. :-)

Off to the Fine Arts Museum to meet up with Lydia and J-Nel today to share our news. Exciting times indeed!