Travel For FOUR

On the heels of accepting the part-time position with agency #2 through September/late October, agency #1 has offered to include me as a research consultant on a proposal to win client work. Again, a short-term contract at daily rate. Project work just keeps falling from the sky…and I’m certainly not complaining. I love the independence it allows. And when they pay you a respectable daily rate, folks generally take your advice. Hmmm…something tells me I’m really not meant to work full-time until we return from the States in late October/early November. Or maybe I’m supposed to be an independent consultant forevermore? If only those pesky work visas didn’t get in the way…

11,332 words down…and initial comments back from my advisor. As is, he’d give me a 70 (i.e. an A), but made suggestions on how I could improve it to ensure that the mark stands when examined by another objective external grader. While I was quite motivated to continue with the draft, my motivation has now subdued…am I at the point of diminishing returns? How much additional time and effort should be assigned to polishing my dissertation for submission when my advisor essentially confirmed that this draft, as is, would earn a respectable pass?

Hmmm…we received our transcripts from the rest of the year and I’m 7/10 of a point, collectively, away from distinction (i.e. honors). The darn exam marks brought me down. I HATE tests. The pressure and endless study drives me mad. Regardless, its highly improbable that this dissertation mark will boost me up, collectively, 7/10 of a point.

Those who know me well have already guessed the answer…I, perfectionist K, won’t submit it until it represents my best work. T minus 14 days to go.

With 10,621 words and 49 pages down (not that I’m counting), barring any major structural changes from my advisor, the end of my BRP (dissertation) and MBA programme is in sight. Come on September 14…

Work update. I decided to accept the part-time, temporary position with the branding agency. It’s not everyday you get paid straight out of grad school to work with the Chief Strategy Officer of a major global branding firm and it will be nice to have another UK agency on my CV and a couple more references as I continue on with the job search–especially considering the caliber of project I’ll be assisting with. The experience just ups my value 🙂

Today was my first day at the new firm and while they’re in the midst of a crazy move, I still enjoyed the work and interacting with my boss. So far so good…and the best part is (G is pleased), they gave me a shiny silver Mac laptop for use. And it’s a bonus for me since I won’t have to relearn the PC operating system again.

Though, to add a bit of a twist, the new MD at the firm I’ve been with over the summer (the one sponsoring my dissertation) asked to have lunch with me in the next couple weeks and the old MD mentioned (albeit jokingly) that I could go onto a new account if they win it. While I don’t want to make assumptions or jump to conclusions, I am preparing to tactfully decline….unless the price is right (and it won’t be).

So…a few weeks ago, I gently but hesitantly placed my pinkie toe in the job search waters. Today, a great white jumped out and bit my ***.

I had a first interview with a major, recognized, global branding agency at 10AM, left their office at 11:10 and had a ring back to schedule a second interview (for this afternoon) within an hour. The second went well and I was offered the research position.
While not full time or permanent (though it may lead to an eventual full-time position), I would be working as the right hand to the Global Chief Strategy Officer with a promised reference or job at project-end in two months’ time (provided I don’t screw up). Should I cut my “freedom” short? I’m leaning toward yes as my lax schedule has become a bit boring of late…one can only take so much perezhilton, days at Primrose Hill and Starbucks, reading of partnership literature and phone interviews (both for my dissertation).

This would make the “begin work in October” vs. “wait until after G’s sister’s wedding in late October” decision much easier…and the day-rate’s not bad. Best of all, my potential boss understands that I may get a full-time position elsewhere between now and project-end and is open to my continuing to interview–provided I give him first right to counter any offers.

I’ll keep you posted…