Category: Weight Loss & Health

Just One More Piece In The Jigsaw Left!

16/12/2022

What a week it has been, I literally haven't stopped. My focus, for the most part, has been on getting a job, for when I am finally allowed to work on the 28th December. I have gone all out to achieve that goal in record time, hoping for the best, but anticipating the worst. The pessimist in me is still there, unshakable as ever. However, sometimes I can shake him off and do good things to achieve the unthinkable. This has certainly been a week of attainment, but like everything in our life, there has been an annoying sense of dread, as everything come hurtling down the track at once.

The week started on a high note; I had an interview with a lady called Elissa at 'Retail World Resourcing' in Perth. She had come across my CV on 'Indeed Australia' and said she could help me find a job. To be honest, I was expecting the same sort of position I had in the UK - working a checkout or a placement on the customer service desk of a large supermarket. However, being interviewed by Elissa on 'Google Meet,' I soon became aware that that wasn't what she had in mind.

My CV is long and varied, encompassing the time I lived in Spain and also in the UK. There are many different jobs highlighted, from my appointment as cook at Dunbar's Family Restaurant in Gran Alacant, teacher at a school in Elche, to working behind the bar at the Newcome Arms in Portsmouth and of course my much loved Customer Service role in Tesco Fratton. My lack of consistency would be a problem forging any semblance of a career in Australia, in my view, but nothing could have been further from the truth.

Elissa encouraged me to apply for three Management roles immediately, which she believed I would be suitable for. Within 24 hours, she had arranged an interview with a bedding and soft furnishing outlet, less than ten minutes from where I am living now. There were two positions available - Manager and Assistant Manager, salaries ranging from $40,000 - $61,000 + per annum. Naturally I assumed I would be interviewing for the Assistant Manager role, but I soon discovered, shortly after the interview began, that that wasn't the case, and they were looking for me to take on the position of Shop Manager.

Don't get me wrong, I have managed shops and businesses before, but I wasn't expecting to be a candidate for a large store manager, only a few months after arriving in Australia. The penny must have dropped whilst I was being interviewed by Jack from HR. Both of us got on like a house on fire. This was the first interview I felt really positive and at ease; he said he would contact me when he had made a decision about going forward to the next stage. In reality, I thought no more of it, not expecting to hear back, and got on with the rest of my day.

Shortly before 5pm that same day, Elissa contacted me to say Jack wanted me to attend a formal conversation with the Regional Manager, on Tuesday on Microsoft Teams. A little taken aback, I agreed and prepared myself for an interview I never really believed I would get.

Georgina was lovely and once again I felt positive throughout the hour-long process. Despite a slight technical glitch five minutes towards the end of the interview, everything went well, and I felt like I had at least achieved something. Practising for an interview is invaluable, and this would be a stepping stone towards others I had lined up in the future.

The next day was Wednesday, the day I had arranged my medical at 'Bupa Visa Services' in Perth city centre. This was a make or break day, where I would find out if I could actually stay in Australia or not. Darrell was also off work, so we got the morning train to Perth, where we had a coffee and slice of cake at 'Dome' in St George's Terrace. Not sure if that was particularly wise, eating sugary cake before a medical, but I had waited so long for this day, I just didn't care and enjoyed every bit of it and the peppermint tea to boot.

At 11.45 I arrived at the clinic; they began by doing a chest X-ray, followed by blood and urine tests, for HIV and Diabetes and then a full check up by a Doctor, who poked and prodded me about, took my weight and height and asked me a number of probing questions. I was in and out within half an hour; all done and dusted for the princely sum of $500. Shocking for what they actually did, but this was the last piece in the jigsaw, for my application to remain in Australia and all part of the course. This whole process will have ended up costing me near on $20,000 by the end, whether I fail the medical or not. This is of course the only stumbling block to us settling in Australia. If I fail it, I am out, and we will have to leave. I won't know for a while whether I am home and dry or not. I just hope to God it is positive news for a change.

Medical complete, Darrell and I headed to The Belgian Beer Café for a well-earned pint of Stella. Here we met Darrell's old school friend Dana, who was an absolute delight. It was great to talk to someone outside our rather close, small group of friends, who understands more than most, the difficulties we had experienced on our journey together. We don't often get the time to spend with other people, so it makes a pleasant change to listen to others perspectives on life. Dana said all the right things and made both of us feel content with our choices, who could really ask for more.

From The Belgian Beer Café, we headed to Durty Nelly's for a cheap Wednesday Sirloin Steak and chips, costing the equivalent of £9.00 a pop. That is amazing value, and it is always cooked to perfection, and tastes great. For me, sat in this little Irish bar, I am transported back to Europe; it is an oasis in the middle of a large city, where Darrell and I can unwind and relax. Topped off with an ice cream from London Court, and we had reached the end of a perfect sunny day in Perth; In less than 24 hours I would find out if I had the job or not. I wasn't holding out too much hope, but a little piece of me just dared to dream... What if?

Early Thursday morning, Elissa phoned. I held my breath, preying we would finally get some good news. She began by congratulating me on three perfect interviews, followed by - the offer! Yes, the offer of a full time position, earning approximately $60,000 a year before enhancements and Superannuation on top. She mentioned a number of other benefits, but I was too busy dreaming to take it all in. I had actually got a position I wanted in a few days, with hard work and determination. If everything else works out, and I pass my medical, this would literally be the new start we both need and that last piece of the jigsaw would be within reach at last; I can nearly taste the freedom. Of course, nothing is over until the fat lady sings and the pessimist is still lurking large, but maybe, just maybe, we can start to live our life again!

More Marmite(ish) products to add to my stash today. Only yesterday I was thinking about Twiglets, as you do, and how I really fancy a packet or two for Christmas. Well today, I ventured down the British isle in Coles to get some 'Our Mate' or Marmite for those living in the UK, and found my all-time favourite, go to snack of choice, Twiglets! They were pricey, but not that expensive, a little over $2.00 a packet, so not too bad and when I raid my piggy bank tomorrow, I shall be back to buy the lot. Christmases are made of these.

I also tried a Coles Vegemite Scroll; the next best thing when you can't find a Marmite spin off, is a Vegemite one, because they taste more or less the same. It tasted delicious, even though I can't abide Vegemite itself. For a poor old British expat like me, it is the perfect salty alternative and highly recommended if you are in Coles, Midland Gate.

Stay safe y'all!