I'd stay here a while longer if I could make €1 - 2k, to support it. So, maybe just a plan to make a dirty 2g. I have no desire to be here in the summer months. I could use that time to earn somehow.


Peace,

kowalski

Thinking I might go back to my old career. I started preparing myself for that before heading off on this journey but I really did not want to.

Now I feel ready... if anyone will have me.

https://i.imgur.com/EJaMHy5.jpg


Peace,

kowalski

UK would be a joint second choice with a whole bunch of other nations. My preference is to return to Spain. Might visit the UK though, it has been a real long time.

By chance I got a message through LinkedIn. Cabot financial (a UK debt purchasing business) are looking for a bilingual dialler manager to optimise their operation in Madrid. Because I'm so far away we will do a Skype interview to begin with.

It'll be my first proper interview in over a decade and my first in Spanish and the first I've done on Skype. Fun times.


Peace,

kowalski

Ya soy un madrileño.


Peace,

kowalski

You got the job?

More or less. After the interview they now want to meet me in person. They were quite clear that I'm the only person they are seeing now and that it is a mere formality. I'd told them earlier that I would only come on such terms. That being said it is still just a 'gentlemen's agreement'.

Flight booked.


Peace,

kowalski

Awesome. No fucking around.

I'm taking this one on board.

To clarify, I was only able to be firm on that point because they came looking for me and are interrupting a project I'm already engaged in. If I'd applied for the job, I would have to simply be available like anyone else.


Peace,

kowalski

I start work a week on Monday.

It's gonna be a tough first couple of months as I remember / relearn technical shit and get back up to corporate speed while being poor in an expensive city and probably living in hostels.

I joined a weed dispensary already. Was surprisingly easy and swift. Currently vaping some nice sativa concentrate. After 4 months smoking Morocco's trash hash it is quite a treat.

On Tuesday I'll go back to Córdoba for a few nights to pick up a bag and see friends.


Peace,

kowalski

Currently negotiating the starting salary. So it's still not a done deal. I think, and believe I can demonstrate that, 10% more than their opening offer is correct.

I'd meet them halfway, with the caveat that it needs to increase at the same rate that I achieve specific outcomes they've already outlined which are important and valuable... and some of that value needs to be shared with the one who opened the lock behind which it was esconded.

This is completely new ground for me. I never negotiated a starting salary before, previously preferring to seem unproblematic, get the contract and, after proving myself, start negotiating.

*swallows nervously*


Peace,

kowalski