Back in the Game

This time last year I was looking out of my Canary Wharf window thinking:

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

It’s good advice, but after 277 “days off” it was time to put some bunce back in the old sky rocket.

So with aspirations to work abroad and a visa in my back pocket we head for the world’s most liveable city. Thanks to my contacts, I arrive with some irons in the fire. Which was handy, ‘cos the recruitment agents were about as useful as a pair of sunglasses on a bloke with one ear.

One of those irons was with a rapidly expanding tech consulting firm called Kloud Solutions. It’s a different culture than the one I’m used to. The people are sharp and hungry for success. The interviews go well and I land myself a nice little earner in the business consulting team.

My first client is the Department of Education – a 20 min stroll down the road. The building is a throwback to the colonial gold rush days and the old rail road still runs underneath. It’s a blast from the past – and so are the working practices.

Beneath the coat of arms at the main entrance are the words “Dieu Et Mon Droit”, which refers to the Queen’s divine right to govern. A motif that irritates me on more than one level and I find myself using an entrance I normally avoid – the tradesman’s.

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The engagement lasts 8 weeks before it’s time to move on. I’m liking this consulting game. There’s variety and it keeps me on my toes… I might be back in my ivory tower, but the view out the window’s changed. I’ve seen some shit in the last year that’s made me feel fortunate:

“I’m odds on favourite to win this rat race. Put your money on me boy, it’s gonna be safe!” – Derek B (Bad Young Brother)

Its early days in Melbourne, but the signs are good. Now, with cash on the hip, let’s see how liveable this place is.