@dlowan,
Quote:Well, half-time is kind of full-time. I'll be full time in the new job...which is a grade up plus remote area allowance (which I think Miranda will consume.)
What is SUPPOSED to happen is that I work out there one week, (which means about 9.00am to 10.00 pm) and have part of the next week for recovery and all the paperwork, follow-up, researching what the **** I am doing etc....so it's all ONE job.
That is a pretty hefty work-load. I hope enough others will be on deck at the same time, Deb.
Quote:I was worried by that because I think it'll take them ages to back-fill my current position, and, since there's effectively only one of me for the state (in terms of general inquiries, consultation etc. and only two of us in all in the state for client work) I said I would continue with all my current clients and do all the normal consultation and training that I possible could on the "off week".
I really hope that is do-able. But, to me, it sounds rather like doing two jobs at one time. I do fully understand the reasons for your commitment, but that's a lot of work for one person.
Quote:
I chose to go for it for a variety of reasons...partly "paying the rent", partly "what an amazing opportunity"...so I had a choice.
I can so understand that! It is a unique & very important position.
I fully understand "paying the rent".
Good on you.
Quote:...so I had a choice. Mind you, it's interesting to think what might have happened if I hadn't applied....there were a couple of occasions where people were ordered to go willy nilly. This is NOT the way to do the job though!!!!
Yes. I can see that you're trying to do what's right, plus what's sort of
expected of you at the same time.
And I understand that ordering someone to go is not exactly going to achieved the hoped for outcomes ...
Quote:So...my feelings are very mixed. I don't really know enough to know how I feel. My main terror is "please don't let me do anything else to **** up and unwittingly make these people's lives worse.....pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze."
And I can so understand that terror, Deb. This is such important work you'll be doing. (I also understand that you won't be able to openly talk about the details of your work online here.)
Quote:It is shorthand for doing what you can to make things fairer and better here for Indigenous folk.
HOW to do that is the devil in the detail, and I am so not kidding when I say that.
Oh I know you're not. It is a hugely daunting task & there have been so many difficulties in the past. And so much criticism directed at folk who have most likely done their level best.
So I'm wishing you all the very best in this new position, Deb. I'm just hoping that you receive all the support you need. (I know you will do your very best in a very challenging area.)
But, on a personal level, this is going to be quite a change to the way that you've been living your life, over the past few years. That (as I'm 100% certain you're aware) is going to require quite a bit of adjustment, too. I so hope you are not going to be
too stretched, that's all.
