Tales from my week. 27th August — 2nd September
Highlights
- I enjoyed the bank holiday weekend. It was low key and restful, and I returned to work on Tuesday with a tad more energy.
- We managed to unblock a development ticket that’s been stuck for three weeks, and it’s satisfying to close the week knowing it’s near to completion.
- A couple of close colleagues have returned from their summer breaks refreshed and raring to go. I’m so pleased they are back, not only are they super intelligent and hard-working folks, but I appreciate their positive energy and willingness to help with thinking through tricky problems.
- I spent a day in our Birmingham office for the first time in a while. Some of my colleagues have moved onto new projects and it was interesting to hear what they’re working on now. An added bonus was getting some sewing done on the commute.
- Had my monthly catch up with our team leader. Last month when we spoke I was feeling under pressure and overworking on a regular basis; this month I was able to report a better balance.
- On Wednesday I had dinner with a school friend. It’s ten years this summer since we left school, and we spent the evening reminiscing. We’ve become closer since leaving school, and I’m so proud of what she’s achieved in her career; definitely a friend for life.
- Another of my excellent colleagues has been promoted. I’m delighted for them, it’s richly deserved and I’m looking forward to working with them in their new role.
- On Thursday I played a private gig with Flowers. The audience were very appreciative, and it was useful to have a test run of part of the piece we’ll be playing at the British Open next weekend.
Challenges
- It’s difficult not to be distracted by the news and the knowledge that this time next week we may have new Ministers in our department. My role doesn’t involve close contact with MPs, however now I’m working in a high profile policy area a change of leadership could mean some changes of direction, and the uncertainty of not knowing is somewhat unsettling. I guess we’ll see what next week brings.
The Week Ahead
- Lots of rehearsals as we enter the home straight of competition prep
- First visit to our Wolverhampton office
- I expect I’ll be doing quite a lot of QA testing next week, as we have a number of features in development which are nearly finished
