Well, this is all very exciting

I've got a job. Yes, seriously. A proper one, with hours and pay and that kind of thing.

I've been applying for things for a few weeks, and I've had interviews with three places (and turned down a fourth), which I was pretty amazed about. To me, my cv reads something like "used to be fairly employable, but ppff, just look at how long she's been out of the working world, and she didn't exactly achieve much really, did she?". Obviously it didn't read quite like that to them. Which is just as well, because the job I have is Fundraising and Communications, and frankly, if you can't massage your own cv to read well, then you're not going to be any good at Communications (whatever that is).

My professional background was in the Civil Service (5 years and a bit), and then Fundraising with 3 large national charities (6 years and a bit). So I've been looking at fundraising jobs and administrative jobs. I'm very glad to have got a fundraising one, though, as I spend way too much of my life doing admin things already (don't we all?). Fundraising is a bit more of its own role. Most admin jobs that I was applying for were to make things happen for someone else, and I have to say, I'm more than ready to have my own patch. I had an interview for a PA job, and though it would have been good in all kinds of ways, I did find myself sitting in the interview trying hard to persuade myself that it wouldn't feel rather like being a mum in an office. It's bad enough having children, a husband and a spaniel. Not sure I want a boss with a life to organise too.

The job I've got (one might even say "my job"  *beams with pride*) is with a small Family Centre in one of the disadvantaged areas of the city. I went to have an informal look around when I saw the job ad, and I liked it from the off. It had a buzz about the place. It has a creche, a cafe, and then runs all kind of useful activities: cooking classes (with the emphasis on healthy eating), kids' holiday clubs, support groups, housing advice sessions, counselling, a vegetable garden in the back yard (the produce being used in the cafe) etc. I liked the fact that there is a good number of volunteers involved, staffing the front desk and elsewhere. That always speaks well of an organisation, I reckon.

The job is 16 hours a week, and it can be pretty flexible how that is arranged. It's a 15 minute drive or bus ride from home. The role is fairly clearly defined, but with room for growth (ie I'll do a bit of Fundraising, and then wonder how to set about Communications). I'll be in a small team, which, I know, I know, can be a nightmare, but also can be nice. I'm not sure I'm a big organisations person any more.

It will mean change for our family life. I am lucky to have no childcare issues, as the kids start school early, and can stay late when necessary for prep and dinner (which is a big advantage of boarding school life - what's more, there's no extra charge, and I don't even have to sign up in advance, just on the day). Husband has holidays free (mostly), so can be in charge on the days I work. Those are huge advantages, and I don't underestimate them. However, I'm sure it will be something of an adjustment, and I've already had a conversation and a cuddle with 9-yo, who tearily told me "I don't want you not to be here in the holidays". Yes, there will be a little loss, but, both for me and for the family, there will be big gain. We'll have a second income (when did Britain get SO DARN EXPENSIVE?), and I'm looking forward to having something to get my teeth into. I've spent a year settling us all into our new home and our new life, and I'm ready to be out there with a new challenge. Living and working in a boarding school can be a bit like being in a bubble. It was tempting to see if I could offer my services to the school (various spouses do have jobs here), but I knew I wanted something outside the bubble. The thing I like most about this job (and I think you'll understand this), is that it's mine. All mine.

I just rang up a moment ago to talk about a minor detail, couldn't speak to the person I needed to, and so chatted briefly to the receptionist. She said "Well, I hope you make a decent cup of tea", so I'm sure I'll fit right in. An organisation which values that particular skill is bound to be worth working for. And my reply? I said, "I make a darn good cup of tea". Which I do.

.