Job hunting is almost like birdwatching. Kind of... Yeah...

It's one of the most endearing moments (probably) when you get a random email from an old man who you don't really know forwarding you emails about jobs that they think you should apply for.  It's especially endearing when it's a job for Head of something or other when you know that really you should be going for Officer or Manager roles... Yes, it did make me laugh, but also realise that any other roles they send me will be too far out the window to even consider.  Or maybe I'm just being modest.  Yes, perhaps I should blow my own trumpet a little more, grab the bull by the horns and just go for it, and then realise that yes, I was always able to do it, silly moo!!! Story of my life.

I guess the weirdest thing is the belief people have in you more than you have in yourself.  I think everybody goes through highs and lows of what they feel they can and can't do just because of the frequency practising those qualities, or the comments you have received from people, or your own critical self.  And then there are those moments when you think, "Well surely if I can do it, then anyone can!"  And then those other times when someone turns round to you (or someone else and says), "Yes, Maya's very good at that...".  Sorry?  Did I mishear you?  Are you crazy??  OK, thanks... I'll put that on my CV. 

It's just like birdwatching.  Peter (see previous post) very kindly took me and two friends, Natalie and Philip for a tour around Beddington Farmlands - an amazing site (and sight - see photos below) which used to be a sewage works, is currently partly a landfill site and is being transformed into a nature reserve.  Philip, a keen birder (still is) who I volunteered with at the London Wetland Centre, and Peter started discussing the the activitiy of birding.   When you start off, you learn and recognise so many things.  You think you're amazing because you know so much.  Then you meet other birders and go twitching some more.  And then realise that actually in the grand scheme of things, you know very little and you become disgruntled.  But you perservere and you learn more and feel better about yourself and your confidence is restored.  And it continues in cycles. 

Yes, persevere.  It takes a lot of strength, but the reward at the end of it is fantastic.  And listen to others.  Like old men.  It's always been said they provide good advice.  I might even apply for that job. 

(That's if I don't get that job down south that I've been chasing for the last week!!  They said they'll get back to me next week but what with their strong recruitment drive and all the snow they've been having, they've been a little busy.... Fingers crossed, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!!!!). 

Lakes, tributary to the River Wandle at Beddington Farmlands (taken by Natalie)

 

Natalie and Philip avoiding the deep muddy areas





Philip stuck in the mud, whoops! (Taken by Natalie)



Peter looking very happy he's on slightly drier land



Walking along the landfill site... the mud stuck to our boots and weighed us down like bricks! (Taken by Natalie)