Policy decisions

This has been a week of decisions.

Monday I had a meeting with our head of school (Psychology). I entered the office confident. A position (in fact, several positions) had become available and I suspected I might be given a short-term contract offer in relation to that role. Instead he informed me that the direction of the school was inconsistent with what I offer, and there are no short, medium, or long-term opportunities at the school for me. I walked out feeling quite low. I gave a lecture almost immediately after that meeting and felt better. I love lecturing and teaching.

My hours in the office are becoming a greater chore. I am finding less to be content with at the University. I suspect my head of school’s conversation with me may have accelerated my discontent.

Wednesday is my day off work, and I spent the day marking student assignments and making decisions that may affect the remainder of my life. I will be off contract at uni in 8 weeks. At that time I’ll be putting all of my effort into building my business. My attempts to do so this year have been flaky. But now I have the right ingredients to make it happen. My book is due out in 12 weeks. I no longer have the security and steadiness of the uni position. And I have a burning desire to do something that is meaningful and enjoyable in my life. I felt enthusiasm and momentum by the end of Wednesday. It was promptly quashed when I returned to work Thursday.

My lunchtime bike ride was my day’s highlight. I beat my previous record ascending a nearby mountain by over 30 seconds. I feel good when I ride my bike hard.

Friday I left work and drove to Sydney for a dinner I had been invited to as a wrap up for the charity bike ride (Pollie Pedal) I went on some months ago. It was held in a breathtaking home privately owned by one of the ride sponsors. It was on Sydney Harbour and was stunning in every way. The evening was delightful, with great food, and lots of catching up with new friends.

I spent some time talking with Tony Abbott, the man who hopes to become Australia’s next Prime Minister. We’d spoken briefly before. I was surprised he remembered my name. He was extremely warm. I asked him why he holds a policy position on an issue I feel he has wrong. His response surprised me. He completely agreed with me. Then he clearly pointed out that in the ‘real’ world, we can’t have what we want, and so his policy is aimed at getting us as close to the ideal as we can given that the ‘right’ outcomes are unachievable.

Saturday I tried to recover from a post-midnight arrival. I don’t do well without sleep. Kylie celebrated the birthdays of two friends while I stayed home for an early night. Then Sunday we enjoyed Church, some time with friends during the afternoon, and more roast chicken and vegetables. I savoured the peppermint choc chip ice-cream we had for dessert and felt blessed for the ongoing goodness in our lives.