What the...?!

This is for anyone who's wondering why I've ended up in Swaziland...

Well, I gave up work (the first time!) in 2006 to do a Masters in International Development. The idea was that would do the course and then change careers, from wonderful call centres and consulting in the private sector, to something (undetermined) in the not-for-profit or charity sector.

But then off I went and did another year's consulting, although this time it was in the health service, so a step closer to where I wanted to be. Then I did a Masters last year in Health Policy which was supposed to add another string to my strangely-shaped bow. The additional appeal was that Con was studying Medical Statistics and frankly the opportunity to study for another year and be a student with Con was just TOO inviting!

Anyway, after all that and much discussion, Con and I came to the conclusion that, if I really wanted to work in development, I might have to go off somewhere for a year or two and get some experience. Difficult, given how much we love being together, but it will mean that we can follow our dream in the future.

So, fast forward to September last year, and I met a wonderful woman called Pauliina from an organisation called Skillshare at a recruitment fair in London. She suggested that I try for a placement with them. Skillshare does the same sort of work as VSO, in that they take experienced people (average age 40+) and put them into roles where they can use their skills and experience in a developing country. The best thing is that they only choose a foreign worker where skills aren't available locally, so you don't feel like you're taking someone else's job. You're paid a local salary, as well as a flights, accommodation and other bits and pieces (if you're interested their website is http://www.skillshare.org.uk/).

The upshot of this is that I have a job for a year in Manzini in Swaziland to work for the Federation of Small Businesses. The job description covers a stack of different things - when I've worked out what I'll be doing I'll let you know! I arrived in Swaziland on Monday, and I start work tomorrow (Friday). Con is coming down lots - first trip is at Easter for my birthday, and we've got the next one booked for the end of May. 32 sleeps to go...!