Life does take really strange bends from time to time. One year ago I was negotiating a contract with my current employer, planning to leave the old company after 24 years of service. Now one year further, I will probably start negotiating a contract with my old employer, thinking about moving back.
I hadn't seen this coming one year ago.
Around a month ago, I decided that the company had to look out for a new consultancy assignment. My current one, isn't a match made in heaven. I do have this feeling already a few month. Hey, I did inform that company this after 3 months, but decided to give it some more time. The problem I had was, that being new at the company, I didn't want to get the label of "nagger". So, I did try to make it a match, but I have to admit that this will never work.
So, a month ago, I did have to give a presentation to the sales company to present myself so that they could find a suitable consultancy assignment.
While the old company didn't like me leaving. No doors were slammed from both sides. And I frequently had whatsapp conversations with my vice president consulting services. Some time before I did leave, I did start trying to win an RFP at my old assignment. Last time when I did text him asking for an update, he did mention that they could use me, to win the project. So, I did text him back, that I was open for an offer I couldn't refuse.
With the market slowing down and holidays coming up, not a lot of companies do need new consultant. So, it was a moment of silence from both sides (the new and old company). But last week, things did speed up. I did had an intake with the federal tax department in Belgium as consultant (they had a shit load of interviews, so didn't expect a lot of it, for sure if you do know that I can't speak French, one of the official languages in Belgium). While on Tuesday I had an interview with a Managing Director from the Belgian department of the old company. I do want to work in the Netherlands, but with a Belgian labor contract, which does make things a little bit more difficult. This has to do with the number of holidays and bank holidays.
Friday I was informed that I could start at the federal tax department. While I do think that this could be a great assignment, there is of course a big BUT. They do expect me to be at their office 2 days a week. For me that would mean, driving 30 minutes to the train station with the fastest connect, followed by a train ride of 1h 15m. As a trade off, I could work 2 days per week more from home, which is important for me. I do need to reply to them this week.
On Friday I also received an update from the old company. Telling me that the Dutch and Belgian department had a chat. It is up to the Belgian department to see if they can reach an agreement with me. So, I do expect a meeting with them this week. If I do sign there, the idea is that I will work for the Dutch department, but will get paid by the Belgian department. Best of both worlds situation. But, first I will have to see if they do contact me and what their offer will be.
I am in a situation, that I can be flexible concerning my paycheck. As long as all other boxes are checked. Signing this would mean that I probably will have to order a new company car again, and the Q8 e tron will be out of reach. While I look forward to this car, this won't be a deal breaker.
For me the most important thing, is to find an assignment where life/work balance isn't off and where I do find enough challenges.
So, it could become an interesting week. We will see what it brings and I will get an offer from Belgium. If they grant me my anciënniteit back (years of service), they do have a big advantage.
But first, I do have an appointment with the dentist today, not looking forward to that.
Cheers,
Peter
