It’s been an emotional week for me, because yesterday was my last day working for OUP and the Oxford Dictionaries department. I’ve been there, off and on, for nearly four years – 2.5 years in a full-time role – and I’ve made some of my best friends there. The idea that I could write about words for social media and get paid for it is still extraordinary to me.
Still, it felt like time for a change. I need to learn my new company’s social media policy before I talk about it (!) but it’s still in Oxford, and it looks like it’ll be a great, encouraging, and exciting place to work. But my OUP leaving do made me very emotional nonetheless! 2012 was really hard for me in various ways, and starting work at OUP in early 2013 was a real gift from God that I will always be grateful for.
S0 – new job on Monday but, before that, here’s a book, a blog post, and a link.
1.) The book – I’ve rather given this one away by putting the image up the top of the post: it’s Books For Living by Will Schwalbe. I saw somebody put it on Instagram, I think, but I can;t remember who… sorry! I’ve not read The End of Your Life Book Club, though intend to at some point, but this book is about why we read and what it means to us, and I can never get enough of that sort of book.
2.) The link – is the farewell speech by Barack Obama. Hey, let’s embed it. Sure, he is a human and thus he isn’t perfect (and he’s had to put up with a Senate from the other side, blocking his changes) – but we are so lucky that the most powerful office in the world has been held by a man of such wisdom, dignity, kindness, and intelligence. Goodbye, Barack, and thank you.
3.) The blog post – having read and loved some of Sylvia Townsend Warner’s short stories last year, I was excited to see Ali reading a collection of them. I haven’t read Scenes of Childhood, but I am all-the-more excited to after reading her review – and you can do the same.
Good luck in your new job, hope it lives up to your expectations. I wish I could find work in a book or word related business, but it seems that it will have to be back to the dreary corporate grindstone for me. I like the Sylvia Townsend Warner reading idea.
Very best of luck with your new job, Simon!
Best of luck with the job – hope all goes well! As for the STW post, it’s made me very keen to read the short stories I have!
All the best with the new job. Looking forward to hearing about it as you go. STW sounds a fascinating read. I need to check my shelves. I never know what I am going to find on them. And yes, farewell Obama to this new guy. Breaks my heart, it really does. How can two men be so different? Here’s to hiding out in books for the next 4 years (hopefully not 8). All the best Simon
Thanks Pam! And oh gosh, I can’t quite believe this world we’re in. I’ve got fingers crossed for fewer than 4 years – I hope he gets bored and resigns.
Simon, I wish you all the best in your new position. Beginning a new job is exciting and may be a bit daunting at first – but you’ll shine . All of us stuck in a book with you are looking forward to hearing about it as you go along. I’ll remember you especially in my prayers Sunday, for a good start on Monday.
And how wonderful of you to include President Obama’s farewell and your kind words about him in your Weekend Miscellany!
Thank you so much, Susan! It’s going well so far – really nice people, and I’m getting a feel for everything.
I have so enjoyed both Museum of Cheats and Graham Swift’s Mothering Sunday recently because of your recommendations – many thanks! Wishing you great success and happiness in your new job. Good luck for Monday.
Oh that’s lovely, Joanna! There are few pleasures as pure as somebody enjoying a book you’ve recommended :)
I know I’ve said this elsewhere but THE MOST BEST of luck with your new job. You will do great! You will be the best at it!
Aw, Jenny, thanks – you’re an encouragement!
You should be waking up soon and heading to your new job today. Have a great day! :)
(And I still haven’t listened to that speech. I’m just not ready to say goodbye.)
Thanks Kristen!
Good luck in your new job, Simon.
Thanks!
Good luck with the new job. :)
Thanks! Going well so far.