Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Winding Down

I have just over two days left in my current office.

And I have NOTHING to do.

My replacement arrived two weeks before my departure, a rare gift in the Foreign Service. For the first week, she watched me as I did my work. This week, she is doing it herself. I am only here to answer questions.

And she hasn't had any.

So here I am, no office (I found a random place with a computer in a corner to sit), no work. Waiting around to see if questions come. Waiting for the week to end (though I will miss every single person in this office...the folks here are GREAT!) so I can celebrate my birthday this weekend and start training at FSI next week.

Not to say that it isn't worth it (it is) but for those about to start A-100 next week, and those waiting through the various stages of joining the Foreign Service, be warned: the waiting never ends. All the waiting for your written test results, QEP results, Oral Assessment date, clearances, arrival on the register, "the call" and finally the start of your A-100, those are all preparation. Soon, you will be waiting for the bid list, your assignment, your tenure, your promotion, your orders, your transfer date, your HHE. Or like me, for the week to end.

I think it may be possible to die of boredom.

9 comments:

Shannon said...

Too funny, I hope you don't die of boredom. How often have i had to bite my tongue about all the waiting. I think if we really told the newbies that the waiting was just beginning they might fling themselves over a cliff in despair.

Digger said...

I think you could be right!

Anonymous said...

I really thought about the cliff of despair...and jumping off

and though I'm not all the way through the process--it gets easier to wait with time.

I still count the days though....

I'll Take Mine... said...

I imagine listening to the whining of "newbies" and "not even yet newbies" about waiting must wear on the nerves of those already in the exclusive FS club. But I also imagine that the waiting is considerably easier on you all when you are collecting a paycheck during your waiting and you know you are "in."
Maybe not though. What do I know?
Where's the cliff?

Digger said...

Oh definitely not...so back away from the cliff. One of the things I love about this job is talking to folks wanting to join, anxieties and all. And the irony of you worrying about it while reading my whining is pretty funny.

Steph B said...

Tru'dat! (New phrase, my kids just taught me.)
Well said, Digger, Well said.

I thought waiting could be more enjoyable depending on what you are waiting for.
Waiting to get in, for example, is not pleasurable. But,
waiting to get your promotion, tenure, or HHE probably isn't either.

Maybe we should all meet on the cliff for a party. And drinks.

Bfiles said...

this is good to know. thanks. :)

Unknown said...

Lovely...I think it is good practice...waiting! Love it.

Shannon said...

It’s Friday, and that means that the Weekly State Department Blog Roundup is up – and you’re on it!

Here is the link:
http://bit.ly/aic8FC

(If I quoted your text or used your photo(s) and you would rather I had not, please let me know. Please also be sure to check the link(s) that I put up to you, in order to verify that they work properly. If you would rather that I had not referenced you, and/or do not want me to reference you in the future, please also contact me.)

Thanks!