Exodus

Good things come to those who wait. About four months ago I made the big decision to leave full time work and support myself with part time work, to make way for my re-entry into Higher Education. I had been toying with this idea a while before, weighing up the pros and cons of such a decision, as well as the practicalities of the plan. Eventually the practicalities were worked out and the decision has been made: I am going back to University to study for a Masters in Development and Security.

This decision will come as a surprise to some who know me, but probably not so much to those who know me well. The years between my undergraduate saw me at first go from one agency temp job to another. Thanks in large part to our country's shaky economy. Eventually I came to have a permanent contract job. The office is nice and the people are friendly and helpful. I had found stability at last. But in some ways stability can be a mixed blessing. While I was confident in my job and able to do it, I just couldn't see myself there long term. I eventually saw it as a means to an end, the end I was still working out, and in many ways still am.

So something had to give. I had to do my business or get off the pot so to speak. So I went back to why I went to university previously and what I would get out of it if I went back, if indeed such a plan was workable. Around the time that I did my undergrad in the great institute of the University of the West of England (UWE) I did it when my interest in current affairs was still fairly young, by about a few years. I decided that if my interest was genuine, it would certainly endure studying it in gruelling detail. And it did. I came out of the other side in one piece and with a 2:1, enough to get on to a Masters. I hadn't really considered further study back then. In part because I was sick of studying at the time. Most of the options open to me relating to my degree at the time were intern based, unpaid at that. So I let it go.

But now I know my interest in current affairs isn't just a temporary fad. I read the news regularly. I have read extensively in my leisure time about current affairs, particularly material relating to foreign affairs. I constantly update myself on the issues effecting the different regions of the world. I will always have an interest in domestic politics, but foreign policy is where I live and breathe. I know I will have to work hard and be competitive to get a job in the area I want to, but that is the reality I accepted when applied for a Masters.

I am realistic. When I graduate I may not get a job related to my Masters immediately. Perhaps not for months or even years. But I am prepared to play the long game. I work hard wherever I end up, whether it is working for imbeciles or paragons of virtue. Some people I know may think I am too unrealistic or idealistic. Some of those people may be my friends or other well-wishers. I don't hold it against them. I know they worry because they care. They should know a few things: I care about them too and I am doing this with my head held high and eyes open. I have the opportunity and it would be a great shame to let it pass.

I have a better idea of where I would like to end up eventually. Maybe I will work for a Development Agency. I also like the idea of working as a Research Analyst for the Foreign Office, a possibility that may be opened by the office's new interest in developing nations. If I pick the writing backup and build up a portfolio, the media is another possibility. The Foreign Office is looking at the moment to be near the top of my list. I would like to get close to where important decisions are made.

So there we have it. I have tomorrow and one more week of my current work, and then I am a student again. I am thoroughly excited. I am not sure of what some of my colleagues will think about my plan. I am admittedly a nerdy oddball about the office, hopefully a likeable one. I have my strict coffee routine and trot to lunch promptly with my book under my arm. I am by my own admission quiet. But this is not a meant as an affront to those around me. It could very well be that had I got to know certain people better, I may have made strong friendships instead of friendly acquaintances. But time passes by and ultimately I was not planning to stay for long. I wish those I leave behind in that humble establishment all the very best.