Over the weekend, I started a part-time promotions job as part of an anti-smoking campaign for the NHS. Glad to be doing something productive in my field, and it's been interesting work. Basically, my job involves walking along high streets (main streets to North Americans) and signing people up to join the National Health Service's Smoke-Free program. As interim jobs go, I'm pretty happy with it. No commission so no sales pressure. And it's a good cause.
It's also given me an opportunity to get more comfortable approaching strangers - without having to be inebriated- and to become more familiar with areas of London. This past weekend was spent working in Camden and Kentish Town. Starting tomorrow, we'll be working by Fulham. I hear it's a bit of a rough area, which should make for some interesting interactions. While I haven't had any strange experiences so far, one of my co-workers was chased by a woman in a tutu last week in Camden. But that's Camden for you.
On the copywriter job front, I spent about 12 hours emailing my CV to every ad agency in London on Saturday night. (Thankfully, I had a bottle of wine to keep me company.) I've already heard back from about 20 agencies (out of over 80). Not surprisingly, almost every response has been of the "Uh, no. Good luck with that." variety. But there are a few that might lead to an interview down the road. While I wait to find out, I've signed up for two more weeks of work with the promotional company. I'm sure I'll have my own "crazy tutu lady" story soon enough. Can't wait.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
British-ism of the Week (25/03/09)
"Taking the Piss (Out of Someone)"
One of the more descriptive British sayings I've come across, "taking the piss" is often thrown around by good friends in relaxed settings (read: drunken mates at the pub) and refers to antagonistic teasing. Not to be confused with "piss off" (another beauty), this phrase usually refers to mocking or ridiculing someone. Unlike it's less offensive cousin "just kidding," this phrase is most often applied to jokes that raise the stakes. Lighthearted jokesters need not apply. Those who frequently use this phrase are often secretly plagued by crippling insecurity masquerading as humourous bravado.
5 out of 5 crumpets
One of the more descriptive British sayings I've come across, "taking the piss" is often thrown around by good friends in relaxed settings (read: drunken mates at the pub) and refers to antagonistic teasing. Not to be confused with "piss off" (another beauty), this phrase usually refers to mocking or ridiculing someone. Unlike it's less offensive cousin "just kidding," this phrase is most often applied to jokes that raise the stakes. Lighthearted jokesters need not apply. Those who frequently use this phrase are often secretly plagued by crippling insecurity masquerading as humourous bravado.
5 out of 5 crumpets
Monday, March 23, 2009
Extra. Extra.
Not much news to report, hence the lack of exclamation marks up above. The job hunt continues this week with an important interview with one of the top creative recruiters tomorrow. It's an introductory interview that could lead to a job interview with a small agency in Central London. Could be a great opportunity so I'm hoping the initial interview goes well. Besides that, there is a real drought of copywriter positions right now. That should change in the next couple of weeks as the new financial year begins and companies have a better sense of their working budgets. Hopefully it means the end of these multinational agency hiring freezes. In the mean time, I've applied for every remotely relevant position out there. Will be doing my follow up calls on Wednesday. Depending on how things go I may well be looking further than copywriting for work. But I knew the economic situation when I came out here and I'm not giving up. That would be no fun, now would it?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Phew.
Thank goodness that's over.
Over the past few days my body has been ransacked by a debilitating flu. You'd think lying in bed watching TV shows and movies would be a vacation but it's been more of a frustration, especially since the weather has been brilliantly sunny and warm here in foggy London. Finally feeling like I'm nearly my old self, I'm hoping to get out for a quick run in the sun, take care of some errands and maybe take in the Tate Modern - after sending out some job applications, of course. Hope you're feeling better than yesterday too, however that may have been.
p.s. Expect a new British-ism of the week asap.
Over the past few days my body has been ransacked by a debilitating flu. You'd think lying in bed watching TV shows and movies would be a vacation but it's been more of a frustration, especially since the weather has been brilliantly sunny and warm here in foggy London. Finally feeling like I'm nearly my old self, I'm hoping to get out for a quick run in the sun, take care of some errands and maybe take in the Tate Modern - after sending out some job applications, of course. Hope you're feeling better than yesterday too, however that may have been.
p.s. Expect a new British-ism of the week asap.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Back On The Hunt
After a short stint with the investment company, I am back on the job hunt. It was an interesting experience and one that allowed me to focus on crafting long copy pieces. Now that I'm free to explore other opportunities, I've already been asked to interview next week with one of the top recruitment agencies in the city, regarding what sounds like a promising copywriter position in Central London. Wish me luck!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sign On The Dotted Line
After being without full-time work for some time now, it was a great feeling to sign my name at the bottom of a contract for a temp copywriter position on Friday morning. My new employer is an independently-owned investment company that has an incredibly entrepreneurial approach to business. While I can't go into too much detail, basically, they own and operate a diverse (and growing) group of brands, and are involved in everything from eye care to feature film production - cross-promotion, anyone?
Even though I've only been there a day, the staff seem like a good crew and the work atmosphere is fast-paced and high-pressure so will be an exciting challenge. Needless to say, the fact that I'm working again, and in such perilous economic times, has left me with a silly grin on my face. Maybe this crazy London idea will work out after all.
By the way, in case you're wondering, this doesn't mean the end of this blog. Things are just getting started.
Even though I've only been there a day, the staff seem like a good crew and the work atmosphere is fast-paced and high-pressure so will be an exciting challenge. Needless to say, the fact that I'm working again, and in such perilous economic times, has left me with a silly grin on my face. Maybe this crazy London idea will work out after all.
By the way, in case you're wondering, this doesn't mean the end of this blog. Things are just getting started.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
British-ism of the Week (02/03/09)
"Naff" (British slang)
Having first heard it used by a female friend to describe a uniquely hideous car, I assumed that "naff" was just another common British saying. But after bringing it up with a gay friend of mine, I learned that its story is much richer. Its origin is the language of Polari; a gay slang language that was adapted from 17th century fairground slang during the 1960's as a way for gays to communicate while staying under the radar of homophobes and police officers in London.
According to the ever knowledgeable Internet, "naff" was once used to dismissively refer to heterosexual people. The term went mainstream on the 1970's TV show, Porridge, when it was watered down to the less offensive "naff off," which is a way of saying "f*** off" without sounded like a footballer hooligan. Even Princess Anne dropped the "n" bomb in 1982. I wonder who was on the receiving end of that royal salutation. What's that Google? It was the paparazzi? Then they probably deserved it.
5 out of 5 crumpets
Having first heard it used by a female friend to describe a uniquely hideous car, I assumed that "naff" was just another common British saying. But after bringing it up with a gay friend of mine, I learned that its story is much richer. Its origin is the language of Polari; a gay slang language that was adapted from 17th century fairground slang during the 1960's as a way for gays to communicate while staying under the radar of homophobes and police officers in London.
According to the ever knowledgeable Internet, "naff" was once used to dismissively refer to heterosexual people. The term went mainstream on the 1970's TV show, Porridge, when it was watered down to the less offensive "naff off," which is a way of saying "f*** off" without sounded like a footballer hooligan. Even Princess Anne dropped the "n" bomb in 1982. I wonder who was on the receiving end of that royal salutation. What's that Google? It was the paparazzi? Then they probably deserved it.
5 out of 5 crumpets
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