Snakes and ladders

This photo from my last major move from the Netherlands to Norway

Some of you wondered whether another move is on the cards and I will tell you all now: yes. Another move is very much on the cards. Where to is still a bit of question mark though.

So, what exactly is on those cards? Well... as you all know my mother was diagnosed with cancer early last year (very happy to say she is completely in the clear again), but that hit something home: I miss my family. And especially somebody who knows my parents more or less like I do. My sister. 

Which is why I have decided that my best bet would be to try and find a job in Northern Ireland. Of course there are some snakes, one of the major ones being Brexit*. Another choice would be West Scotland or the Republic of Ireland. Scotland would have the same problem as Northern Ireland (it being part of the UK as well), the Republic would be relatively snake free. 

Yep, a real snake. Fortunately it was well-fed

What are those snakes then you ask? Here they come.

1. Even though I have 19 years' experience right now and have driven in both the UK and Ireland and got my first (car) licence in the UK, I have never driven a right-hand drive bus or coach (only car).

2. My 19 years' experience also puts another snake in my way: pay. I don't want to start at the lowest pay level again and with the amount of experience I do have, the top level would sound more reasonable. Which means that if they can get people with lower pay levels, they might go for them.

3. Brexit*. You might have heard about the UK leaving the European Union, which has an immediate effect on all European Union citizens working in the UK. Even though I now live in Norway (a non EU-country), I am still Dutch (an EU-citizen). There might be costs involved for keeping me there which could have a negative effect on considering me for the job. 

My sister. Hopefully my ladder will still have all its rungs

Are there any ladders then? Well of course there are!!

1. 19 years of experience! It may be a snake, but it is also a ladder. I have driven tours and public transport, children and adults. I have been abroad, both European mainland and the UK and Ireland. I should think that counts for something.

2. I speak English. In a fairly decent manner I believe. When listing all the languages I speak (five in total), English got a C1 level. Meaning I have 'Effective Operational Proficiency'. The next one up is C2 and then it's native. I also speak German (C1), French and Norwegian (both B2) and of course Dutch (native). 

3. I am only (yes only) 46. Which means that for the greying profession that bus driving is, I still have twenty years in me! That is a lot. 

Beginning of April is when I will hear more (or not). I will keep you posted.