Taking over the bike shop...

[Andy in Germany]

Incidentally, I forgot an important bit of news: yesterday while I was gallivanting about the Black Forest, the first bike my client (re)built was sold. Even better, because I wasn't there, he sold it directly to the customer.

We had a small celebration today.

 

[Jenkins]

There is a chance, just a chance, mark you, that I may be able to stay in the bike shop.

I just had a meeting with The Boss, who gave me my reference (which was embarassingly positive, thankfully) and then laid out a plan which is so shiny and new they haven't even taken off the wrapping paper so I can't talk about it here.

If it works, I could have a long term job in the organisation doing the things I really love to do. However, it's far from certain and I've been told to keep applying elsewhere. They'll have a clearer idea in a couple of weeks.

Fingers crossed - I hope this works out.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Another first today; test riding and doing the final check for a bike I've had almost nothing to do with during the repair. It was a very strange feeling, but pretty cool.

My main issue last time this client repaired a bike was that the v-brakes were a bit soft. This time the levers move about a centimetre before contact.

I can well see this client being pretty independent by the end of the year.

Part of me wonders if this should be our goal: get the workshop working and then find another job, and leave the capable clients who want to work long term take over.

 

[Jameshow]

Another first today; test riding and doing the final check for a bike I've had almost nothing to do with during the repair. It was a very strange feeling, but pretty cool.

My main issue last time this client repaired a bike was that the v-brakes were a bit soft. This time the levers move about a centimetre before contact.

I can well see this client being pretty independent by the end of the year.

Part of me wonders if this should be our goal: get the workshop working and then find another job, and leave the capable clients who want to work long term take over.

That's the goal - asset based community development.

Rarely happen esp in poorer areas.

Get your having little wins!

16 at my walking group this week.

 

[Andy in Germany]

First discussion today with my colleague about the possible future of the project.

 

[sevenfourate]

First discussion today with my colleague about the possible future of the project.

Good Luck Andy !

 

[Jameshow]

First discussion today with my colleague about the possible future of the project.

Project update with my boss today, so I know how you feel!

 

[Andy in Germany]

Project update with my boss today, so I know how you feel!

This is more a planning and brainstorming session with a colleague deciding what we'll say to the boss.

THe scary one comes later, because apart from anything else, we'll need at least four new work stands, probably including one foldable one...

 

[Andy in Germany]

Riding back from yesterdays interview yesterday afternoon. The interview went better than expected; I'd been warned they used "interview techniques" but it was mostly questions about how I'd deal with situations, most of which I've dealt with at least once over the last few years. It was also the first job description I could really see myself fitting into, despite the longish commute and proximity to Freiburg.

Tomorrow I'm going to an interview the other side of Stuttgart before visiting family: it will be a long day.

My boss came and asked how it went; this is the boss who said he really wants me to stay but that he feels the only fair thing to do is tell me to look for a better paid job. Then he said that there's a "good chance" that they can offer me a good new contract with a future.

I've not applied for any other positions so while tidying up and sorting things out so I can go away for the weekend I took comfort in the fact I didn't have to worry about organising time of for any more.

Then I got back to find two more invitations...

One is a local position in a very big local clinic for people with acute psychological issues, and another that I didn't expect to respond in a million years, because they were actually advertising for an intern working their "Recognition year", which means they get paid about half what I would, but it's near Stuttgart without being in the expensive commuter belt. It's actually in the Neckar valley; we probably cycled past it last week. I was also impressed to note they'd seen how far away I was, and invited me to a video conference.

It's a bit of a shock to get all these responses to be honest: I expected one or two answers and a stack of rejections.

 

[All uphill]

Another first today; test riding and doing the final check for a bike I've had almost nothing to do with during the repair. It was a very strange feeling, but pretty cool.

My main issue last time this client repaired a bike was that the v-brakes were a bit soft. This time the levers move about a centimetre before contact.

I can well see this client being pretty independent by the end of the year.

Part of me wonders if this should be our goal: get the workshop working and then find another job, and leave the capable clients who want to work long term take over.

It's great that you have helped your client get to the point where he/she can fix bikes to a high standard; that doesn't mean they could also support, train and mentor new clients as you do. Nor does it mean they will be ready to take the business forwards.

I'd like to encourage you to see how much more you do than fix bikes.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Think this.....

Part of me wonders if this should be our goal: get the workshop working and then find another job, and leave the capable clients who want to work long term take over.

But I'd encourage you to dwell on this........

It's great that you have helped your client get to the point where he/she can fix bikes to a high standard; that doesn't mean they could also support, train and mentor new clients as you do. Nor does it mean they will be ready to take the business forwards.

I'd like to encourage you to see how much more you do than fix bikes.

It's a bit of a shock to get all these responses to be honest: I expected one or two answers and a stack of rejections.

I know these latest developments have popped up out of nowhere for you but maybe instead of reacting with "shock", perhaps it's time to take some time to take stock.
Do you have a long term plan? If so, how do these opportunities fit into it?

Is there some external reason that so many places are so interested in hiring people?
Or is it you, your experience and possibly, your reputation?

If one of your clients regularly expressed surprise at their progress how would you see that?

Good luck!

P.S: a Bike Tour is a great way to clear the head and gain some perspective. More of this please!
Good for you, entertainment for us!

 

[annedonnelly]

It's a bit of a shock to get all these responses to be honest: I expected one or two answers and a stack of rejections.

Your CV and your applications are obviously very impressive. Hopefully you'll be offered something that interests you at the right payment point in a location that suits. Or your boss manages to find a way to pay you enough to stay where you are - clearly doing a great job and you seem to be enjoying it.

 

[Jameshow]

View attachment 687202

Riding back from yesterdays interview yesterday afternoon. The interview went better than expected; I'd been warned they used "interview techniques" but it was mostly questions about how I'd deal with situations, most of which I've dealt with at least once over the last few years. It was also the first job description I could really see myself fitting into, despite the longish commute and proximity to Freiburg.

Tomorrow I'm going to an interview the other side of Stuttgart before visiting family: it will be a long day.

My boss came and asked how it went; this is the boss who said he really wants me to stay but that he feels the only fair thing to do is tell me to look for a better paid job. Then he said that there's a "good chance" that they can offer me a good new contract with a future.

I've not applied for any other positions so while tidying up and sorting things out so I can go away for the weekend I took comfort in the fact I didn't have to worry about organising time of for any more.

Then I got back to find two more invitations...

One is a local position in a very big local clinic for people with acute psychological issues, and another that I didn't expect to respond in a million years, because they were actually advertising for an intern working their "Recognition year", which means they get paid about half what I would, but it's near Stuttgart without being in the expensive commuter belt. It's actually in the Neckar valley; we probably cycled past it last week. I was also impressed to note they'd seen how far away I was, and invited me to a video conference.

It's a bit of a shock to get all these responses to be honest: I expected one or two answers and a stack of rejections.

Sounds really positive, despite the difficult situation you in!

 

[Andy in Germany]

It's great that you have helped your client get to the point where he/she can fix bikes to a high standard; that doesn't mean they could also support, train and mentor new clients as you do. Nor does it mean they will be ready to take the business forwards.

I know what you mean. By "Pretty independent" I mean he'll probably be able to work with minimal supervision and deal with most of the problems that come up. Even that is dependent on what the client agrees to or feels confident in.

I'd like to encourage you to see how much more you do than fix bikes.

Thank you.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I know these latest developments have popped up out of nowhere for you but maybe instead of reacting with "shock", perhaps it's time to take some time to take stock.
Do you have a long term plan? If so, how do these opportunities fit into it?

I did have a long term plan. Unfortunately at the moment events outside of work have probably killed that off so I'm na little at sea there at the moment.

I'm concentrating on getting work and once that's stabilised then I'll see about the rest.

Is there some external reason that so many places are so interested in hiring people?
Or is it you, your experience and possibly, your reputation?

The 'shock' is mostly that it's a very different response to the last time, when I sent close on 100 applications and got hardly an email back. There are external reasons, but the fact I'm well past the magic two years means I'm officially "experienced" makes a bigger difference than I realised. Also, because of the way I bounced about in those two years, that experience is relatively broad, but also in a specific area where not many people want to work; employers need people in this area but want to know I can deal with the rather challenging clients that tend to turn up.

I don't have a "reputation" outside of my own organisation, but the positive reference from my boss is certainly helping.

If one of your clients regularly expressed surprise at their progress how would you see that?

For most, seeing their own progress at all would be a step forward: many come with the belief they're incapable and I have to point out what they achieve, and then stop them from discounting their achievements.