It’s come down to decision time now, because I’ve received three offers and deadlines approach (thanks to those who helped reviewing my application essays, of course!).

The three are UBC Sauder in Vancouver, University of Western Ontario (Ivey), and of course UCD Smurfit here in Dublin.

Accumulating debt and the time taken to pay it off is a significant factor in the decision, of course.  Vancouver is cheapest overall, with Smurfit second cheapest.  As with every choice, there are advantages to each of them.

A decision will be announced next week, most likely.  At least my decision (taken last October) to withdraw from the workforce for a year starting in August turned out to be fairly prescient of the state of the employment market and economic situation!

It’s going to be a tough job for the next six months but it’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to.  Liz McManus TD (one of the few TDs to blog on a semi-regular basis) is Director of Elections, and with Nessa being a member of the party in Bray, and me being originally from Ashford, we’ll have a strong Wicklow presence.  We’ve already been out and about working on the campaign – including canvassing in Louth with Senator Dominic Hannigan and Cllr Eoin Holmes before Christmas, and I’m lucky to be joining the team after plenty of groundwork has already been put in by other local TDs and Councillors (and Labour staff).

Unemployed in June?  Am I entirely mad?

The second part of the plan, for those asking why the hell any one would give up a permanent job for a six month contract given the “prevailing economic circumstances”, is to do a full time MBA starting in July or August.   I’m currently looking at UBC in Vancouver, University of Western Ontario, and of course Smurfit here in Dublin.  I’m also investigating what seems like an interesting double MBA with a tech leaning in Singapore and Japan.  I think that the next few years are going to be very tough in Ireland, so no better time to get some more education under my belt – especially education tha will greatly increase my employability and earning potential.   More on all that anon.

A good start is half the work

I start the new job on January 5th – exactly five months to the day before the Local and European Elections count takes place (the elections, which by law have to take place on the same day are currently scheduled for June 4th).  It’ll be a busy time, but I’ll keep the blog updated nonetheless.  Maybe I’ll even rob some of Damien’s ideas from last year.

Wish me luck (or do something more practical if you live in Leinster and vote #1 for Childers!).