Tag Archives: job

Secrets of an Edinburgh book group (Rousse)

TTX was asking me all sorts of questions about book groups as we crossed over London Road between Meadowbank Stadium and Jock’s Lodge. I couldn’t tell whether she was sneering at the concept, or hinting that she would like to … Continue reading

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A sham marriage (Rousse)

The others instantly recognised me as an academic. One told me that she had previously considered me a suitable candidate to co-supervise a PhD student with her, even before I confirmed my identity. Encouraged by her enthusiasm for my work, … Continue reading

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Belle and Rousse to reunite (Rousse)

Belle plotted to return to her old job and arrange for me to join her. I explained that I would need at least a year to prepare for my return to London. There was the small issue of my degree … Continue reading

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Standard Life National Library staff insult published author (Rousse)

Standard Life sponsored the National Library. As such, all employees were both librarians and insurance brokers. I was in the library one day trying to get the last couple of pieces of information that I needed to complete a journal … Continue reading

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In-law social climbers (Rousse)

My in-laws were terrible social climbers. They forced me and my husband to enter a cycling race that – if we won – would reward us with a job placement with some posh person. (Of course, it was highly unlikely … Continue reading

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Hospital portering as a career for the elderly (Rousse)

My father complained that he was sick of living in Edinburgh and wanted to move elsewhere. I couldn’t understand why. Whatever would we do with the ponies that grazed in our garden? Perhaps he needed a job? I suggested hospital … Continue reading

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‘Intelligence calipers’ measure IQs of aspiring spooks (Rousse)

The job advert had read ‘civil servant’ but I knew that the panel members opposite me were assessing my suitability for a role that included subterfuge, espionage, honeypots, and data decryption. I played along answering the standard interview questions with … Continue reading

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Local government loo inspection incognito (Rousse)

TPR found us a new house in a smart Glasgow terrace opposite a park. Next I had to find a new job. I accepted a lift to a run-down provincial town where I met Margaret, my new boss in local … Continue reading

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Birmingham University students play on swings to avoid murder scene (Rousse)

SPC, SH and I stayed in Birmingham at SH’s flat a couple of weeks before the start of our final year at University. Just across the road people were queuing to lay flowers at a murder scene. We tried to … Continue reading

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The end of the affair (Rousse)

I found TPR dressed in high visibility yellow in the line-up for the cycling road race. I was surprised that he was so willing to step down from his bike when I confronted him. He followed me into the nearby … Continue reading

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