Tuesday, September 11

You do have one other child you forgot to mention, Mum and Dad...

Putting aside for one brief moment the semi-nude, alcohol-fuelled and violent antics of my family members in Newcastle, I am going to ask members of the extended clan for advice about my career.

You see, I have been offered a job in Tamworth with a firm of solicitors. I would be doing everything from personal injury work, Local Court appearances for criminals, conveyancing and family law. Over time, if I proved myself capable I might even be able to chair the local rugby union and league judiciaries. That said, I have the job I have now, which I really enjoy, for another year. The pay and hours for the two jobs are roughly the same, although at the moment I have the benefit of being a public servant. So long as I don't download porn at work I can virtually do anything (or nothing) I like. The other thing I have to consider is that I would like to be a barrister and there are two schools of thought on that topic. One says that you should spend a little bit of time being a solicitor before making that leap. The other says you should just go for it. I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts if for no other reason than to make you think that there is one decent, hard-working and valuable member of society out of the rabble that makes up my immediate family.

Daniel.
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10 comments:

damian said...

Dan, Tamworth is only one hour from us. I think you should take the job and visit regularly. We can discuss Soren Keirkengard, existentialism, beer and footy. I know you are an insomniac, did you happen to stay up and watch South Africa v. Samoa. They won well, but the cost was a mega bruising. I cant see the pom's relishing that upcoming game.

10:02 pm
adam said...

I caught the game Damo. The Samoans are a world class team for like, 15 minutes, and then they are like an obese all age Newcastle side.

I was surprised at how effective the South Africans were at niggling them without getting penalised, especially Berger. Who would taunt an 'Angry Samoan'? That's a great name for a band by the way. Watch out for the South African winger, he's my pick for the most tries scored in the tournament.

Don't leave Sydney unless it's for a pay rise Dan. This is where the action is.

12:31 am
grant said...

The variety of experiences available in Tamworth would be useful, and not just the legal experiences. Let's face it, Daniel, your devotion to work has slowed your private life down to the point where you probably have the hot coco in your hand and the law books open in bed by 8.00pm. When your father was your age he was more often than not being delivered home by the police just in time for breakfast. Your current job is "safe" and "comfortable" but where's the passion?

8:28 am
Anonymous said...

Amen Grant, so wise and Gandalf like.

Daniel, can i stay at your place for the tamworth music festival? i was recenlty given a pair of amazing cowboy boots, completely studded with diamontes. the boots and i belong in tamworth, you i'm not so sure about but give it a crack anyway. pat thinks you are knob.

i am not a newcastle roff

4:53 pm
damian said...

Defend him Danno, murder one.

11:27 pm
Andrew said...

When I graduate I am running away to join the circus. But I guess joining a country music band would be kind of cool, too.

1:27 am
ash and cathie said...

Dan
I assume you have been polite in asking the opinions of people with no f------ idea except about rugby and existentialism. Come to think about it maybe those things are not a bad criteria for making a life changing decision?

I'm thinking that, to be a good barrister, you need to spend a bit of time associating with the human race, and where better than Tamworth?

The trick is to pick up as much as you can (like a thirsty sponge) for a couple of years, not too long, and then blow back into Sydney or Newcastle with your new found country philosophy. While you are there get yourself onto the Tamworth Country Music Festival organising commitee.

For some strange reason, people in the city seem to love people from the country with lots of stories and a bit of aptitude.

Go baby, yeah!

Uncle Ash

1:51 am
amanda said...

Daniel,
Obviously i don't know anything about the law, or careers, or making mature decisions..my entire working life has been directly inspired by my childhood ambition to be a cast or crew member of the muppet show, and i seem to have carved out a niche for myself in melbourne with like minded fools...however, i am a big believer in taking the opportunity to work and travel in weird places when you can. It's such a mind expanding experience. Adam is right about Sydney being where the action is..you will be in a cultural wasteland by comparison. However, Sydney is not going anywhere, you can always return, and although it is not a pay rise in Tamworth, the cost of living there is so much cheaper there, it will be like earning a couple of extra grand! Its not too far from newy, or armidale or lismore..i reckon, if there is nothing specific keeping you in sydney- i.e. a girl, then you should go for it! Character building!

1:05 pm
daniel said...

Thanks for the advice everyone. My decision in the end was to stay in Sydney in a job that, I must say, I really enjoy. It is also a job that most legal graduates (who know of it) dream about and I have it for up to one more year. However, a move to Tamworth in 2008 is not beyond the realm of possibilities: When I told the firm my decision they said there is every chance they will keep the job open until next year. That's not confirmed, of course, but they and I are considering it as a viable option.

8:29 am
grant said...

If I read this correctly, the vote is 8 - 0 in favour of Tamworth, yet you've decided to stay in Sydney. I have no intention of insulting you as history suggests I'll need your professional services in the not-to-distant future, but why can't you be more like Harry? He's clearly up for any hare-brained scheme proposed and would accept an 8 - 0 jury verdict without question. When you go to bed tonight (at 8.00pm with your mug of cocoa), think about that Tamworth girl who was waiting just for you...

7:03 pm

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