Thankyou Max68.
I think the worst aspect of all of this is the uncertainty. I think it has been said many times on this thread that being high risk doesnt mean we are more likely to catch covid,just suffer badly(although the new strain is a game changer ). Its always felt like a game of Russian roulette.
It's always tricky knowing when to jump so to speak. It must be so frustrating for you when you could still have been employed,but seeing the the horrific way the government have handled the schools situation I think you made a wise choice. If nothing else the constant uncertainty is almost impossible to live with.
I had planned to keep my head down until Spring when savings ran out. I think most of us thought things would have improved by then. The post I have got however was just to good to not apply for. I didnt really think I'd get it and was stunned when did! It is initially a years post,but may be extended. It will give me a chance to boost my savings a bit in case does end.
I was contacted by manager to say they are working from home as had a covid case on building. That was a day ago,they are keeping me constantly updated and will call today or tomorrow in person. I may have to go in Monday for induction but training will be done at home.
I may not even have to go in Monday. For me the most overwhelming feeling is one of being treated with respect. I think in the early days of this thread it became very clear the impact of working in the private sector as opposed to public sector, it could be literally a matter of life and death.
I'm not saying public automatically equals good and private bad,but its different and very unequal.
I watched the USA presidential inauguration and was greatly moved. Yes,they have unbelievable problems but they have a glimmer of hope.
I think the issue we have in the UK is a government that has crushed hope and no one seems to be effectively challenging them.
In the past year they have have been one step behind doing anything that could make the situation better. Although pleased about vaccine my gut feeling was let's see how they screw this up. Their lack of firm leadership and mixed messages have bought us to where we are.
The constant speculation in the news and just about any live show is exhausting. At times it really does feel like project fear.
Unfortunately the people its aimed at will continue to do as they wish whilst those that are vulnerable and following the rules become more anxious.
Cases in my area have gone through the roof over the past few months. We have gone from being the lowest in the country to in top 20 highest cases! Our local council controversially implied that step out of front door unnecessarily and either you or someone else died(or words to that affect).
I would never disrespect attempts to convey how serious this situation is,but it does make formulating a balanced decision very hard!
Apparently it was revealed that our cases are high due to infections in care homes,which is tragic beyond words.
Cases in our area are also falling.
So yes on Monday I could be taking a risk,but maybe not quite as deathly as assumed.! Time will tell.