London trip comes to close with hopes of landing new job

I leave for home this Saturday and there is a part of me that wishes I could stay longer. When one is away from home, one has more freedom, especially from the many domestic demands and calls that are an every day occurrence.

Shiro and I have been talking via WhatsApp and she told me how both the children had come down with a heavy flu and she had been spending the sleepless night — with both of them sleeping in her bed.

She told me, “I wish you were here, because we could have shared the tasks.”

I dared not tell her that I was somewhat pleased that I was not there to go through the inconvenience that comes when the children are ill.

I have also been chatting quite a bit with Gacheri who keeps asking me, “when are you coming back? What are you bringing me?” I jokingly responded “ whatever you want my dear?”

Little did I know that she would take this very seriously as she responded a few minutes later with a lengthy list of things she needs including a new phone, perfume and lingerie.

I actually burst out laughing because surely Gacheri cannot expect a married man to transport things like lingerie and perfume. I decided to tame this request and say, “I am a married man, how would I explain this kind of stuff in my luggage.”

Clearly Gacheri had thought it through because she said, “Well I will come pick you at the airport and I can collect the stuff there.”

No way this is going to happen but I was not going to get into a debate with her so I looked for the easier way out and said, “Our training is back-to-back and doubt I will have time to go anywhere and shop but I will do my very best for you.”

I have no intention of buying anything for her mainly because I do not have that much money to shop with and also because I do not want to get into trouble with my wife.

My response seemed to assuage Gacheri who responded with, “thanks sweetie, I knew I could count on you”. I don’t know why but I always feel rather pleased with myself when she calls me sweetie.

Speaking of training, I have really found it very useful and insightful.

When I listen to my classmates, I feel like sometimes we still have miles to go to catch up with what modern corporations are doing.

Some people talked about how they have all manner of IT tools and solutions to monitor and track usage and to maintain the highest levels of integrity and performance.

When I go back I must ensure that I deploy some of these tools so that the bosses can be very impressed with me.

I have made very useful contacts and I do plan on staying in touch even when I go back. Just two days ago one of my colleagues came and told me, “Josphat, I really like the way you look at things, you do have a strategic mindset.”

This was music to my ears especially considering my boss always keeps saying that I need to be more strategic.

This compliment really touched me because it was coming from a guy named Uzo from Nigeria and we do know that Nigerians do not give compliments easily.

So he told me, “have you considered working elsewhere?” to which I responded,” No, but I am always open to possibilities.”

He then gave me the full brief saying, “my cousin works for a headhunter here in London and he told me that they are looking for a person with a strong auditing and procurement background. You seem like such a guy.”

This piqued my interest and he said, “I don’t have all the details but I can arrange for you to meet up with him maybe tomorrow.”

I could not resist this, and so that is why I am now in the Tube with Uzo to meet a recruiter— who knows where this road will lead.