Sitting in my new office, in a new city, on a new continent in a different country than usual; a staff member asked me: ‘Why Are You Here?’.  A seemingly innocuous question that took me aback for a response.

Whoa…. Where Are You?

For those who faithfully follow my blogs (hey, it could happen), you will know that I snowshoe, cycle, hike, blog and generally hang out in north-central Alberta (aka the Edmonton area).  This past week has not been a normal one as I finished work with the Government of Alberta on Friday, hopped on a plane Saturday, landed in Vienna Austria on Sunday and started with an international organisation on Monday, whew.

The role? I am the Deputy Director of an international organization.  Lots more on the organization in coming blogs, but for now, Why am I Here?

Sooo, Why Are You Here?

Over the past two months, it has been a whirlwind both in Alberta and finalizing this sojourn to Central Europe.  So whirlwindy that time for simple questions such as Why Are You Here had barely time to be answered… until now…

Managing your Serendipity

To start, I believe in managed serendipity.  Take a read of the blog from a few years ago, but one theme of this life-philosophy is: a) answer the door when opportunity knocks, and, b) opportunity usually knocks when you are in the bath tub.  In other words, opportunity is seldom convenient.

One thing ends and another begins

The next reason to be here is that I just spent 3.75 years in a very good gig at the Government of Alberta within the Ministry of Advanced Education as the controller for a large IT shop.  A good gig is not the same thing as an easy one; nevertheless, I look back at the body of work my team accomplished with pride.

But, all good things must come to an end and the government has chosen to change how it delivers IT services toward a much more centralized model.  I really do wish the government the very best as it seeks to consolidate this critical function.  I have my own views on the merits of making things bigger but that is no longer my business.  Suffice it to say, when the music stopped I was left without a chair and was just as happy to be left standing.

The intention is to return to the government.  I am a few years away from my first retirement number so my preference is to at least arrive at that number and then see how the world looks.  I enjoy being a member of the Alberta Public Service but sometimes it is important to take a vacation from yourself.

Vienna – Not a Bad Place for a Break

Finally the last but not least reason is because Vienna is a cool city and the organization does important work.  I think there will be lots to learn and I look forward to cycling, walking and exploring this part of the world.

The Downside of Opportunity

Of course nothing is ever free.  The costs include the time and space from family, friends and familiar circumstances.  There is also always a risk of taking a risk.  Although I am guaranteed a job upon my return what it will be is an uncertainty.  Living in a city in which you feel like you are 3-year-old language wise is always humbling (my goal is to speak ‘not-bad’ very-bad German in six months).

Wish me luck and look for more on Vienna, the organization and new adventures.