Google has put up my monthly subscription. I understand that prices go up, especially in times of higher inflation, yet the amount has gone up considerably, at least in percentage terms. The reason given is that many more new features have been added to the functionality, especially around AI. The problem is that I didn’t … Continue reading The price of AI
Another bank closes
It’s a long story but I ended up with a cheque in dollars. Trying to do something with it has been a faff. I couldn’t do anything with it through the app (only cheques in pounds are accepted) and there is no longer a branch of my bank in my home town. The next time … Continue reading Another bank closes
Tasks in hand
Image thanks to Freepik I don’t want to be a retirement bore, perhaps that ship has already sailed, yet I want to capture the little differences that are happening to me as I pull away from the shoreline of work. Two things have stood out for me so far. The first is one that everyone … Continue reading Tasks in hand
Who’s thanking who?
Image thanks to Inspired Pencil It’s now more than a fortnight since I officially retired. So far I have managed to avoid going back to work (OK, I did help out a friend with some BSides stuff) and the odds of me returning by Christmas are lengthening. The first few days were a bit of … Continue reading Who’s thanking who?
Technology Bauhaus
Image thanks to architectiroma The North East needs a Technology Bauhaus. At times the region dwells in the past. We talk about ship building and mining as if these things happened yesterday yet, if you are in your forties you have never seen these industries. Such industries are over and are never coming back in … Continue reading Technology Bauhaus
Retired
Today, everything has changed yet it has all stayed the same. This is my first day of retirement yet life goes on around me. The sun has come out and all is good with the world. As if! I’ve still got plenty to do but there are no emails to reply to and no tasks … Continue reading Retired
Universities, please talk more
I thought I was going to have to drive into work last week as I was due to visit Durham University's Business School at Millhill Lane. It’s a good three kilometer walk from the rail station and there are a lot of hills to contend with. Checking my diary, which is always a good thing … Continue reading Universities, please talk more
Leaving do
I must say that a leaving do has never really been my thing. I’m not sure why yet every time I have left a job, in brilliant sunshine or under a cloud, I have just left without the seemingly requisite party. Plenty of goodbyes but none of the hanging around, present giving or speech making. … Continue reading Leaving do
Countdown
With only three weeks to go, my impending retirement is getting closer and closer. Although I (we) have been planning this for almost two years now it has suddenly come upon me. I’ve been telling everyone who would listen that I was going and have added the fact as part of my signature. It is … Continue reading Countdown
Writing policies
Image thanks to Sheaws CyberNorth is undergoing a big change. Just as I am about to leave, indeed just after I will have left, it is taking the enormous step of employing people. Up to this point, everyone engaged with the company has either been contracted or provided their services for free. This feels like … Continue reading Writing policies
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 