Work front

Leaving my previous workplace was a good decision. Difficult, but in total definitely a good one. A brave, definite, future-oriented forward-looking decision that it was high time to step.

At the very end of 2021, the glass became full. Finally I grabbed all my belongings being aware that I don't feel like returning and continue  working with those conditions and circumstances newly arisen. Therefore, as a reward, I started 2022 with 2-week sick-leave then we sit down to negotiate how to go on. I told my feelings honestly and finally was asked who do I prefer to quit: either me or the employer itself. Of course, I chose option B so that I can get 3 months of salary after more than 10 years of labour relation as a dismissal pay. Additionally, I was released from work for 55 days of notice period but I got my salary as usual. So my labour relation was stopped on 13/MAR and started to work at the new company from 4/APR. In summary, I can tell that I could get out of DEXON in good time and with good profit. I could get the most out of this situation. Between the two dates I registered myself as officially unemployed, full-time place-hunter.

And then this American multinational agricultural company complex came into view (Dow/DuPont/Pioneer/Corteva). Fortunately, at the very same office park only in a different building. Never better location and also the profile is very close to my current field of interest. Spoken English is much used since my direct manager was from Poland. All differences between a small company and a multinational one were warmly welcomed. I hardly believed the endless freedom comparing with the previous strict control and rules. The first few weeks were not so demanding and also my manager said that she doesn't want me to be overwhelmed with the many different systems they're using and everything. 'Your main job for now is just being here' - she said at the very beginning. Anyway, my workfield was FS&RE (facility service & real estate) and my position was named Facility Service Specialist. After one month things turned. A big project came. We're moving! And for this change, I'm the local responsible person. We change not only location but also concept: we move from closed office area to open office, and to half a space. I looked for such professional architect companies who design & build at the same time and have project manager, and of course all speak English well. We started negotiations with those companies with Magda and the funds needed to laid down very quickly. Once the most favourable location was found, we needed to hurry with the spaceplan to reserve it. We also had to be careful with the termination deadline of our current lease. Everything needed to be done in a hurry and squeeze the whole into 6 months. The new office is a newly built modern complex (with running track on top) but totally empty space very close to my house, in the direction of Budapest. Till the contracts were not signed, it was a top secret project and with priority. I strated to work a lot; 10 hours at least every day, rarely it happened even more. Why? Basically, I had my own work field with own tasks that I was applied for and then this moving project came which needed to be handled before every other. As I was new at the company within trial period with no routine, things went slower than would go in normal - all took time, much time because I did not want to make mistakes, so rather checked everything twice or asked to make sure.

I started to feel a bit uncomfortable, but at least experienced Magda was there and could ask anything I wanted and she replied readily. I just organized her next personal visit to Hungary when she wrote on the previous day before her arrival that she won't be able to come due to circumstances beyond her and we should keep on the project as originally planned. Then I heard nothing about her for 10 days, only gossips. Finally, she contacted me in private and explained the whole situation - she was not allowed to do it earlier. Her role was cancelled with immediate effect, after 10+ years. As the bigger part of FSRE team was touched, confidentiality was required. "...I can imagine that the project will be further managed by you and Eric, so I'm sure that everything will go smoothly. You are smart, well organized and creative person, so I believe you will close everything successfully... Stay strong, brave and believe in yourself, Magda" So this was the first big dipappointment in the company. I understand that working for such corporation we need to count such organozational changes, but the way how it was done is very questionable. Next disappointment, my position was also cancelled. And my direct colleague's from the reception also. She was moved to another dept and I got her tasks, too. Funny. I seriously played with the idea of quitting. Then I calmed myself and chose the strategy of carry on and waiting. I finish the project (can be a very good reference), see the new office built up, meanwhile enjoy and utilize the allowances that such a huge company can offer. The closer the year end comes, the more questions arise regarding the move. The colleagues are said to work from home from the beginning of December till end of January. The official move in will happen in February. And that time, I will go on holiday. Probably alone. Probably to Japan. To see hanami and the sunrise from Mt. Fuji. What is sure, so far and so long. (I was only a hair's breadth away to pay for a journey to Nepal between 8-20/OCT. The country lead also let me go when I optionally asked. Finally I changed my mind and decided to stay because I know well that this is something that can be a source of problem generated to myself by myself and I would regret in a later phase.) Patience. Everything comes to her who waits.

Two short trips in April-May, 2022

 

ROAMING IN ŐRSÉG

This wonderful land with forests and meadows can be found in the southwest corner of Vas county. The region takes its name Őrség from the guardians who in order to defend the western gates, built watch posts across this land. Over the centuries, the landscape has been shaped by farming on small sections keeping harmony in relations with nature and maintaining diversity.

Before I visit Őrség, there were a couple of things in my mind that I made equal with this area. Nature, hiking, huge forests... And actually, all are about hills and valleys engraved by brooks, deciduous forests and pinewoods, fresh and green meadows, marshlands preserving plants from the ice age, and crystal clean spring-heads and brooks vary. The silence and the fresh air, the cultural traditions and customs what are reserved in an unchanged way, attract the visitors.

The main purpose of my visit was to check in a top restaurant named Pajta. It is in connection with my degree work and also with its "afterlife" in the form of a publication worked out together with my ex-consultant. So I needed to try it personally. Pajta is also equal with Őrség. They use what they have in the nature they live in - based on farm-to-table conception. Honestly, I wasn't disappointed, much rather amazed.

 

Culinary enjoyables were of much wider scope than I thought: small-scale producers' market right next to our apartment in the morning twice a week, and to our biggest surprise and pleasure, we could feast our eyes from our balcony seeing very well ordered kitchen garden, full of different flowers and vegetables.

We also made a short trip beyond the country: Slovenia is also something that is worth exploring.

 

DANISH PRESENT

The trip was dedicated on hand to Dominik, as an elementary school leaver's present. On the other hand it was Nolen's first flight. Dominik's ancient wish was to spend some time with classmates in a place where they can try some rides together. Finally, we were 15 of us on the plane to be landed in Billund at the end of May. 

For such number of people I organized everything to be in walking distance. Right after landing we could walk to Legoland, after Legoland we could walk to our accomodation at the end of the day. From our unique barrel-shaped apartments we could walk to enhanting Lalandia on the following day. On the first day, the rain wanted to discourage us but tried in vain. Although, the team was disintegrated but still everybody had real fun. We especially enjoyed the new part, themed Lego Movie World including Emmet's Flying Adventure (Scandinavia's first flying theater) which is very similar ride/flight to Soarin' over California that we experienced and so much enjoyed in the US years ago. Emmet's special two-storied couch could not be missing as well. The guys also enjoyed the Apocalypseburg Sky Battle's interactive ride where they rose 14 meters into the air in their own plane. Flew head down, made loops and turned 360 degrees. 

 

I'm quite proud of myself to try everything I did not dare before due to lack of courage. Same in Lalandia. They could persuade me to try even the most hair-raising slide. How it felt? I just did it. And that's all. Proudness for a minute. Not a long lasting thrilling feeling like eg. a Balaton round by bike within a day can cause. I think I will still not force those slides in the future. Do those, who really enjoy it. I survive it and this is definitely not something that entirely makes me happy. Rather leave it for thrill seekers, for the real fun of such rides.

 

 

Back to the AIR

Flight trip as a milestone. The very first flight after the world has just recovered from COV-19. Recently there is another sad thing that the world had to deal with: the war between Russia and Ukraine, but for now I do not intend to go into details about it (many Ukranien were on board to Billund).

Milestone, just like the Tunisian one many years ago which was my very first flight in two with my 4-year-old Dominik. From different point of view, but it felt a little bit same. I hardly wanted to believe that now I can travel by air - on one hand after 4 years and on other hand without any restriction. Neither vaccination certificate nor negative tests were required. Huge hurray to Denmark that the country returned to the life before the virus arose.

The primary aim of this flight was to let my godmother know how it feels in the air. At her age of 60, my present was a flight trip for her because she always said she does not want to die without trying sitting on an airplane, above the clouds. At that time, Nolen was too young to leave here, then the virus came, so we had no chance to fly but now we did. I decided to make her dream come true. Good timing, I'm off work. Not a big issue for me but a lifelong experience for her.

Everything went smooth, too smooth. She sat right next to window there and back and hardly could get enough of the high-altitude perspective. She also could experience a couple of brand new things.

She is very very thankful for me, and I am very very thankful to Zoli. He helped us a lot to carry out this nice trip and to make it unforgettable. Compliant, obliging, generous, caring and I could further enumarate his kind attitude. He also let us in his workplace; a feather duvet factory. Extra special experience for my godmother who also worked in the industry for many years. That Thursday night at Zoli surely remains memorable from the creepy movie of 'Quite place' and 'pizzasalat'. 

As usual, Zoli lend me his car, more exactly his swapped car because he even thought of our comfort and got a 5-door one instead of his 3-door one. I really appreciate his trust in me. And I'm really proud of him, how he made his life in Denmark many years ago and how he managed to adopt the Danish lifestyle.

The main thing was flying but of course, we could not go home without visiting one or two places. Or three... This time we went North, to Aarhus, among the oldest cities and second largest in Denmark. The harbour is a major attraction in itself with iconic buildings. In recent years, Aarhus has experienced a large demand in housing and offices, spurring a construction boom in some parts of the city. Anyway, I could summarize the whole country with the following three words: culture, nature, architecture. Culture, under which I mainly mean the kind habitude of the Danish people with a smile; under nature I mean they try to preserve the nature (and the bees) and are pioneers in green thinking. 

A little bit more about architecture which mostly amazed me this time. Danish architecture traces its roots to Viking military encampments. These constructions are ramarkable for their circular ramparts. Ironically, the most famous example of Danish architecture is not in Denmark - it's in Australia, the Opera House in Sydney. The Danish contemporary architecture is known for its focus on people; prioritises natural light, sustainable energy systems and a comfortable environment for the people using the building, either for working or living. 

We visited Moesgaard Museum that has three Michelin stars in the Michelin attraction's guide. It presents the past in a magnificent architectural setting that makes for a world-class museum experience. I also wanted to see another architectonic gemstone, the Iceberg, which is a unique apartment building constructed in a way that provides optimum sea view.

So Denmark is Denmark. Not in vain the second happiest country of the world. As they say, not second but the first.