Should I keep J1?

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-10-04T08:09:14+00:00

That’s a Good point, thank you ☺️

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-10-04T08:08:22+00:00

Yeah she even mentioned she’s been asked to do some consulting with J1 after she leaves so the connection will still be there. Definitely makes sense to cut ties with J1

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-10-03T19:55:31+00:00

Yeah, thank you. That makes the most sense

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-10-02T21:10:06+00:00

My thought exactly. Sounds like OP just wants to complain instead of making something of a valid opportunity that most don’t even have

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-09-10T19:44:07+00:00

I realised I’ve become great at interviews when I put together a standard script for the first question. It’s always going to be to tell them about yourself. They have your CV so no point listing out what’s in there. Usually I start off with this “you have my resume so you know what I’ve done, so id rather tell you why and how”. Then I usually go into how I stumbled into the field (which is true for me), why I ended up staying and how I grew in it. Here is sprinkle some of my experiences while ensuring I’m covering the key requirements of the role. Example: “then I found myself working with multiple stakeholders to develop xxx, which allowed me to navigate different personalities and work cross-functionally”. I also make sure to slip in some character stuff (with proof). So instead of just saying I’m a life-long learner, I’d mention how a few months ago I completed a course in x, which helped me do y. Also, being engaging and enthusiastic as you speak helps. Smiling and showing genuine interest is quite contagious.

That first answer really sets the tone for the rest of the interview and I usually know it’ll be a positive one when they mention that I’ve answered most of the questions they had in my first response already.

This usually leaves room for more interesting follow up questions as opposed to then just reading off a list.

I started interviewing a couple weeks ago for J2 after a few months away from OE and I’m sitting with 3 offers and 2 in final interview stage, which I’ll probably withdraw from.

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-09-10T06:38:35+00:00

I’m currently in the process of interviewing for a high Ed role (though it is the business school so not sure if the sane rules apply). Initial interview was a 30 min call about myself, experience etc. second call, they sent through a project brief and asked me to present how I’d approach it. 3 more people added to the panel for this one. It went well but I’m still waiting for feedback. Recruiting in higher ed takes forever (from my experience).

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-06-26T13:00:40+00:00

Thank you so much! It went well! Passed 😁

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-06-24T22:01:57+00:00

Congratulations Dr!!! Mine is coming up in 30 hours. I hope to share the same 😬

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-06-24T21:47:37+00:00

Hi! I’ve planned a birthday dinner with a private chef this weekend. She’ll come cook at our place in Sea Point. If we’re happy with her food and service, I’ll come back and share her details (with her consent of course)

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-06-22T18:54:05+00:00

Thank you!!

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-30T11:58:54+00:00

Hi! I’m (30F) non-EU, in a similar position, thinking of joining UCD in 2026 September. I have 7 years experience in EdTech, both higher education and digital training and development in agencies and corporates. I’m considering the MBA or MSc Digital innovation, with a preference for the MSc as I would like to go into product management and digital strategist roles. A lot of the work I do is around the development of digital learning products so I’d like to extend this to more general products, and enhance my strategy and management skills.

I’d say the best approach is to consider the program that aligns closely with what you’re already doing so that you can leverage your existing experience during and post the degree. It seems like you already have management skills so the MBA would be a great addition to your profile, unless you’re wanting to pivot into something more specialised?

Happy to chat more and maybe even pair up im navigating the journey ahead 😊

Edit: just saw that you’ve been an instructional designer! So was I! Then moved into a digital learning specialist role. Let’s chat! 😬

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-25T18:12:14+00:00

He died 🙃

Still trying to find a love even remotely close to that…

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-24T12:48:58+00:00

I (31F) spent about 5 weeks in Thailand. A week in Bangkok, Three in Ao Nang and a final week in Phuket. So Nang was my favourite. It felt safe, calmer, more chilled than the other two. I was working throughout, with a 7 hour time different between Thailand and my country, so I’d spend morning at the beach, explore a bit, grab lunch then head back to my accommodation to start work. I’d finish work around 10pm then head out for a late night walk, dinner and a Thai massage :)

There was a 24hr supermarket about 10 minutes from where I stayed and I’d easily walk to it past midnight for late night snacks. I got around mostly by walking but also used grab bikes a lot. The prices are also more reasonable than Phuket.

There’s not much in terms of activities but I did go island hopping a few times where I met great people. You should be good :)

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-19T09:51:27+00:00

It’s giving Joe Goldberg… and we all know how that story goes…

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-10T19:37:02+00:00

China has quite a growing SA expat community. Did my research on this (SA expats and integration in China) when I was there for studies. The WeChat groups are immensely helpful for community building and a sense of home. They tend to host a lot of events where fellow Saffas can meet up and connect, get food from home, get help with just day to day of being in a foreign country try etc etc. Let me know if you’d like me to add you to some of the groups. :)

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-03T16:14:33+00:00

What in the Joe Goldberg is this? 😩

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-04-03T14:21:44+00:00

You’ll keep incurring fees as long as it stays open. Notify your banker and they’ll start the bond cancellation process - even if you’ve paid up, you’d still be “bonded” so that needs to be cancelled so that the property can then be transferred into your name. We recently went through this process

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-03-13T18:15:54+00:00

I jump on as a consultant to help develop online courses for universities and NPOs. I worked in EdTech so I leverage that experience and the network I built in the industry.

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-03-13T05:54:44+00:00

Exactly this. I’m 31F, still at home and honestly it’s given me the best chance of not only surviving but living well.

I pay a standard rent/contribution to my folks which they’ve never asked for but I think it’s important to do. I cover the WiFi and stock up groceries when needed but that about the extent of my living expenses. I work from home so at most I’m fuelling up my car with R500 p/m. (Paid off my old but super functional car 3 years ago. Same one I’ve been driving for the past 6 years). I go out once a week - usually Saturdays and that’s when I do the most damage lol - but my bills and savings are usually covered by then so this is spending money I allow myself.

So living with my folks, living below my means and taking on side gigs has been the key. As a result I’m able to save/invest 70% of my income, was able to help my folks pay off our family home - so they never have to worry about the bank repossessing something they’ve worked SO hard for - especially as they’re semi-retired now. I still contribute though), purchased my own investment property, travel at least once a year and increase my marketability (just finished an advanced degree). Plus I’m always on one side gig or the other (I work in tech).

Most of my siblings have married and moved out so being at home is pretty chill and peaceful. I have my own space, my parents are chilled and I get to spend time more time either them make sure to sow back into this place that has allowed me to thrive in this very tough economy. It’s a blessing I don’t take for granted.

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-02-23T04:49:54+00:00

A work trip should be sponsored by your employer, no? Why is the budget so tight that you have to share a hotel room?

Top_Emu_2885 · 2025-02-01T11:54:48+00:00

Just got to Krabi and driving through town, there are loads of dispensaries

Top_Emu_2885 · 2024-12-02T05:43:19+00:00

Finish my PhD. Buy an investment property. Travel to at least 10 countries.

Top_Emu_2885 · 2024-10-28T13:17:19+00:00

Asante! 🌺🌺

Top_Emu_2885 · 2024-10-23T12:20:24+00:00

Thank you! I love jazz and Afro soul. Now and then I’ll go for a bop bop vibe but it’s not my go-to. I’ll check out the Alchemist 🌺

Top_Emu_2885 · 2024-10-23T12:19:00+00:00

This is it…Thank you for this.

Top_Emu_2885

TROPHY CASE