My junior MM sent his official “Moving on” email last Thursday, 26 November, but he had told me of his imminent departure the week before. In fact, he has asked me to be his reference, so his new employer, a VC fund, had called me up.

This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It finally jolted me into making a decision to leave, to actively start looking for a job. I contacted some head hunters that MM recommended, and the Boy sent out emails on my behalf. So now I’m reworking my CV, drafting answers to potential headhunter/ interviewer questions, printing out reams of research pieces to read up on the various sectors and subsectors that are relevant, reading news and articles about VCs, New Media, cloud computing and general tech stuff. My first choice is VC, second choice is PE and anywhere else. So I have to be different things to different people, a lot of bases to cover. It keeps me busy and occupied, while there is a very short lull in my work, which is great for me. To hedge my bets, I have also signed up for the CFA I exam in June, with an eye on doing asset management post Africa, if my search for a job in VC/ PE before July next year fails. I was also looking into signing up for a French DELF B1 exam as well next year.

The Boy commented: Wow, it’s crazy how much crap you start doing/ looking into when you’re bored!

That’s kind of true.

But I’ve also channelled some of my energies into the Company. Researched into the merits of serif vs. sans serif fonts. Started drafting a very brief engagement letter for our website developer. Looked into the application process for trademarks – UK, EU, US, and the Madrid Agreement/Protocol – it’s crazy how long it takes! We need to start the process soon. – I’ve always been the one in the couple who is more focussed on legalese and contractual protections/ obligations. The Boy always as his head buried in the nuts and bolts of the Company, the engine mechanics, which is all as well. But someone has to be paranoid about everything else. And that role fits me quite well, given my general paranoia and desire to be prepared for every eventuality. Next steps on the Company front will be “Terms & Conditions” and “Privacy Statements” and the like. Not very exciting I know, but the product completion date is approaching, hopefully, and we can launch the Alpha testing phase soon! The Company helps keep my spirits up and provides a dim ray of light while I’m stuck in the ink-blank tunnel of my job.

I’m pushing ahead on all fronts, and hopefully I will get somewhere.