Before the ink could even dry on that last blog post,
the five year plan was smeared with tears and ripped to pieces.
For the first time ever, that benevolent Uncle of ours has run out
of linked assignments. Basically, before any winter bidding AIP entry
level officers had a chance at snagging a follow-on position, the
State Department reached its cap for linked assignments.
“This is the first time this has happened, and I’m a little
surprised,” a representative said. “Personally I think it’s a
little unfair to you, since you just bid.”
I guess I owe Uncle Sam a big thank you. I only need to plan one
year into the future now. Just one long, lonely year to plan. Until
next bidding cycle.
Until then, the only thing certain about our future is its
uncertainty. We simply know there will be changes. A new post.
Somewhere in the world. To be determined at some point in the
future.
I hope we have an angel in Washington, D.C. looking out for our next assignment. Just in case, I
should probably make up with Africa.
“Africa, baby, you know I didn’t mean it. Nothing happened. I was just thinking about Europe.”
There are a lot of words to describe how I feel right now,
but I’ll leave you with only one.
Disappointed.
ugh! disappointing indeed! do you bid this summer, or do you have to wait until the next winter cycle? and Africa might just surprise you with some awesome posts! (spoken by someone who bids Africa early and often!)
ReplyDeleteAs of right now, it looks like next winter for bidding. We'll keep you posted.
DeleteI'm disappointed for you. Will keep fingers crossed that the next post is better than your best dreams.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you guys. Aaron and I bid on that position too and now I'm so glad we didn't get it. I hope your still get a great post afterward and hope that there is some other way it can be made up to you. Let us know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! That's really rough timing. This career!! It will be great though. You'll still have credibility...that will count for a lot. And Africa is awesome. No seriously, I mean that.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that Lisa. I was telling Ben about the 5 year plan from yesterday and he promptly informed me that the linked assignments were no longer available. One of his co-workers was one of the last ones to have his approved. He is currently in Kabul and heading to Manilla at the end of his year. I'm so sorry to hear your's didn't work out though. I will keep my fingers crossed for the next bidding cycle for you.
ReplyDeleteBut is your husband still going to Kabul in 2013? Or was that canceled too?
ReplyDeleteHe is still slated for one year in Kabul starting January 2013. What he lost was the opportunity to bid on his job for 2014 now, which was a big incentive for going. It's disappointing, but he's optimistic that things will all work out in the end. We just have to be patient.
DeleteI am sorry, the linked assignment thing is off the table for you guys. Here's hoping you still get something nice. And, I will second Sadie's comment about Africa. There are some African posts that I hear are very nice... Best of luck!
ReplyDelete