How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone? (Bob Dylan of course)

-----------------------------------------------------

My future role at work was decided today, after a few other potential options with some very close calls, that have been handled rather unprofessional from the company (according to me). The disability to communicate in an open and honest way (exceptions exist), is where I'm most critical and also the overall repatriation process (or lack of it) after my expat assignments. I have heard from other ex-expats that the toughest part is to get back in to the organization back home again in a wanted way. Yes, that was true for sure and I also experienced that you are very much on your own without any HR support at all. One setback was that I was considered over-qualified (hard to believe though ...) for most of the positions that I wanted to go for. My achievements in Asia over the last two years, are apparently regarded high and some managers are afraid to engage me as a normal line manager, because they say that they will not be able to satisfy my needs for new challenges over time and they think that I will leave for something more exciting pretty soon. That's what I've been told (after begging for some honest opinions), but I have also clearly stated that I have other prioprites now, being more family oriented and home based when I have 2 small kids again. I don't want to repeat old mistakes. Anyhow, my record is showing a bit of a restless nature with hunger for new stuff all the time. Perhaps that's the truth and I just try to create another picture that would be desirable. Wanted position and true nature/personality might be in conflict a little bit.

For a while in the vacuum of a new clear role this autumn, I felt a bit useless and lost in nowhere, like a rolling stone with no direction ....

Well, from now on I will be a part of a new global Sourcing program, focusing on the Application delivery unit within the new organization. It can be very challenging indeed and of course there will be more interactions with Asia again. The global economy and trend with low-cost sourcing is very interesting and also a very sensitive and delicate topic to discuss with some people. It's a reality that we have to face, so I'm glad to be able to participate. Let's see how I can live up to be a "working class hero" in this role.

---------------------------------------

Theres room at the top they are telling you still
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill
If you want to be like the folks on the hill
A working class hero is something to be
A working class hero is something to be  (John Lennon of course)