a day of interesting messages

 This morning I got an email from Norrbotten Museum. Last spring I had applied for a summer job as an archaeologist for their field season, and never heard anything. Till today.  They explained that they have had complications with scheduling, but that they now have a couple of projects approved, and might I be available to work with them weeks 35-38, and possibly longer? I double checked the calendar, because even though I love the Swedish system of referring to weeks by number, I still need to look at a calendar that shows week numbers to know when they are (luckily, there is an option for that in GoogleCalendar), and confirmed that my job with Umeå University Library starts week 36 (the first week of September). I assume that this means I have to turn down the museum job, but it isn't good to make assumptions without checking them, so the first thing I did was to call my boss at Umeå, who didn't answer. So instead I sent him an email (in Swedish) explaining about the email, and that I assume it isn't an option to accept because I already have a job, but that if it works just as well for them for me to start week 39 instead I would be happy to accept the new offer, too, as then I would get my first practical experience as an archaeologist (as opposed to doing research from the side of my computer). Then I emailed the museum to let them know that I don't yet know if I am available, and explaining what I had asked. He replied thanking me for the fast reply, and letting me know he was also reaching out to other applicants. A bit later I got a text message from my boss at Umeå, asking what was up, and do we need to talk? I replied that I had a quick question and thus had sent him an email, and offered to copy it into a text message, if that is easier for him. He hasn't replied to that yet, and I think he's on vacation just now, so I don't expect a fast reply. Therefore the odds of being able to also accept the museum job are low, but damn, it feels great to have them express interest!

This evening I got an email from the Archaeology Postgraduate Research Coordinator Durham, who has heard from my internal examiner, who has reached out to the external examiner to ask about availability the first week of September. The coordinator says they will be in touch when decisions are made. Given the track record so far trying to schedule this, I am not surprised that they are looking at the same week that I will be starting my new job. Luckily, when one works for a uni it is pretty easy to explain why one might need the time to do a video call for the Viva...

I also got a message from my boss at the cleaning company saying that she accepts my resignation, but I still need to sign their form so that it will be processed by HR.