This last week has been one of getting paperwork and admin in order in preparation for my D7 visa submission. When I was writing last week’s blog, I was excited to receive my certificate confirming that I don’t have a criminal record. Phew.
Next on the list was my health insurance. It transpires that my annual travel policy has a higher level of cover than is required for my D7 Visa. With the exception of one requirement. My current policy only has a maximum of 90 days consecutively in the Schengen area and I need a minimum of 120 days, preferably 180!
A quick call and it’s all done. A new policy sorted and the old one cancelled. Even with the administration charge, it was still cheaper than taking out a second policy that meets the D7 criteria. Although that would’ve meant I was double insured.
I believe I now have everything for my D7 Visa application.
I’ve been compiling some of the documentation for my D7 over the last few months. Some items can’t be prepared until the week before my appointment to ensure I’ve got the most recent bank statements.
Appointment arranged
And when is my appointment? Thursday 5 May 2022.
Gee. Every week it feels there are huge strides forward.
A couple of weeks ago, I formally gave notice to my employers. That took place on my return from Portugal, but it has now defined my leaving date as 30 June 2022. That time is going to pass very quickly.
Spring brings a host of Bank Holidays including Easter and May Day. This year, because of the Platinum Jubilee to celebrate seventy years of Her Majesty’s reign, we’re all blessed with an extra Bank Holiday in June. Take away all the Bank Holidays and my annual leave holiday entitlement, I only have 39 working days left. That is less than eight weeks.
Not that I’m counting…..
That is no time at all. My approach has already begun to plan to hand things over as there are some projects or work that I simply can’t complete before I leave. It feels as though I’m in a little bit of no-mans-land.
I haven’t taken my foot off the gas. In fact, I’d prefer the pace increased so I can help deliver some great work over the next couple of months. But that also brings challenges.
When I worked as a consultant, the one thing that I didn’t like about the job was I rarely got to see the result of my work. Often I was involved in setting projects up, building a team and confidence, and then handing over to the team that are really able to deliver that work.
One guarantee in life is change
The job I have now has changed significantly from when I started five years ago. That’s great. Working for a single organisation rather than as a consultant appealed so I could see projects the whole way through. I don’t feel I’ve achieved that despite having the ambition to do so.
Feeling like that is fine because I have achieved so much. I know I am better at firefighting and starting things than delivering a final polished project.
That hasn’t come as a surprise, but the recognition that I get excited and work best when I am either firefighting or starting something new means that when I get to Portugal, I must put more effort into finishing the job. Become more of a completer finisher.
Another reminder I am starting a new adventure came this week when my landlord’s letting agent notified me my lease will end on 29 July 2022. As usual, there are two options. Extend the lease. Notify them I plan to leave the property and provide my forwarding address.
I received the notification yesterday and will reply over the next couple of days. There is no rush. But once done, that’s another thing ticked off the list.
Um….. What should I do? Answers in the comments!
And another huge step to Portugal.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read. It’s much appreciated. I have only ever written this blog for myself although to be (as disciplined as I can be) making it public helps drive me on.
Muito obrigado.
Marc
Thank you to Tatiana for the use of the main image.
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Thank you. Muitio obrigado, Marc