#usletter

After two months off work, it was finally time. As planned, I felt that I needed a break, some time to myself to enjoy life and forget about work. (As we all do sometimes!). So as we rolled into Sept, it was time to work on that CV, update that LinkedIn profile and start connecting with recruiters.

It was hard at first, procrastination is a real life struggle and it becomes harder the longer you leave it. But once you start, momentum gathers and it starts to flow. But I got there and I’m happy to say I’m really pleased with how my Resume represents “me” at moment (I have to thank the Missus for her support on this one, amazing considering how lazy I’ve been). So thanks to all those so far who have helped in my quest (it’s an adventure after all) for a new career in the Six.

But it was when I was cleaning up my work last night that something hit me. Exactly as the title suggests, it was a “Mind Blown” moment and I can’t believe I’ve never come across it before. Now, excuse my ignorance if it is a commonly known variation but I simply did not ever notice it. I just assumed the same, universally. And we know what “Assumming” means right? - My old Manager used to kindly remind me to never make an Ass out of U and Me...

I did always wonder if there was an issue with me, perhaps even my software (?) but it never seemed to fit. Its so subtle that whilst you may “feel” it, you’d probably never give it enough thought to notice.

You see, it’s commonly acknowledged that there are differences in the world in which we operate and live. For example, apart from us in the UK, the Asians in HK and Japan, plus those laid-back Aussies - everyone else drives on the wrong side of road.

But why would there ever be a conflict in the following!? I mean, why don’t they tell us this in school? Or perhaps they do. Any guesses yet? See below:

Nb. The top sheet with the staple is a “US Letter” size and the one underneath it is standard “A4″.

Mind, blown. Be honest with yourself, did you know this difference? Because if you ever work in North America, make sure you change your page layout in Word or nothing will appear as it should (!). I think they need to teach this in school. Yup, for sure.

It’s subtle but it makes a massive difference when it comes to presentation and I must admit, I think it actually looks better. Certainly for my CV anyways (doh! I meant Resume).

But why Paper size? I mean, it was the one consistent in my life. Fuel RON’s may vary, Metric vs. Imperial systems, keyboard layouts with the “@” key in the wrong place - but Paper? Who decided that? Maybe someone was just having an off day.

Well, Mr (or Mrs), you’ve made your mark and if she didn’t tell me (thanks again babe), the format would have probably messed up for my application. I consider myself a detailed-orientated individual but even I missed this one. Which makes me think, what else have I missed? - Letters on a postcard please.

So next time you have to send a file/letter internationally, consider this, “Will the person be able to print it on the other side”? - #firstworldproblems

I hope you all find this trivial because I didn’t. But hey, they do say you learn something new everyday. Call my blog an education, as well as entertainment