The Strange World of Axel Fendersson

More or less since leaving Southampton, I have had some inclination that I might try and finish my degree via part-time study through the Open University or similar. However, this seemed like something I ought to leave for a few years, both because I needed a break from studying, and because it seemed like I [...]

I think, if I am going to have any kind of social life again before I reach middle-age, I really need to move out of Witney. I do not make friends easily. Partly this is because I am introverted and shy, and it takes me a long time to get to know anyone. But partly [...]

What really is the point of interviews? All they test is whether the candidates can give the right bullshit answers to the interviewers’ stupid bullshit questions, and whether they come across as likeable in person. All they do is ensure that jobs go to charismatic people who are good at bullshitting. Speaking as someone with [...]

Since I started dancing, I’ve been looking on the internet for videos. There’s quite a lot of useful instructional material on the ‘net; one site that’s particularly good is www.danceyourselfdizzy.com. Unfortunately, without a partner to practice with at home there’s not that much I can learn from online videos, but I’ve been able to pick [...]

Well, tonight was my last night at Jive+ as a beginner. After two months I have been advised that next week I should try the intermediate class. Which is good. As of last week, I have done all of the moves that Jive+ classify as being for beginners (other places have slightly different sets of [...]

Hmm. Well, the first job application I’ve submitted since I revised my CV has led to an interview. Not sure whether that’s a coincidence or whether having an excuse for the past eighteen months does actually mean that I look employable again. It’s for a job as a lab technician at Oxford University’s chemistry department. [...]

I have taken up a new pastime: modern jive dancing. Dancing of any kind has always been something I’ve been terrified to do. It’s just so…revealing. To be expressing yourself with your whole body. There’s just so much potential to look ridiculous. I don’t mind looking ridiculous, but it has to be on my terms. [...]

I have a problem. I have spent the last 18 months unemployed. There is nothing on my CV more recent than 2008. And so when applying for jobs, a lot of employers will see this, assume I’m a work-shy slacker and bin my application. They’re not completely wrong. For a good while I was only [...]

I am sick of being unemployed. I am sick of feeling useless and inadequate. I am sick of being bored because I have copious free time but rarely have the money to do anything with it. I am sick of being lonely because I cannot afford to visit my existing friends who live long distances [...]

According to a popular online dating website, “At Match we’re proud that every day 160 members leave us … as couples.” That does sound pretty good. But how did they get that figure? Fortunately, thanks to trading standards laws, there’s a handy footnote explaining. According to a poll of 1000 people who had ended their [...]