After a few weeks away, the first few days back in the office are always somewhat challenging. The initial euphoria that I actually have an office - my own office - to return to(:-) ) is quickly offset by my internal gear-change into dealing with problems, requests and various other demands - all which tends to involve a great deal of analysis, thinking and people management. So it's case of getting those things resolved quickly and moving into my preferred mindset of planning, possibilities and positivity :)

Melbourne has been surprisingly wet the last few days. I can't remember seeing so much rain for at least 3 or 4 years (perhaps not surprising given my frequent absence). But I've quickly adopted to life here and it already feels like I've never been away. Funnily enough, I have the same feeling after a few days in Vienna. I wonder how many places one can have that feeling about?

Today was interview (Vorstellung) day at the financial services startup I'm working with here in Vienna.   Initially we're hiring an office manager to manage paperwork, customer enquiries, and general office functions - while we build the structure for the rest of the business.

It was fun to interview in German :) I didn't say too much, but I understood fast alles.   

It never ceases to amaze me how lucky employees are in this socialist part of the world.   5 or 6 weeks paid holiday leave each year, more public holidays than most countries, plus up to 6 weeks paid sick leave.   And 2 months bonus pay in June and December!   But the costs are high.  Someone earning 3000 EUR per month takes home 1852 EUR after tax.   The employer pays another 30% in bonus, tax and social security payments, so the real cost of that employee to the firm is actually 4595 EUR per month.  Amazing.  Naturally the pension and health systems are very generous...