The Bagbys Are Moving to London
As some of you know, my wife Carrie works for American Express in Arizona. Recently she was offered a great career opportunity in London and we have decided to pursue it. It was a very difficult decision for us on many levels. First and foremost, we are leaving behind our friends and family who mean the world to us. Secondly, I have to leave my job with Microsoft and DPE (Developer and Platform Evangelism). For over 3 years, I have had the privilege to work for the finest organization in the world with the best team I could imagine. I am not embellishing when I tell you that for 3 years I have loved going to work. This job will be hard to equal.
We are both looking forward to the adventure of living in another country, embracing another culture. What you might not know is that Carrie and I met at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Business, where we both earned Masters Degrees in International Finance. I know what you’re thinking… Bagby? Finance? I was young. I needed the money. Seriously, Carrie and I have always had a passion for experiencing other cultures. I spent a summer studying German at The University of Heidelberg and a winter in Vienna, while Carrie spent a summer studying Spanish in Spain. Were a bit older now and not so quick on the uptake, so it is nice that we are moving somewhere where we already know the language.
Carrie has started her new job here in Arizona and has committed to being in London in early January. As such, Carrie, Jack and I will heading “across the pond” sometime in early December. I will continue in my current position until then. I am not yet sure what I will be doing when we get to London. Various opportunities have presented themselves thanks to the many friends I have made along the way at Microsoft.
I’ll keep everyone apprised when things are more solid.
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Well for my part, it has been a pleasure and honor to work with you these past few years, especially in Vegas where you helped me win $600 worth of pleasure at the blackjack tables. Looking forward to hearing about the next chapter, and especially looking forward to hearing you with a bastardized Cockney accent in a few years.
Hey Rob,
Good for you! I know you’ll enjoy the UK – although you might find that you don’t know the language as well as you thought. (I remember our shock when my very British uncle asked my wife, “What time shall I knock you up in the morning?” )
I’m surprised that Microsoft hasn’t already offered to let you telecommute from anywhere in the world. You do very good work, you’re well-respected because you know your stuff, and MS would be wise to accomodate you in any reasonable way.
Ken
Best of luck to you and your family!
I hope the pilots go on strike in late November!!!
Congtratulations to you both. Microsoft’s loss will be London’s gain. You may definitely wish to purchase a British/American dictionary. As Churchhill once stated “we are two countries separated by a common language.” Here is a preview of what you are in for:
Fag = Cigarrette (I nearly decked the first guy that asked me for a fag at Heathrow)
Boot = Car trunk
Wing = Car fender
Napkin = A female sanitary product (You WILL get odd looks in a restaraunt if you ask for a napkin)
Near side = Drivers side
Far sid = Passengers side
Lift = Elevator
Pram = Baby carriage
Randy = Say this one only to your wife or you may get slapped
Telly = TV (yes you pay an extra tax for having one)
Knock you Up = I’ll come to your door and knock
Much more. Have fun and best of luck to you both, the Brits are a wonderful group of people and England is a beautiful country.
I sure will miss your presentations here in Phoenix and I’ve learned a great deal each time. And I hope you’ll continue writing good posts. I still wear the WCF dog shirt I got from you. Best of luck, you’ll be missed! Thanks! Appreciate it!
Rob,
I guess this means you won’t present in SLC in the near future. I’ve only attended 1 of your MS Events (Securing ASP.NET Apps) in NV & seen all your webcasts on JSON. Really cool stuff. There was much to gain from your presentations because of the way you presented & the amount of material you covered. And, reading your blog has always been full of great info & always well expressed. You really have a knack for presenting & communicating coding techniques in an interesting fashion, like in plain old professional business-speak. Thanks again & happy trails (watch out for the low branches).
Hey Rob – drop me a line – I have some info for you.
I’m sure you will make good use of the time abroad. Sounds like a great opportunity that just can’t be passed up. Keep blogging and most importantly, don’t let them forget…