Spouse Kick-off

I have been asked to attend the WBFN (World Bank Family Network) Introduction coffee morning a few times, kindly but after the latest phone call I felt I should at least show up.

For those who know me well - it is not really my thing. To begin with - I do not drink coffee and absolutely hate the smell of it in a crowded conference room. Then, I don't really mix with "spouses". I can't see that I have that much in common with wives that follows their husband around the world taking care of the kiddies and goes to coffee mornings. And, finally - they expect me to show up at 10am ETS, which is prime working hours in Europe (and I am still doing my old job remotely).

However, I did make the effort. Brought my own bottle of coke, wifi -password (so I could check work mail) and tried to look interested. As I have been around for 4 months I already know quite a bit about DC living and being a " World Bank Spouse", but was hoping to get a question or two in at some point.

The meeting started off as expected. Several people were late (including presenters) - no meeting etiquette here. Most were female spouses, but a few men had made it and several brought their kids! Presentation was mainly focused on what had been sent out as introduction material previously and what could be read at the website. They tried to promote volunteering for various groups and in general spending your spare time helping out with organizing activities. However, after the first 90 minutes it got more interesting. A lady from HR came to talk about their program helping spouses get work and how we go about applying for jobs in the World Bank Intranet! How to get an access pass that gets me into all World Bank offices in DC including IFC and IMF without having to be escorted (I have one) and using the World Bank WiFi, library and computers.

Then this American lady (who just returned from France and Switzerland - so still was considered new) asked about Social Networking, on-line discussion forums and similar practical issues. That brought up the fact that there is a knowledge exchange forum which I think will be very interesting once I get access. So all-in-all it was a useful couple of hours and I quite enjoyed the finale.