Bidding...Again...

The dart board strikes again! Here's a map that shows a few places I'm bidding on (no, it's not a map of some sinister terrorist plot...red just shows up nice):I got the bid list on August 26, and our bids are due on October 20. The new rules state that no 'handshakes' can be made for non-harship posts until all the hardship posts are filled. Once bids are turned in, I could find out right away about my assignment, or it could be as late as March 2007. Everything I'm bidding on (except Japan) is a hardship assignment, which unfortunately means I might get offered a hardship in November take it, rather than waiting around to see if I get Japan. You don't want to be without an assignment at the end of bidding...unassigned people get the leftovers that nobody else wanted.

The bidding process is still shrouded in a cloud of mystery and old traditions but I'm starting to get the hang of it. I'm also becoming superstitious about the process...it's bad luck to talk too openly about it. You have to be coy when discussing bidding with others, just in case they're also interested in the job you want. Heaven forbid you should tell any of the prospective boses where they rank on your list - if your back up job finds out that its not your first choice, the assignment officers will drop you from their list. Talk about having to be diplomatic.

I'll let you all know when I know. Just keep in mind, the assignment is never official until you're on the plane (and even then, I've heard a story or two...).