Little life update

Little life update - I've been made redundant. I'm currently on 'gardening leave'. But, that's not what this post is about, not really.

I had a call with a hiring manager earlier this afternoon - at a wonderful local charity - to talk about a couple of available roles. I'd reached out a few days ago to see if we could schedule a chat about the organisation, the culture, the roles themselves. It was a really valuable call, and honestly also the corporate bit of work that I miss most at the moment. It was just two people, who care about making the world a little bit better, having a chat about how to do that. People being people. Interacting. Sharing. Living.

I don't know if that makes any sense. But it was nice, and I enjoyed it. Whatever happens next, I got the opportunity to talk to a nice person about nice things, and hear about some of the fantastic work being done locally. I'm really passionate about the charity sector, so I love hearing about what's going on - whether anything comes of it with work or not. I mean, it is kind of what I do for work anyway, so it always helps to stay up to date with charities.

I really love the area that I work in - Culture and Engagement. It's basically about people having a good time. Like, creating the kind of culture, both at work and in the community, that means that everybody can be their best, most authentic self, without unnecessary barriers.

Disabled people get the adjustments we need; all kids are given good, positive role models to aspire to, and equal opportunities, aware of what their endless possibility is; adults are supported through all stages of their working-life, like to develop skills, change their career, understanding life experience and transferable skills, easier recruitment, or to ease the switch into retirement; different backgrounds and experiences are all accepted and valued; plus, charity work, volunteering, fundraising, events - the fun stuff that makes people actually enjoy going to work Working in Culture is genuinely mint. I really do love what I do.

Anyway, with the redundancy, it's given me a bit of breathing space before deciding what's next.

Obviously France is imminent, but I can be pretty flexible time-wise. I'll never turn down extra time to plan and prep something However, while I wait, I do want to use my brain. I thrive when I have a challenge, a goal, stakeholders. I've loved getting more involved as a school governor recently, and spending time on me - healing, resting, lots of time outdoors! But I'm ready for a challenge: something to own, to really get my teeth into.

I've been able to really positively experience what a good culture is, but equally know what I need and what I don't want. I'm in a good position at the moment in that I've got the wiggle room to be a little selfish with work. It's way too common that we have to just take what we can get, the bills need to be paid and you need a new job, but it's a crappy market out there. You've gotta do what you've gotta do. I'm glad that, right now, I can be picky. I have time to choose the right fit, the right role, and the right people.

I'm really excited about that. I'm a shamelessly corporate girly, I enjoy work and having a career. Strong, independent woman and all that but I actually really enjoy what I do, I love the people I meet, the communities I see being built - good people doing good things.

All that being said, I really enjoyed my coffee chat this afternoon.

I'm excited for this next chapter as I get closer to moving to France. I'm excited about coffee chats with hiring managers, learning about what's going on in the community, but also taking the time to focus on me and the move to France!

It's a really exciting, positive time at the moment and I'm feeling good