This seems like a very ego-centric thing to do, my own blog. A friend of mine calls herself an "over-sharer". I'm not one to share a lot of my thoughts or even goings on. But here goes; this is to capture my journey and is for me. If anyone else wants to join in they are welcome (very welcome if comments are constructive).
"Redundant", "excess to requirements". As someone who judged her work performance on "did I add value today", these were difficult terms to process. It really was a case of working myself through the stages of grief. Some were faster than others, and periodically I pop back to revisit an earlier emotion. Like last week when I saw a job being advertised at my former agency with a significant part of my "education function" bundled up with a communications role. Bitterness resurfaced, but only briefly.
When I knew I was redundant but still had weeks or even months to go - how do I ensure I am still meaningfully engaged and yet also process and honour my emotions? As the sole Learning and Development practitioner, I tried to focus on what did I want as my legacy? What behaviour did I want to model for other staff during these unsettling times? I admit I did take the odd mental health day so I could maintain this approach.
I panicked when first facing not being employed after 25 years in the public service and applied for the first job I saw that I thought sounded good. Everyone said I was crazy. Take a break they said. A holiday, potter in your garden, play with your cat, anything but launch straight into job seeking. I got culled. It was probably a good thing. I've given myself permission to not start looking for work until after Easter and am taking this time as a rare and special opportunity to reflect, relax and focus on personal and professional development.
Being an educator, of course I did a mind map to "make every day count". My greatest fear was lying on the couch watching day time television and my bottom getting bigger. I dont need to worry.
I meant to laminate my mind map and keep it in my face. I forgot. So here's my one month review:
- Job seeking - yes reviewing alerts from SEEK, APS, and NCOSS but just to get a feel for what is out there. Deferring others for now.
- Relationships - Doing great with socialising. Entertaining, visiting, baking, drinking - all happening. Good healthy contacts both in the flesh and online.
- Health - well gym 3-4 times per week, cycling regularly (until Sunday when the handle bars 'broke'), started running app (0-5K). Walking where ever and whenever I can. Oops forgot about meal plan, too much entertaining and socialising.
- Professional development - going great with social media and e-learning design course plus other webinars through the wonderful Gail and Rory.
- Home life - no time to declutter. I've got a blog to write now.... Just maintain order, that's enough.
