myBlog No 2 "What do i want my working life to look like"

As I start to ponder my options and reasons for wanting to change anything, I need to have some idea of what I want and reflect on a few key questions. For example,  'what do I do now, what would I like to do and where or with who would I like to work?" This way I am able to start building a 'picture or visuals' of what changes or decisions I need to make and steps I should take - these questions may even help me decide to stay right where I am (for now) and feel happier about being there!
 
I know and have known for many years - perhaps even before it was fashionable, that I 'love' a flexible and varied working week. Perhaps this stems from juggling home, family, full time and part time work in my 30's when I worked 'long and hard' and yet had a variety of 'roles and responsibilities'. I also 'love' managers who respect that my work will be done, is done and can be done in 'my time' as well as theirs'.

 As a social, behavioural and relationship based learner I want to meet people in different 'places and spaces' eg cafes, at home, in other workplaces - almost anywhere that is not office bound or limited to 9 - 5. I am not and never will be someone who works to a 'time clock', especially when monitored by a bureaucracy or 'micro' manager! I want to work either side of 9 or 5 p.m. or weekends or at night, so I am able to respond to my own body clock and other commitments including family, exercise and health.

 It's important for me to work with people who have similar passions and philosophies, and who are helpful, supportive and receptive to new ideas. Professional conversations add so much more to the work day and some of the best decisions, actions and planning can be done over coffee, meals and alcoholic 'beverages'!

 Amanda Ellis in 'Women's Business Women's Wealth suggests you think about how you would like to be remembered and what would you like to achieve? Like Steven Covey in 'The 7 habits for successful living' she encourages you to write your own 'obituary' - wow what an experience that is! Here is mine (perhaps someone will adapt it when the time comes!)

 "As a little girl Judy was drawn to caring for others especially babies. Babysitting and church Sunday school were avenues she chose as a 10 - 12 year old - as a pre schooler she spent endless hours on the porch feeding teddies and her one and only 'bride' doll.

 In year 9 she found out about Mothercraft Nursing and was relentless in her pursuit of this as a career. She devoted much of her life caring for children and families, later supporting child care training and education as a VET Practitioner for over 20 years.

 She valued friends and became a mother at 26 at a time when women were still grappling with work and career along with parenting. While not without struggles she managed to parent 2 beautiful girls while balancing study with work and home. Finally achieving a degree which alongside of teaching enabled her to financially support her family as a single parent.

 Judy was at times 'single minded', like a 'dog with a bone' she'd say - determined, while putting children and partners first on many occasions. She was passionate at work and enjoyed challenges, independence, recognition and mentoring.

 Over a ten year journey Judy wrote and self published a book to achieve a personal goal, launching and promoting the book amongst friends and local book stores..."

 

I'll stop the 'obituary' here although there is of course more! I mainly wanted to show how as we reflect on our lives we may see patterns emerge, feelings surface and even reach an acceptance of 'what is or what was'. Finally, by writing this I have been able to see perhaps the capabilities and qualities I have developed (or perhaps was born with!) and have helped me move through good and difficult times.

 As I continued on with the obituary I was also able to identify some future aspirations and 'dare to dream' eg: writing a second book, owning a book cafe, investing in property and travel. It shows me that while I may or may not fulfil my dreams, I still have opportunities, choices and time to achieve other things and/or simply enjoy the journey!

and so now...what do I want to do with the rest of my working life?

My life and 'dare to dream'

This year as I review 'my life and dare to dream', the top ten goals I've identified are:

· take 6 months off work

· write a second book

· invest in another property

· take short holidays at least 4 times a year

· buy/lease a book shop with cafe and diverse range of other products/services and resources

· promote my book interstate

· go horse riding on the beach

· go on an overseas trip

· work from home in my own coaching/mentoring, training and development business and 'consultant/presenter'

· eat well and get fit; have fun and be happy 'in myself'

Many of these have been long term goals and many will continue to be moved forward and reviewed each year. Some I need, some are for security, others to make money, yet others to create a life balance and have more autonomy as I begin to ponder my future lifestyle (which is fast approaching retirement! ugggh!)

 

Where has the time gone and where is it going? My 80 year old Mum today tells my daughter she is 'writing letters to people' so that one day they might be found and the very art of 'hand writing' (human writing she calls it) let alone the stories she tells in her letters will be remembered.

 

This made me think again of what do any of us leave behind and the 'meaning of life'! I've been watching a series on SBS called "Sex, death and the Meaning of Life" and Mum and I 'philosophise' about this almost every Saturday when sitting for our second coffee at Michel's cafe.

 

I love these times with Mum, and it's then that I'm inspired to appreciate what I have, who I am and what I do; realising that while we can plan and control certain aspects of life and love, for the most part 'the die is cast' and a plan is only ever a plan, not a blueprint. Mum has no regrets she tells me, except that she wanted to be a ballet dancer and go to Paris!

 

While her family, friends and children think she deserved so much more in life I try to understand she truly feels she has led a fulfilling life, one that sees her loved and respected by all those who know her, and many who don't...like the retail staff in our local chemist, and the doctors receptionist and the podiatrist she sees - they tell me 'your mum is so so lovely and such a nice person, we love it when she comes to the shop' etc - Mum has a way of making everyone she meets feel special and important in her life.

 

As I reflect on 'the meaning of life', my chats with Mum and recall my memories of growing up - I think about what does make life worthwhile, fulfilling and what makes 'me' happy? It's here I come back to the list above and a more immediate need to consider and that is: 'what do I want in my working life??

 

In my next blog entry I will ask myself this question and 'what will my working life look like now and into the next decade?!