I feel happy!

By Devi Clark

Three weeks into work and it feels like masses has happened. Of course, it is still only my sixth day, so all of it is very new and I am just getting to grips with what is going on.

What I do know is that there is lots to be done. The organisation has more work than people to do it, so right from the start I’ve been delivering. In fact, I wrote a project budget to go into a proposal before, I started, a proposal on my second day which was accepted by my third day (or second week). I now have several projects, deadlines looming, a new laptop and a part-time researcher / assistant that I’ll be line managing from next week. Phew!

Last week I felt so overwhelmed by it. Expected to deliver having been under-briefed. But this week things have just fallen into place and I’m starting to enjoy myself.

I am also reassured that my 15-month old is obviouslt having a whale of a time at the childminder’s house. This morning when we arrived and she realised where we were she laughed out loud – something she does when she sees a person or gets to a place she really likes.

And I really do feel like I have a life again. Both Matthew and I are knackered. But I am happy. Yes, I really am. With all life’s imperfections I feel like I am enjoying myself and my family.

My only worry is that Matthew is too busy and taking too much of the strain, enabling my life and paying the mortgage. He is lovely, and would say ‘of course’ to this, but I want him to know that taking care of him is important too. Though I must remember, that I am already being flexible – leaving work at 3.30pm to be back in time to pick up Rosa, and leaving home at 6ish to get in early to make up the hours. So we are both contributing. I just don’t want him to be too tired.

I feel so lucky. There is a great balance for me, of home and work, time with my child and time as an adult without her. It just feels right.

I think this ‘shift’ in my life is probably done for now. As with my previous career changes, it is big in anticipation, fear and stress, and easy in hindsight. Something to remember for the next time!
Tags:

How can we make Careershifters better?

Do you like following our shiftloggers' progress? What else would you like to see on this site?

Give us your feedback

By Tony Li on 18 March 2007 at 13:36

Hi Devi Well I have total admiration for you: not only did you shift careers, but you did it with a baby to think of too. That must have taken some guts! I am in particular awe over the way you were able to say ‘no’ to your boss before you’d even started. A lot of people – including myself – can feel like they’re being obstinate by saying ‘no’. People think that it shows a weak work ethic to their employer. But what happens? The more you say ‘yes’ to the long hours, ‘yes’ to the increased workload, the longer the hours become and the greater the workload. The employer just comes to expect it and you’re not necessarily rewarded for all the hard graft. I’m not surprised that British people work the most unpaid overtime in Europe. We’re being taken for a ride! Ok, now that rant’s over (How can someone so young be so cynical, hey ;). No, my point is that it is important for people to say ‘no’ and I’m glad you’ve documented this in your blog. Sometimes this fear is born from the preconception that employers will naturally be difficult in these kind of matters. A fair amount of the time they’re open to working around your work-life balance, but if you don’t say anything they assume there is no problem. Unlike you, most people would never confront their bosses on their own. Employees usually need to act en masse, and if enough people speak with one voice, changes will happen. But you did that on your own. That shows a great deal of self-respect; to stand up for yourself when no one else is by your side. Well done! Thanks for the advice as well. I'm actually moving out of my flat and moving back with my parents for a brief period before/after going away. My aim is to take the financial pressure off and temp about 3/4 days a week to chip in with the housekeeping, then volunteer somewhere the remainder of the week. Hopefully I'll get some experience and gain a few new contacts; after all, who you know is just as important as what you know!

25 Top Tips to Kick-Start Your Career

Recent comments