It all started back in December last year when I was retrenched. At the time it felt pretty devastating, but I tried to see it as an opportunity to reset and hopefully find something new and exciting.
Not long after, I started working with an IT distributor that seemed like a good fit. I was settling in and beginning to find my rhythm when life took an unexpected turn. Just three months into the role, my mum passed away at the age of 89. Even though she had lived a full life, it was still a huge shock and an incredibly difficult time for my family and me. I ended up taking a month off work. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the best move so soon into a new job, but honestly, there was no alternative—my family needed me, and I needed that time to grieve and deal with everything that came with her passing.
Unfortunately, about a month ago, the company decided they no longer wanted my services. Another kick in the guts, and another reminder of how unpredictable life can be.
Amidst all of this, we’ve also had major renovations happening at home—brand new kitchen, two bathrooms, plus a deck and pergola. The big jobs are done, but as anyone who’s renovated knows, the “little finishing touches” take time and energy. That’s now one of my main focuses, along with working through the process of selling Mum’s house.
For the first time in a while, I’m not rushing straight into the next big thing. My plan is to take a step back, finish what’s on my plate, and then look at easing into something part-time next year. Right now, I think that balance—time for family, time for myself, and time for future opportunities—is exactly what I need.