The end of June 2019 marks three years since I left the corporate world and set up my own business. Now feels like a good time to pause and reflect. In some ways it feels like a lifetime ago. In other ways it still feels so new. It is a welcome change to just about everything for me and has been an amazing journey.
At first, I supported some HR Directors in my network as a Consultant with a wide range of projects to improve how they recruit. Over time my services have evolved and grown. I began working with individuals who were being made redundant by some of my clients to support them with the change and to help them as they approached the job market. This experience encouraged me to study with Barefoot Coaching. I am now a qualified Coach supporting individuals in a broad range of situations including those in a new role or those who have been recently promoted, or people returning to the corporate world after some time out.
During a sabbatical in Chile, I took some time out to train with Digital Mums in Social Media Management. I now help individuals with their own social media and HR and leadership teams who want to improve how they use LinkedIn in relation to their employer brand.
I have learnt…
- how to slow down. I am calmer, happier and have a more balanced life.
- that being a Consultant and Coach are very different (and in some ways use opposing skill sets).
- that when you don’t get paid a salary you have to be very careful how you spend your time and your money.
The highs…
- I have had the chance to work with some fantastic businesses, teams and individuals and have enjoyed the wide variety of projects I have worked on so far.
- I have enjoyed having the time and space to learn again and realised it was a long time since I had done so.
- I get to wear trainers much more.
The lows…
- I don’t get to go to a work Christmas party. (And those of you who know me well know that I enjoy a party.)
- Sometimes it can be lonely and there is no one to tell when something exciting happens.
- I get sad when projects come to an end (either working with an organisation or an individual) and I don’t get to go on the next step of the journey with them.
If you would like to, please follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. Here’s to the next three years, and beyond!
Photo by Daniel Hjalmarsson on Unsplash