My working life has always been important to me. People often advise me that a job should not define me as a person, but I am not sure about that. I had after school jobs from an early age and have always progressed from one role to another, one experience to another, generally for positive, progressive or change in direction type reasons. I have also been fortunate to have combined lots of different types of work experiences. A diversity in my professional life has been complimented by having a go at other things that interest me, including running a few small businesses, that were driven by interest and energy rather than professional pathways.
All in all I have always been employed, generally try to do a well-respected job and always hope that I will leave a legacy of good after my effort. My father instilled a strong work ethic and I am not afraid to put in the hours. I am committed to mentoring younger women, every opportunity I can.
It is well discussed that there should be work life balance and as I said earlier, that one should never be defined by their job, role or title. Personally, I struggle with this somewhat - for me it is all intertwined to create that tapestry that is each person’s story. Never have I tried to imagine retirement and I don’t know what that concept means for people. I see me as a much better version of myself, when I am doing something that I feel contributes to good for others. I like being a leader, but know that I am only that if others want to be part of the team I lead. Reflection on this makes me realise that I am tough, but I try to be fair. Recent times have exposed me to some experiences that have definitely been incredible learning curves.
I have even learnt that some people can be experts about you, hold and share opinions about you based on no facts and cast terrible misrepresentations to others about you, which hold no accuracy …. All this without ever having actually met you. Maybe this is what it is like to be a celebrity ...! ?
So here I am again, back at PCH deciding what is next - reinvent or try for more of the same or go crazy with new ideas?
The first post on my blog was July 2012. I re-read it just now and WOW! Amazing to think I am in a similar situation … again. Since that time I have had 2 CEO roles, 3 Board Director roles, opened and managed Plough Creek Cooking School, delivered various consultancies and studied and achieved a “bucket list item” of becoming a Registered Celebrant.
PCH has been the venue to host many wonderful occasions and events. The seasons have come and gone – each delivering their own beauty. Births, deaths and marriages in the last 5 years have shaped my heart and head in ways I would never have contemplated.
And, here I am wondering what will be next?
Tiny bit anxious, but a whole big excited, at the prospect of next chapter.
#allyouneedislove
DC x