Today marked the first day of the rest of my life. Or my second life. Not sure, not sure what you call it when your role is made redundant and you leave the organisation you've worked for, in a range of roles, for the last 14 and a half years, or the whole of your adult working life.
But I've been looked after and so I'm lucky to be able to afford to take a few months off to work out what I want to do next - which I'm pretty happy about really. Sad, of course, to be leaving work and most particularly my work buddies, but it's not like I can't see them any more. And now I've got lots of time to work on the house and especially the garden (not to mention my knitting!).
My first day of "freedom" started off like this:
Breakfast and the newspaper on the sunny front verandah. Nelly thought it looked good so she joined me.
I made the first of my daily to-do lists - I think this is important because I know from experience that if I have a day off without any goals, I will achieve nothing (well, excespt a lot of tv watching and knitting!)
Did some important reading (one of my farewell gifts from the lovely Ms S):
(because mabye if I'm the bestest housewife ever, husby won't want me to go back to paid employment!)
And ended the day with a bit more sunshine:
Which I'll tell you more about in my next post - and yes, you can expect some more regular posting from me now!
33 comments:
That's such a nice way to look at it. And I shall very much look forward to lots of regular posting from you!
Oh, gosh, Jane! What big news! I had no idea! Hope you're OK? (And yes, regular posting will be a great thing for the rest of us - what are you making?)
So glad you are feeling positive!! Love the book, and nice knitting!! Have a happy sabbatical!!
goodness!
(goodness gracious! and good knitting times)
I think that 2paw's classification as "sabbatical" is a very healthy way of looking at it.
And I think maybe I should try your "list" idea. My days disappear without trace.
Wow! What incredible news! I hope you enjoy your time off and fully relish in the lack of obligation.
A "sabbatical" is a wonderful thing. I'm glad I'm not the only one whose days can melt away without a list.
A sabbatical is a great way to look at it as 2paw says. Having been there a few years ago now it is a strange feeling to have your days ahead of you without work as a factor.
The lists are a good idea. Enjoy the days though they are a geat time to breathe.
Oh, that book looks like great fun. I hope you share the wisdom you glean from it. I am a terrible housewife but a pretty good mother, and luckily that seems to be okay with everyone here. :-) I say, don't set the standards too high on the housewife thing, or you'll have no knitting time!!
Enjoy your sabbatical. I am beginning to wonder what the hell I did with all my time when I had some... make good use of yours!!
you are being very good about it, and i thoroughly believe new doors will open. in the meantime, there is nothing wrong with lots of knitting. perhaps you can bribe husby with some stunning jumpers?!
your glass sounds more than half full, you have such a great perspective.
enjoy this time for what it is, and make the most of being able to write your own script, especially after 14+ years!
You're taking it very well. On day 2 I was still nursing a hangover. :)
But kudos for having an optimistic attitude and for making the best of the situation!
All the best for your 'second life'. As someone who's made a number of new starts across my life I know it can often take you off in wonderful and unexpected directions.
The word verification for this post is (most appropriately) 'undull'. May I wish you an undull future!
Gosh, big news. That must have been a shock. I have been in the same place all MY adult working life too, and I sometimes think that I'll only budge if forced to.
I'm a bit jealous of your time actually, but I know the grass is always greener!
I am so jealous of your gorgeous day - and good luck with your new start. There is always work, as a freelancer for over 14 years I can say that if you want work it is there, and sometimes fromt he oddest places. Enjoy - and now I know why you looked so happy and unburdened on Saturday - I thought you looked different but couldn't put my finger on it.
Hmm I'm suspicious, are they early morning rays of sunshine or mid morning rays of sunshine? ;)
I caught my breath at your opening statement but you have such a great attitude. Good on you.
Plenty of time now to finish the shawl! :-)
Wow - what an exciting if daunting prospect - hope you enjoy this phase of your life and get the most out of it and find something great to move on to.
It is sad to leave a place that you had spent so much time but sometimes, it's good to take a break. It happened to me & I was glad that it did as my life changed for the better. You have a great start with your positive outlook!
heh heh - I'm looking forward to our hook ups!!!
A new adventure! I know the reality is it does get a bit scary (it's inevitable), but I'm so glad they looked after you and you have some time to plan! And blog, and knit, and sit around in pjs (big fan of the latter!). And that knitting project looks dimly familiar...
Oh I am looking forward to you coming to visit and having a lovely break from the ratrace.
I'm feeling very good about mine now - what are you knitting....
Ah Jane, I'm sorry to hear about the job. I think that sort of news is going to be a lot more commonly heard from now on. My own job is none too secure either. You have a great attitude though and yes, there are truly positives. All that lovely time to indulge and do all the things you love to do. Enjoy it.
Um... congratulations? Silver linnings - all about the silver linings :)
Well, congrats on the freedom. What a blessing that you have the opportunity to look around a bit and figure out what you'd like to do next without worrying about how to pay your bills. And the opportunity to lure husby into making you a kept woman. Think of all the knitted things you could fill the house with.
Oh what pretty yellow lace.
I got "downsized" the day after 9/11. As a friend of ours said, it's "Very perspective-y" to lose a job the day after something like that.
I remember it was a sunny day, and they gave me two hours to clear out my desk and pay for that day plus the severance. And going out and doing the grocery shopping in the morning instead of after work when I was all tired out.
But! I wouldn't go back for worlds. I've done so many things and met so many people . . . when they did call me back to offer me some contract work, I laughed at them and said no. (That was a good feeling!)
Oh, wow! I hope you enjoy every minute of your time off. I would be running with scissors if I were in your shoes (red, of course!)...
I'm sorry to read about your redundancy, although you sound so positive (I hope this isnt a brave face just for us) and like you have many ways to keep yourself occupied! I am sure something new and exciting will come your way
hooley dooly that is huge - you sound very relaxed about the whole thing though I am sure there was angst at some point. I envy you the free time - and the plan to use it wisely has to be good.
so sorry about the negative stuff but on the positive side, it sounds as though you should now have enough time to get mum's birthday shawl done without half killing yourself in the process
... and if you are still a 'free' woman come July, you can come visit the Bendy sheep and wool and maybe have a wee stay-over chez moi !
What a wonderful positive way of putting it - There's no doubt about you Jane, you're all class.
I hope it wasn't too painful for you - and I hope you enjoy your 'leisure'.
Over 14 years - that's a long time. Luckily, a fair bit of lsl too! Enjoy the rest, take it as it comes. I have found that life is long - something else will come along.
Maybe you'll end up like me - 8 years later, still not gainfully employed outside the home ;)
Who'll have Lindt with me now?!?
I've seen that book in the shops gotta say it did put a smile on my dial, not that i'd do many of the things in there.
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