Although part of me is nervous about speaking too soon, I’m relieved to say that things seem to be finally falling into place.
I’ve talked a bit here about my experiences since finishing full time work with the government (three years ago in September) and making my seachange. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision but it’s been a lot harder than I expected to find work.
I didn’t expect (nor did I plan) to find the sort of job here I had before. I was on a good wicket in my old life (though I’m not sure I always realised it)… a good income and using my skills and qualifications in executive liaison and project manager roles in government. I’d done a lot of different things over the previous 20 years, lived in a few different countries and met a lot of great people.
But I wasn’t happy. For a myriad of reasons. Hence the move.
Mortgage-free for the first time in over a decade, I decided to spend my days writing and try to find a job (any job) to pay the bills. I assumed temp jobs would perhaps be an option or something part-time.
However… it’s proved much harder than I expected to earn a living. Mostly I’ve been over-qualified and I’m not saying that in an arrogant, I’m-too-good-for-this-shit way. While there are some things I don’t want to do (I’m really not cut out to be a waitress for eg), I’ve approached my post office about sorting mail and put my name down to be a driver for the home doctor visiting service.
Earlier this year finding a job seemed improbably so I decided to try to do some freelancing locally and pimped myself out at a few business drinks and sent unanswered emails to a dozen or so local organisations—suggesting I could write their online / website content or email newsletters. The deafening silence has been depressing. Plus selling myself leaves a nasty taste in my mouth… it’s just not for me.
And out of the blue a company I’d done some work for asked if I’d do (up to) a day per week project management work for them. It’s a type of work I thought I’d left behind, but something I’m more than happy to do because their work is interesting and I enjoy working with the team and appreciate their informal environment.
And, almost at the same time I found out about some administration work going with a local health-related service. It’ll be intermittent for a while, but that’s okay as it might pick up down the track.
I’m not going to be going on any overseas (or even) interstate trips soon, but I’m excited that I’m not going to be dependent on government hand-outs in the long term. It’s demoralising and has been worrying me for some time.
I apologise for the over-share. But I’m excited. And hopeful. For a change.
I hope the good fortune continues and I can again earn enough money to live on and… I look forward to ditching any plans to do paid writing for other companies. I’m going to focus my attention on pitching my own work to magazines and websites; my blogging; and my partially-written novels and hope the work I’m starting takes care of the rest.
Do you find good things happen all at once?
Very belatedly linking up to flog by blog With Some Grace.
Image in post from jaymantri.com (with some added words for extra nourishment).
July 17, 2015
I totally get this.
July 17, 2015
Yep… I can imagine Vanessa. It’s hard isn’t it. I guess I’m lucky that I’m older and on the downhill stretch!
July 17, 2015
That’s great news, congrats!
Love when everything falls into place 🙂
July 17, 2015
Thanks Lauren!
July 17, 2015
I’m so happy for you Deb! Little things lead to bigger things. You’ll be ok. Things will all come together as they are meant to. I know exactly how you’re feeling but I won’t go into my story!
July 17, 2015
Yes I hope so. Am looking forward to it. I’ve started the project management stuff and I know the guys so that’s great, but am looking forward to starting the other gig tomorrow.
July 17, 2015
Congrats Deb! Very happy for you!
July 17, 2015
Thanks Sharmila. The admin gig is equivalent to an AO2 rate but that’s fine. I’d much prefer to work in the environment I’ll be in than a government office! 🙂 Plus my boss seems nice and I’m sure I’ll meet some other nice people.
July 17, 2015
Reading this brought a big smile to my face.
July 17, 2015
Me too. Had call for the admin thing to come in tomorrow and was hugely excited.
July 17, 2015
I’m happy for you, congrats, Deb 😀 !
July 17, 2015
I’m happy too and thanks! xx
July 17, 2015
Finger crossed things keep getting better and better. xx N
July 17, 2015
Thanks Niki. x
July 17, 2015
Super excited for you and hoping it is a sign of things to come.
July 17, 2015
Yes, me too Raych!
July 17, 2015
Oh yay this is awesome! Glad to hear it is how it is falling into place! Very exciting!
July 17, 2015
Thanks Jess. It’ll take some time, but I’m excited things are slowly changing!
July 17, 2015
Congrats, Deb!
Great news.
July 17, 2015
Thank you muchly Amy!
July 17, 2015
You never have to apologise for over-sharing when you’re talking to other bloggers! It’s great when things fall into place like that. Glad your patience and persistence paid off 🙂
July 17, 2015
Ah yes… I’m always a bit worried that real-life friends may visit as well though! 😉
July 17, 2015
You go girl! It is funny how the universal finally decides to give you a break and it all happens. Sounds like just in the nick of time! Great news and exciting things to come!
July 17, 2015
Very true and a big relief!
July 17, 2015
Yes! When you’re on a roll you’re on a roll! Yipeeee!
July 17, 2015
Here’s hoping good things come in fifties! 🙂
July 17, 2015
Wonderful! I do also find the good sort of all roles in at once. Congratulations!
July 18, 2015
Funny isn’t it? And thanks!
July 18, 2015
Sounds like things are really starting to fall into place Deb. That’s fantastic.
July 18, 2015
Thanks Michelle!
July 18, 2015
Such great news, Deb! I love it when a plan comes together. Onwards and upwards x
July 18, 2015
Most definitely onwards and upwards Sammie!
July 18, 2015
So great to hear. I’m happy for you 🙂
July 18, 2015
Thank you muchly Char.
July 18, 2015
Great news Deb, you deserve a break! I look forward to hearing progress reports!!
July 18, 2015
Thanks Tiff! xxx
July 19, 2015
Congrat! Whoooohoooo! Happy for you Debbie. Even happier to hear you will continue to write, especially your novel 🙂
July 19, 2015
And I’ve told you a bit about it in the interview questions I’ve completed for you Daniela. If you ever get to read it I’m sure you’ll be disappointed!
July 20, 2015
Congratulations! I can imagine how tough it is with jobs so scarce. I’m glad it looks like things are picking up.
July 20, 2015
Thanks so much!
July 20, 2015
Woohoo I’m so happy for you Deb and yes I think good things invite more good things … you’ll probably be swamped lol
July 20, 2015
I hope so. The amount of time I’ll be in the part-time job is a little uncertain and may only be a half-day a week at this stage, but we’ll see.
July 21, 2015
Congratulations, Deb! This is fantastic news. When it rains, it sure does pour. The wheels are certainly in motion now. Can’t wait to hear more x
July 21, 2015
Thanks Grace… I certainly hope so!