I’ve been thinking for so long about what I’m going to do after I finish work this month that I tend to forget that I haven’t really shared my plans with others. Well… that and I don’t particularly like sharing my hopes and dreams for fear that I’ll fail and everyone will know it!
Although I’ve done some weird and wonderful things in my life I’ve always had a plan. Although I might seem it, I’m not a risk-taker. Until now.
By taking the redundancy offered to me I’m essentially ending one chapter of my life. I’m only 44 and my payout is only about half of the mortgage I owe on my apartment, so I won’t be retiring and living a life of luxury. But… despite this, it seems timely to make some changes.
I’m not overly happy with my life. I know I’m more fortunate than many and for that I am (mostly) grateful. I’ve been recently hearing of the death of people who are around my own age and two of my work colleagues are in the midst of health crises. I try to reconcile this and am horrified at how much regret I’d carry if THIS was it for me.
In my blog-reading I read a lot about happiness. It comes from within, they say. It comes from the simple things, they say. It comes from doing things you enjoy, they say.
Although I’ve liked my current workplace more than any other I’ve been in for a long time, I’m not passionate about the type of work I do. My father used to say that no one enjoyed their work. It was just a necessary evil and a part of life.
I guess I’m hoping to change that. I’ve decided I want more.
So, I will unveil to you, my great plan.
1. I’m leaving Brisbane
Ideally I’m selling my current apartment (and yes, I know this won’t be easy). Having my place on the market for three months last year nearly drove me insane. Hopefully I’m being realistic about what I’d get for my apartment but I also need to draw a line in terms of how long I’m willing to wait for it to sell. My plan B is to rent it out.
2. I’m literally pursuing a sea change
My childhood hometown is about half an hour from a relatively sleepy beachside town (Hervey Bay, for those who know Queensland). I’ve done my research and providing I can sell my place, I can buy a nice little beachfront apartment there – mortgage free. Of course not selling my place would probably mean I’d have to rent for a while. I’m also looking at another local seaside destination… my main requirements being: a lovely house/apartment; views/tranquility.
3. I’m going to do some writing
Never fear, I’m not thinking I’m going to embark on the great novel a la Hemingway or Stephenie Meyer. Rather I’m acknowledging that writing is something I enjoy doing and would like to do more of. I’m aiming to step my blogging up a notch – in terms of sponsorships, advertising and the like AND I’d love to do some paid writing elsewhere (am thinking the local newspaper could use a ‘about town’ blogger!).
4. I’m going to focus on my health and fitness
I have visions of me jogging along the fabulous path which stretches the length of Hervey Bay’s shoreline. But, given that I’m trying to be a tad realistic, I’m thinking I may need to join a gym but also plan to do some lovely beach walks. I’m hoping less stress and more fulfilment (in general) means less comfort eating and less seeking happiness from external sources!
5. I’ll find something to pay the bills
Depending on my property selling and buying adventures I’m hoping to have a bit of money to live on for a while. However… given that I’m prone to worry I suspect I’ll be starting to think about supplementing my remaining savings with some work. I’m fantasising about something mindless. My friends tell me that I won’t cope with such a thing, but I’m hoping that – if my life is about being creative and happy – then work will just be something I do solely to pay the bills. I don’t want to continually be thinking about work things at nights and on weekends. Ideally I won’t need work to ‘complete’ me.
I have a work plan B as well, which involves doing a refresher course in international aid and development. I used to work in this field but have been back in Australia for 10 years now. However, I’m thinking that a refresher may make me (again) an attractive recruit for short-term stints with UN agencies and the like. I’ve no desire to live overseas long-term and I’ve no desire to travel. But a three-month stint here and there would be okay.
So there you have it. True confessions of what I hope to do when I finish work in just two weeks.
As I said, I’m loath to share it as I’m sure my plans will fall into a big heap. I do know though, that only I can make them happen. I might need a bit of luck and some encouragement, but if it’s meant to be it’s up to me. Or something!
Your thoughts?
September 9, 2012
I’m excited for you!
September 9, 2012
Thanks Jo and yes we should Skype. This time in two weeks I’ll be footloose and fancy free – plus may need to pick your brain given that you’ve done some freelance work!!!
Deb
September 9, 2012
we should skype some time or something…
September 9, 2012
Make it work Deb! As you said find something you enjoy! X
September 9, 2012
Yes, it’s very exciting Vicki!
September 9, 2012
Now that you’ve put it out there .. Have faith in your decision. It takes courage to take such a big leap. Am really happy for you Deb. x
September 9, 2012
Thanks Sharmila, I guess I’ve already considered the worst case scenario and it’s not too bad!
Deb
September 9, 2012
Holy Cow, I love your plan, it is everyone’s dream (well mine too anyway). I really hope it works out or comes pretty darn close. Lead the way, i am feeling change is good.
September 9, 2012
Thanks Ruth and I think the time is right…
Deb
September 9, 2012
Im so so so excited for your new adventures.
xo
September 9, 2012
Thanks Miz…. (Just saw the photo of the Tornado in the fitness bloggers shirt on FB. Love it!)
Deb
September 9, 2012
Sounds lovely, totally do-able and all kinds of wonderful. I’ll cross my fingers that this process goes smoothly and soon you’ll be hitting that shoreline in your runners.
September 9, 2012
Thanks Melissa!
September 10, 2012
Congratulations, Deb! Your Plan B sounds AMAZING!
Can’t wait to hear how it all pans out.
September 10, 2012
Thanks Laura. Your last post on your move from Toronto to Calgary reminded me of some of the moves I’ve made in the past – overseas and around my own country and my motivation for them. I know some of my friends worry a bit that I’m walking (not running) away from life with this latest move, but I’m hoping it’s the opposite!
Deb
September 10, 2012
How amazing! I’m so excited for you – grab this new opportunity with both hands and go for it! Dance lovely lady!
Ax
P.S On the inside I’m dying of jealousy x
September 10, 2012
Hee hee… thanks Annalisa! Am starting to get really excited (though need to keep a focus on work for a couple of weeks yet!).
September 10, 2012
Love it Deb! Especially the sea change…that’s one part of the country I haven’t visited yet…so I’ll let you get settled in first 😉
September 10, 2012
The strangest thing Sandra is that I’m not actually a fan of the beach (sand and sea) but love being near it!
Deb
September 10, 2012
Go for it Deb! I love the sound of your plan. You can make it work – believe in yourself. You are smart and clever. I think to avoid the days slipping away and to increase the sense of purpose – PLANNING is the key and aiming for an achievement of some kind each day. I hope your apartment sells quickly and you can be on your way. You are very lucky in that you have identified what you enjoy doing and what makes you happy. I too am looking at a lifestyle change but cannot identify one sure thing that I’d like to do or pursue. There are several things/ideas that I like to do or would like to do/pursue. It’s just I’m not sure if I’m good enough (or could be good enough) at them and also how to make them profitable for me. We’ll have to catch up for lunch again before you leave BrisVegas on your new adventure!
September 10, 2012
Thanks Min and I’ve been wondering how you are going. You also need to have more confidence in yourself. I may well fall flat on my face in a few months time. I must confess I don’t seriously expect to be able to make money from writing – just allocate time to it and make money to allow me to do so.
And yes, I’m very conscious about not wasting my days. I’ve written a bit about that in Diet Schmiet – given my interest in getting fit and healthy etc.
Deb
September 10, 2012
That’s amazing Deb! It’s never too late to change something that you’re not happy with and embark on a new journey to find something that will make you happy. I think it’s very brave of you.
Is this where your Mum lives too? It will be nice to be closer to her and have some support around.
My hubby’s Dad lives in Howard (just in land from HB) so I know the area!
Though, I don’t think you should short-change yourself by thinking that you’ll fail before you start. My Mum is a walking example of it’s never too late to make huge life altering changes; she got divorced at 46, sold everything, moved towns, changed jobs, found a new partner, got married, packed it all in for a sea-change, got her taxi/truck/bus license and is now heading off around Australia with her hubby to travel & work!
Sometimes I feel exasperated with her and all her changes but ultimately, you have to find what makes YOU happy and you know what they say…’if you want the same results then do the same things’! It is all possible!
September 10, 2012
Hi Mel… I must confess I’m not quite sure how I’ll adapt to ‘small town’ life after living in larger cities for most of my adult life. I’m kinda hoping I can find a niche there that suits. My mother is in Maryborough – about half an hour (35km) away, so handy.
Deb
September 10, 2012
I think this is brilliant that you are following your dreams!
It’s weird, I am currently writing a post about it never being too later to follow your dreams.
September 10, 2012
Great minds Dannii!!!! (From one side of the globe to the other!)
September 10, 2012
Good luck with this next stage, how exciting (and scary!). I can’t wait to follow you along on your adventures.
September 11, 2012
THanks Kylie… Knowing me I’m sure I will be (over)sharing!!!
Deb
September 10, 2012
Living at the beach sounds wonderful! I’m always up for a healthy lifestyle change; writing, if you love it, would be great…although I think it’s rare to make a decent living from blogging. Who knows – you could be the exception! 🙂
September 11, 2012
Sadly I doubt I’ll make a living from blogging. There will have to be some hard labour involved! I guess I’m just hoping that I can work just to give me some money to spend more time writing / blogging.
And yes, living near the beach sounds lovely. I’m starting to get excited.
Deb
September 11, 2012
YAY YOU!!!
September 11, 2012
Yes indeedy Karen!!!!
September 12, 2012
This all sounds amazing! And from what I’ve learnt about you, I think you’ll be successful whatever you do.
I love reading your blog as so many others do and I really hope that it can turn into your career. You’ll be awesome!
I myself am very wimpy about stepping out of my comfort zone so I always have massive amounts of admiration for people who do!
September 14, 2012
Thanks Neen…. I’m starting to get kinda excited.
September 15, 2012
Deb, I’m so excited for you! I was really sad to hear about your job but it definitely sounds like you’ve got a plan that’s going to take you in a better direction. It’s great that you’ll be able to incorporate writing into your life on a more regular basis and what place would be more relaxing to do that writing than Hervey Bay?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sad you’ll be leaving Brisbane and we won’t be able to do our own Queensland-Bloggers-That-Can’t-Meet-On-Thursday-Mornings meetup, but hey, Hervey Bay isn’t that far away! We should definitely catch up before you leave though!
September 15, 2012
Definitely Kristin – look forward to hearing about your o/s trip etc and meeting in person with other bloggers is such a treat. I suspect I’ll visit Brisbane quite a lot once I’ve moved anyway!
It’s Saturday now and I just realised that this time next week I’ll be on my LONG break from work. (ie. Rather than unemployed!!!)
Deb
October 3, 2012
Deb, this all sounds fantastic! I’d be super excited about it ALL! The idea of leaving in a beachside community with no mortgage but a sweet little home nonetheless and the option to have a “little” job while pursuing creative ideas smacks of lovely and juicy FREEDOM. I really look forward to seeing how things will unfold for you! xo
October 3, 2012
Thanks Kerstin, I’m starting to get excited now. I mean, in some ways the new life has started, but it’s more like I’m wrapping up the old one. The new one is yet to commence.
Deb