The leap was worth it

If you are contemplating a major change in your career or find yourself in a position such as redundancy where events may have taken control away from you; I want to tell you that feeling apprehensive and emotional is normal. I have been through a number of significant changes in my life and I can tell you that each one has had highs and lows, but each one has seen me grow in confidence and taken me to places that I never contemplated I would go. The girl who at school would rather be in the lighting crew behind the curtains rather than on the stage in front of the audience, yesterday found herself as the woman behind the microphone speaking in front of a room full of British Rowing's amazing winners of this year's Coach and Volunteer of the Year Awards, Deputy Chairman of British Rowing with her own company.

A transition of any kind means by its very definition that you will have to leave something behind in order to step into a new place. 22 months ago I leapt into my own personal icy lake of recklessness. I left behind a job I loved, a very good salary, a place I loved working at so much that I was prepared to drive 110 miles a day and the most wonderful group of people you could hope to work with. My life transitioned from one with a generous monthly salary and all the security of an employer who cared about its staff and therefore provided many benefits; to one where I have to rely entirely on my own endeavour to secure an income and to develop as a person.

Not a day goes by when I am not learning something about myself, nor coming into contact with some amazing people. Life is good. Many things I used to worry about or enjoy, quite simply no longer seem important. Yesterday I was part of a celebration of some amazing self-effacing people who are changing peoples lives every day; they were inspirational and it was an honour to be there.

We are informed by our previous experience and influenced by those around us. Transitions help us develop. Transitions are not without their challenges and you have choices about how you approach them, inner strength is required. Critical to a transition is that you believe in and trust yourself; have an idea or number of ideas of where you are looking to go; give yourself time to let go of that which no longer serves any purpose; hold onto that which keeps you strong and informs who you are; and go out and explore new routes. One day you will find yourself somewhere you never thought possible. Make sure you celebrate.

I want to thank all those people who believed in me and have helped me on my journey, and those that are helping me today through that next transition. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with another batch of amazing people. Be brave, be open and good luck.