Leaps of Faith

I don't have an IT background. I did a degree in Biology and Geography, and worked in retail and recruitment for the early periods of my working life. My partner was at that time a developer and as I'd done some UAT and exploratory testing in my previous role I took a position as a Trainee Test Analyst. I had a two year training period and progressed in half that time. Several years later, just as I had become comfortable in my testing role, I was asked to consider applying for a position as a Trainee Systems Analyst (at the same company) as a position had come available and external recruitment had not yielded a suitable candidate. I exhibited the right skills and personality, I was told, would I consider applying? I did, and I got the job. This time I had a one year traineeship and progressed after that. I was fortunate enough to be mentored by one of the best Analysts the company had had, and took the position she left vacant when she became (my) Development Team Leader. I attribute a lot of my successful development as an analyst to having her support and assistance, but there is also a significant amount of 'it's just how my brain works.'

I spent ten years at that company, and after seven years as an analyst I was very much in my comfort zone. There was very little that provided me with a 'good' challenge. Any challenges I did have were ones I didnt want, and because of process issues or workplace politics. But I started getting itchy feet. There was no opportunity for me to progress at that company; there was no potential of upward movement, and nowhere to go horizontally.

I decided to leave. After a decade at one employer, I decided to roll the dice and leave for another role, somewhere else. I researched companies in my local area, and I thought about what mattered to me. There was really nothing wrong - on paper - with my existing job. I had flexibility, living quite literally a 12 minute, country road drive from the office, I had an adequate salary and good benefits. I worked within an established team and we had an awesome dynamic. My manager was supportive and we worked together hand in glove. And yet, I wanted to leave. I realised that I need mental stimulation at work. I need to feel that I am learning, and that I have opportunities. That had gone at my current employer and although I would dearly miss my team, I had to spread my wings.

Most importantly to me however was work:life balance. By now I had a two year old daughter, and her wellbeing - and being able to spend quality time with her - was my top priority. No matter the job, the company or the salary, I wouldn't compromise on that. Surely, in this day and age, flexible working isnt so hard to come by? I was more than willing to work a full working week, just not necessarily in a '9-5 Monday to Friday' way. I applied and interviewed for a variety of roles for positions that appealed to me - Product Owners and Business Analysts. They all involved a commute, but given a flexible working environment that wouldnt pose me a problem.

Finally, I was offered a position as a Digital Business Analyst at Aviva. The package and the role were perfect. All that was left to do was to ensure that my flexibility requirements weren't going to be a problem. After some negotiation by my prospective manager, who believed I would be good in the role the proposals were agreed and I happily accepted the position. I was nervous but it felt right.

Several weeks later I started work at Aviva in Sheffield and I dont regret my decision in the slightest. My day to day manager is a huge advocate of women in technology and flexible working, and with the support of herself and my line manager I have settled into my role and the brand new team here in this office.

None of the decisions I made were easy; I never knew for sure whether the step I was taking would work out well. I only had my instincts, some good research (analysis?) and the hope that I knew what I was doing to work on. My manager didn't know for sure that I would be good in this role, but she worked on her own instincts and made a good case for me and hopefully, that's paid off. I feel supported by the people I work with.

Don't be afraid to follow your instincts, even if it doesnt necessarily make sense on paper. You never know what could be until you take that risk and try it.