Learnings from a career break

So when I decided back in September that maybe the time was right to step away from my role in Openreach, it was tough! And now my new role has started (a new adventure in fact), I’ve had time to reflect and write down some of the things I’ve learnt.

?Apart from never working anywhere else and being a 2nd generation BT’er and after almost 60 years of concurrent service, it was sad to leave, I was upset actually, but it was 100% the right time for me to exit stage right! There were a number of reasons for making the decision which included 1) personal loss; which does make you revaluate, everything, 2) personal health and I felt tiredness was impacting my decisions which in turn was uninspiring for the amazing people I led and 3) family; they deserved the happy Ali back (a great quote which really resonated with me was ‘only your family will remember the late nights’).

?After agreeing a mutual parting of ways, the actual process of leaving was brilliantly smooth, I was looked after and that didn’t have to be the case. Like when you join a business, the quality of experience when you leave is important. It has a long lasting impression (and never close the door for good, why would you!!)

?So after several months on gardening leave, what lessons have I learnt….

1. You’re more valuable when you’re in a job- seems obvious but on reflection, I took a leap of faith and it did pay off (I was patient like everybody told me to be) but it was definitely busier and there seemed more interest in me when I was ‘employed’ but,

2. Don’t panic but remember ‘your job now is to get a job’ so manage your diary like a normal job, schedule in meetings, make notes, do the research, it’s important!

3. Everybody needs a break- again an obvious one but until you’ve had a decent time away from work I don’t think you really appreciate how important ‘work silence’ is.

4. Mental health is fragile, we spend a disproportional amount of time on physical health and don’t invest enough time on our mind & soul. Try yoga, meditate, don’t fear meeting with a counsellor, get a coach.

5. People are busy so an unanswered call or no reply on email is normal, don’t panic and don’t give up.

6. Be gutsy, if people have told you that you’re good at something, believe them. Trust in yourself like they did in you and if you need to shout it in the garden a few times, do it (I did, mostly after very frustrating calls)

7. Buy coffee- take advantage of your network, meet people, buy coffee, pay for petrol, drive for miles if needed, it’s worth it

8. Say thank you and reciprocate - if somebody’s given you their time, offer something in return- help a charity, mentor a friends child, pick up a call, answer the message. Have their back like they did, yours.

9. Affordability- it’s a practical one and I think people’s immediate reaction may be ‘I can’t afford to have a break’ but if you really feel the time is right, take the time to review your finances, figure out what you can learn to live without (as it’s likely to be temporary) and you’ll be surprised how far you can go.

People are brilliant and I’m lucky to have an amazing network of ex colleagues, friends, and friends of friends. People pick you up when you’re feeling down, misunderstood, or vulnerable. If you’re worried about asking somebody for some advice because you haven’t spoken to them in years, or you just relished you didn’t respond to their message 12 months previously, don’t. We’ve all done it, and we’ve all gotten over it. Respect is hard earned but long lasting in my experience.?

I didn’t make it round to meeting everybody for a coffee, life gets in the way. But massive thanks for reaching out in the first place and I will get round to it, I promise.

?If anybody reading this wants to chat about any of what I’ve mentioned, please drop me a message. If I can help, I will.?

To Lizzie, Elsie and Willow, thanks for your patience, unwavering love and support. Here’s to many more dinner times singling along to ‘name and number’ and ‘flowers’ x