Retirement. So what’s next, mum?

My mum?Julia Peggs retires today, after 30 years as a retail manger / director at?SpecSavers?in the UK, and I guess 10+ years before that in nursing. Such an inspiration to me!

I was only young teenager, in the ‘80s, but I can vividly remember her taking what at the time must have seen like a huge risk to switch from one career path to the other. This was in an era when the norm was to work at one company for your whole life. It worked out wonderfully for her, and I’m sure watching that pan out well gave me the confidence and curiosity to jump from?journalism?to?tech?to?food and all sorts of places in between over the last couple of decades (you have one life, so live it!).

Later, while at University, I spent a couple of summers working in retail stores she was running. I learned so much about team work and culture and working your ass off for each other to achieve a greater goal in those shops. They were *extremely* well oiled machines — a real eduction for me!

And subsequently, in my own career, she’s always been there to offer advice, or share a framework she uses to deal with certain situations, and has been an unbelievable cheerleader and motivator, always pointing out the upside. Such a positive influence in so many ways! And I know plenty of people who have worked with and for her who would feel exactly the same way.

Well… now it’s time to put your feet up and have a cup a of tea, Mum!

I’m sure that will last for about 3 months… and then you’ll be bored stiff and wanting to jump into something else. But enjoy your “retirement” — no matter how short it actually turns out to be. Here’s to the next chapter!! xx