A summer re-charging
I made a decision late in 2019 to leave my executive role, without another role to move to. My trusted friends and mentors saw this as a gift to myself, to have a mini career break over the summer and in their words “use the time to recharge”. Day to day I still work on convincing myself about this “recharge thing”.
I have learned through this period about the need to adjust because:
- Work gives your life structure. When you aren’t working, you need to adapt to this lack of structure (I wonder if people retiring find this?)
- Your mind at work can race with deadlines, customer needs, pressures, team needs, Board requirements, shareholder expectations etc. When you have loads of time and space, slowing the mind down feels odd! It can be really hard to slow down and relax!
- Others find it strange that you are not working – you can sense their minds ticking - how did this happen, are you worried, how can you afford this, what are your plans etc
- There is time to think about jobs that have been put off at home, and now there is a chance to get these done! The irony is maintenance jobs can cost money – just when you are trying to be more frugal!
In this “recharge” period, I have chosen to do some things for me:
- Put renewed energy into enjoying family time.
- I have trained hard and got a lot fitter, as I get myself ready to cross the South Island biking/kayaking in early Feb 2020.
- I have got out of my comfort zone and started my training to become a volunteer surf lifeguard. My favourite TV show is now Bondi Surf Rescue….
- I have got out and met some awesome people (quite hard for a natural introvert) – who inspire me and jolt me into thinking about future possibilities.
- I have read a lot, including on Linkedin – helping me think more about loads of cool stuff – although you soon also realise that social media tells you little about people finding it a bit tough!
I feel ready to get further out of my comfort zone in 2020. I am fired up to find a role where I can use my skills to help develop a strong culture, and I can authentically lead people to align on strategy and to believe in themselves to deliver extraordinary outcomes for customers and stakeholders.
A mini career break may not be for everyone and has its moments. But I am slowly buying into the theory that the ability to recharge is a gift!
People and capability specialist ,Coach and Well-being consultant
4 年Hi Dave , I totally agree , jobs do give us a structure and a feeling of business , being freelance I often experience guilt in my leisure time.I coach people looking to retire and its important to maintain a purpose as you have done by volunteering and exercising. Well done you.
Accomplished Leader and Experienced Executive
4 年Great reflection Dave.? Good luck for the coast to coast go out and smash it!
Professional Director
4 年Just caught up with this Dave. Awesome move. I can relate to many of your observations. Best of luck for the big event next months. Sounds gruelling. Catch up for a coffee soon (although you may be off those as well?). Alex
Managing Director, Game Plan Accounting and Financial Management Services
4 年Well done Dave, sounds like a great decision, one you'll be better for in 2020 and beyond. Find your thoughts relating to those who retire very interesting as I myself look to where my life heads over the next couple of years as I get closer to that age. Good luck with whatever 2020 brings you, starting with that biking/kayaking in early February.
Senior Business Analyst / ERP Analyst, Cutover and Data Migration Leader
4 年Good on you Dave. Like you I have stepped out of the corporate life to recharge for 2020 and spend some quality time focused on family.