What I learnt from the Bloggers Brunch

The other day I attended my first Bloggers Brunch - hosted by Kids Business. It was a mix of socializing (not my strong point - even looking at the photo below, I'm filled with irrational anxiety), talking with brands and some inspirational speakers.

One of the speakers was Jane Copeland, from Coping with Jane, and in her talk, about changing your life (or making changes in your life), she mentioned an article she'd read that said the older you got, the less likely you were to follow your dream. I thought that was an odd statistic, because, as someone driven by FOMO and Torshlusspanik, I would say out of that fear alone you might be driven to make a change.

I spent 12 years in a job in which I was well paid but not necessarily enjoying very much, growing more miserable by the day - I finally rang my husband in a panic about missing out on time with my son, who would not get that year of maternity leave that I shared with my eldest (when #2 was born). In great generosity, he simply said "Quit. Quit now". I didn't, I waited a little, to coincide with the xmas school holidays, long service & other financial safety nets, and began a new phase.

As I'm now looking to return to work, I'm trying to work out new career paths to fit in with the lifestyle that the other 4 family members have come to enjoy - my partner can go cycling in the mornings, and go to the gym at night, the kids have activities after school and friends over in the holidays, and the evening are for my partner and I, not the housework and other things that get done at 10pm if you've long days in the office. No one needs to miss out on anything.

Of course, I'm aware this all comes at a price, and is a luxury for most. I am still working it out, but I know the outline of what I think will work. My husband is also looking for work at the moment, and I keep trying to steer him away from the lure of money and into what will work for his interest or his lifestyle (and preferably both).

I think the older you get, the more you fear 'this is it, this is all I get' and the more you start to worry that you aren't going to fit it all in, whatever it is.

Of course, maybe that's me. And people like me. I did do a mini poll at the Brunch on this, and she (the one person I asked) also thought it was a strange statistic.

Don't get me wrong - Jane Copeland's speech was very inspirational, as she set out to design a new business and successfully changed her career, wrote a book and basically boarded her ship before it sailed (her reference in her speech, of a recurring dream she had).  It also made me think, that if you put your mind to it, and work out a solid plan, it will come together (or lead you somewhere else).

So each morning, as I swipe my lips with my new Brauer Lip Shimmer, which I covetously nabbed as a freebie at the Brunch, I remind myself that I can make that change happen, if I set to work to make it happen, because who would have thought a week ago, I'd be in love with pink shimmer?*

Martin Luther King, Jr said "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." And with that, I will direct my feet.



As a postscript, I want to say I took a lot from Jane's speech - tidbits of note:

She talked about the loss of identity in motherhood being unexpected.
She said when she started out (her new venture), she didn't have it all figured out, but she felt she should have.
And her best bit of advice? Just start something, and keep going.

I know I may fail and end up back in my old job - but no harm in giving it a shot, right? If I fail, I make a new plan.

*French Rose is the colour - while I asked for Ruby, and love it - the French Rose has taken me quite by surprise. Another example that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can have surprising results.

Linking up With Some Grace for FYBF