Looking at the rain drenched garden and longing for warmer climes I’m reflecting on what can only be described as a very soggy summer.  The garden is in serious need of some love, the hydrangeas are sinking fast, and the roses seem exhausted from the weight of the rain, while the snails and slugs lay in wait for all they can find to feast on.  It’s the last day of August and the central heating just creaked into action.  Can you believe that?  Can I afford that?  What a day it’s been!

Thursdays are not normal working days for me, and I loved that I was invited to breakfast by my niece in celebration of her birthday and recent career success.  Always good to join a celebration, right?  And no need to worry, I managed two poached eggs and some smashed avocado which is completely in line with my current eating regime.  It gets easier as time goes on and I see my own successes, although I’d have loved some crispy bacon on soggy white bread … heavy on the ketchup.

Yes, I enjoy my work and I enjoy my time away from work.  It’s taken a long time to achieve this balance.  I now work to live, rather than putting work first.  And maybe that’s how I’ve managed to opt for a much healthier lifestyle.  Losing around five stones this year has been tough yet slithering into a pair of skinnier jeans (with stretch I hasten to add) this morning was a milestone.  One thing led to another and before leaving the house I managed to show the world I was married once again – yes, my wedding ring now fits.  Then, there’s my rather grand watch, a gift from Mr. Watt on my 60th birthday.  So, once again it’s Mrs. Watt who can tell the time without subtracting 12.  The watch strap no longer squeezes my wrist into submission.  Oh, happy day.

I really enjoy that after 52 years working (since 23rd August 1971) and temporary retirement, I am still able to make a difference.  Covid 19 created a natural break for my business (paid work) although I was persuaded back in January 2022 and haven’t looked back.  And what a fun 18 months it’s been.  Working remotely, understanding a new sector and making great friends, not to mention lots to keep me interested and engaged as I continue to enhance, disrupt and create.

It's strange that gaining weight eroded my need to wear my jewellery, as well as some of my clothes.  Bit by bit I opted for the safety of comfort and familiarity.  Funny thing is that a few weeks ago, I emptied out my wardrobe onto the nearby bed and took a long hard look at a pile of stuff.  Shoes, handbags, scarves, make-up and my trusty Rigby and Peller bras mingled with brightly coloured memorabilia of all different sizes.

How often had I stroked several favourite outfits before putting them back, “just in case”?  But this was the day that everything fitted although there wasn’t much that bought joy!  It wasn’t long before I realised that whatever the cost of replacement, the big clothes simply had to go.  Even the new slightly smaller big clothes.  And once I’d proved that the smaller sizes fitted once again, they soon joined the piles on the floor for recycling.  I was brutal.  This was not the gentle declutter I often write about.  This was a much-needed renovation!

Such a great feeling when I peered into the wardrobe this morning and pulled out those skinnier jeans, a top which fitted (one of just four and a sweatshirt) and a brand-new pair of trainers.  Well, the new trainers weren’t essential, although they added to the feeling of excitement and rejuvenation.  As Toni Collette concluded in that wonderful 2005 movie (In Her Shoes), “shoes always fit” which is probably why I have so many unworn pairs – when clothes were a challenge, I turned to footwear and new lipsticks.  Who wouldn’t?

Right now, I’m leading some work to evaluate current recruitment needs.  We’ve encountered some challenges which are quite like my wardrobe update.  It’s interesting to discover how many unfilled vacancies there are which we’ve been loath to discard or change for the better.  Then there are the roles which never quite fit with market expectations, yet we plough on hoping that we get lucky one day … just like the dress which doesn’t quite fit.  If only we took more drastic measures to sort out what’s important.  Which roles are critical to service provision, and which could we manage without?

I’m guessing that there aren’t too many interims who suggest that their professional interests in Resourcing are a bit like losing weight or sorting out their wardrobes.  But then again, how many interims do you know like me?  Today I’m thinking that after 52 years working in and around HR, I’m entitled to appear a little eccentric on this extremely wet, cold and what is proving to be expensive August afternoon.  No, that’s not the cost of the trainers or the jeans, it’s the cost of the heating.  Time to find a cardigan – too late, they’ve all gone to charity!  Happy days.

What achievements and successes are you most proud of, isn’t it time to start a conversation – Let’s talk.