Heather Watt

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Enjoyment or survival … what’s your role delivering?

It’s always good to know that there’s some fun in your life, right?  A little bit of sunshine to cheer your spirits in what seems like a bonkers world at times.  Whether you’re a business owner, partner or parent (or simply you) enjoyment helps, right?

I’ve spoken to so many people recently who are having a tough time of it, at work and/or at home.  So, today I’m advocating for mixing it up a bit, especially if your role isn’t delivering for you.  But before I continue I should add that I absolutely understand that school holidays can be tough on working parents and some relationships aren’t a bed of roses all of the time!

Most people manage work challenges with relative ease when their relationships and/or home life is delivering (at least) some fun.  But when business or work disappoints, sometimes the home stuff goes out of the window.

I’ve been a bit grumpy of late, trying to balance moving house (and the uncertainty that’s delivered) and continuing to lose weight in pursuit of my dancing queen ambition.  Had I been flat out on a work assignment, I know that would’ve helped, just like the sunshine that’s spurring me on today.  That, and exchanging contracts so our move is a reality.  More trips to charity shops, boxes to pack and new garden to dream about.  Bring it on …

While some sectors are booming, others are still challenging, and hospitality appears to be in the spotlight again fighting for survival.  Where’s the fun in that?  Rising costs have affected our eating habits.  Many of us are not eating out as often as we did.  Restaurants and pubs are closing, although that’s hard to believe when walking around our busy city centres.

Just this week I read that Monica Galetti is closing her London restaurant next week.  Simon Rimmer’s Manchester-based Greens (a vegetarian restaurant) closed after 33 years, and Michel Roux closed the doors of Le Gavroche after 56 years of fine dining.  Let’s be clear though, as much as I love the idea of these high-end institutions, financially they’re out of my league.

For job seekers in this current market, I recognise you’re under much pressure and let’s face it, job hunting can be a full-time job in itself.  I know that the very thought of completing endless job applications, speaking to agents or search partners then being “unsuccessful” or (worse still) being ghosted is keeping some talented individuals in jobs they don’t enjoy.  They’re surviving without enjoyment.

A wise colleague once advised that when things aren’t working for you and there’s no enjoyment, it’s moving on (not staying) that’s the brave thing to do.  Wearing my big girl pants, I wasn’t up for giving up.  I wasn’t ready to walk away from what I wanted to continue.  I hadn’t finished.  But then I realised that the people around me didn’t want me to finish.  They weren’t ready for the transformation.  It was all about survival although I thrive on enjoyment.  Maybe that was Monica’s mantra?

Striving for enjoyment in what you do gets my vote.  I’m not advocating for leaving your nearest and dearest to fend for themselves when the going gets tough.  I’m encouraging you to be clear on what’s working and what’s not (whether that’s at home or at work).  Then, it’s time to find a comfortable chair (hopefully in the sunshine) grab a cuppa and consider what you want to do.  Ask yourself the question, “what’s going on here?” … and try to tell it how it is.  What’s your ambition?  Here are a few questions which might help you:

·       What’s going on here?

·       What’s working for me (and what’s not)?

·       What do I want to change?

·       What do I dream of doing?

·       How realistic is that?

·       What help do I need to change?

If self-reflection isn’t your thing today, go paddle in the sea somewhere or dance around the garden to your favourite tune, but only if you’re OK with tree pollen.  And remember, if you think I can help you Let’s Chat

“Go Paddle in the Sea Somewhere”