 |
| road less traveled |
Lots of mixed feelings...but mostly excitement because there are a few major reasons why I am choosing not to renew my contract - and thank goodness one is not that they said "Meh Fifi, we not taking you back" ;)
Reason number 1) I came across an opportunity to take a 1-year's Masters Diploma in World Heritage and Cultural Projects for Development - it's part distance and part on-site in Turin Italy. Run by the ITC-ILO through the University of Turin...and it came with the possibility of a partial scholarship through the OAS...I got accepted and got the schol...so that begins very conveniently, on October 17th (Viv la Margewit!)
Short story of perseverance with the application process...now, keep in mind I did my Degree in Crafts 24 years ago...and the college - Crewe & Alsager, has been subsumed into Manchester Metropolitan University via Manchester Metropolitan Polytechnic and my course no longer exists...and I never got a transcript...and Italy requires, I mean REALLY requires a bunch of legalized, translated, Declaration of valued documents or you may as well sit counting grains of sand while you wait to be accepted cos it just ain't gonna happen...
No matter that the online application crashed on the last page the Sunday afternoon I was completing it, (yes, of course it was the last day!!! sheesh...you know I procrastinate!) No matter the links to the explanation of what a 'declaration of value' was wouldn't work...no matter Google kept this secret from me despite my best searches...not sure why, but a twist of fate and test of my perseverance maybe? .... the thing is I decided if I wanted it, I would just have to persevere and make it happen...so I did and so, it did!
Do not give up. Do not sit back and will the universe to make it happen for you or pray for it - by all means do those things, but they do not work without you taking all and every action you can to forge your path!!!
Reason number 2)
I miss the freedom of freelance...lord knows I have really appreciated the time I have spent at CDF - regular salary every month, staff camaraderie, comfortable air-conditioning ;) a chance to make a difference in the perceived value of arts and culture in Saint Lucia...and the unexpected hiatus from my creative work has actually given me the space to look at what I really enjoy, what really matters...that has been priceless. But I have long since used up my 'working double-time capacity' and so I've found I didn't have time, or energy really, to do my creative work...and I miss it profoundly...it is a very big part of who I am. I also miss being a trainer - yes, I've done some while here, but I miss being in the field and doing training and development work...I just do.
So there it is - I am hoping I can work out continuing some projects with CDF, but I am also moving back (and forward) to my creative work. It will be different from before: much more focus on the environment and recycling and reflecting my thoughts and feelings on life, hope, inspiration, enlightenment, peace, challenge and all that stuff.
And for those wondering if to leave the 9-5....well, you have to know what you want and make a reasonable path forward - it is not easy. I have been self-employed/freelance/micro-business for 25 years and so I can say, when you leave a job, you are leaving security, that's for sure. So know what you plan to do and work out how you will pay the bills and what you are prepared to trade off...it has been a real challenge to review what matters, what I am prepared to let go, not let go...don't under-estimate the rigours such a move to 'freedom' entails - not in the pre-planning, nor in the execution!
So, back to what I'll be doing - I will also be writing more - not just blogging, I will certainly be doing more of this - writing about my journey and travels and more, but also working on actual books - how-to guides, insights on life and overcoming challenges.
I'll write soon about what I believe I can offer and what I would like to have you hire me to do, also...but don't let that stop you getting in touch if you think you have something I could work on with you - I'd love to hear! 
Congrats hun,you are taking a big and bold step .You can do it and do it well, thanks for inspiring us always
ReplyDeletethank you! The encouragement is so appreciated! And you're welcome for the inspiration - glad I can!
DeleteFifi, you are definitely doing the right thing...unfortunately many of us only realise this after we have spent our whole lives in one place. There is so much more to do apart from sitting behind a desk and spitting out policies and the like...Even now I am also finding a free spirit to do my own creative work and enjoy life..good luck to you at Turin
Deletethank you :) Though of course, a lot of this behind the scenes work needs to be done by someone and am grateful to those who put in the, most often unrecognized, tremendous amout of work developing good policies etc takes! I have not regretted my input in these areas, but know when it is time for me to forge another path...thank you so much for the wishes of good luck :)
DeleteCongrats hun,you are taking a big and bold step .You can do it and do it well, thanks for inspiring us always
ReplyDeleteCheers to a new journey!!
ReplyDeleteCheers!!! Thanks Sherlyn!
DeleteCongratulations !!!! I wish you all the best on your journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteCongratulations, Finola! I await more stories of this journey.
ReplyDelete:) Glenda, thanks!!! I hope to entertain and inspire by telling it...it means so much when people respond and say they're interested in followng ... I'm a bit rusty with keeping up with who's subscribed etc...gotta oil those creaky joints - but if you're not subscribed, you can do so by email - there's a link at top right...subscribers are the bomb! ;)
DeleteCongrats Finola for launching out again into the deep. That Masters should stand you in good stead in the future. Your perseverance and determination with that application process was indeed an inspiration. All the best in your future endeavours. Please keep us posted on Facebook. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you - yes, it's been a little background battle going on for years now...get a masters...don't bother...that's a whole 'nother story! But when this one came up, everything seemed to fit...and the challenge of the application process...well that just seemed to be almost an encouragement - like a backhanded compliment I guess! I will of course post on FB, but you can also subscribe to get email updates - there's a link on the right above - as I said to Glenda, subscribers are the bomb, but really, everyone who takes time to read and comment...huge, huge blessings!!!
DeleteAll the best.....follow you dreams......
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachael - I know you are along this same ride on your own special track - so I wish you all the best too - you have what it takes!!!
Delete