Working in the City of London for over 20 years taught me a thing or two about getting along (playing nicely) with others. About commuting and getting about our metropolis on tubes, buses, walking, short cuts and the occasional treat of a cab.
I often went out after work for drinks, a movie, a date …whatever. I used to wend my way home for 11pm/midnight and then be up and at it again to be in the City at my desk for 7.30am.
Oh my goodness! Just typing this to you makes me feel tired.😳
It’s not that I can’t do that anymore. It’s that I can’t face the thought of doing that anymore. Happily I don’t have to.
Carving out my life’s rhythm to work from home, look after our hounds and have occasional trips to London is something I always wanted. Often when I was staring out of the window in that glass box office back in the late 90s/early 00s.
So, when I go to town now I have to brace myself!
It’s noisy, busy, dirty, dynamic, fast and I feel myself gear up and sharpen my elbows to get about.
What I realise for sure is that it’s not me anymore. That pace, the commute, the people everywhere, the go-go-go. I’m more of a slow-slow-quick-quick-slow kind of mover these days.
Snow and I went to an outdoor play right by Tower Bridge in the City this week. It was fun to be there and be part of something a bit different AND we couldn’t get out of there quick enough.
One of my clients read through her rocking CV/Resume recently. She’s move out of the role and rhythm she used to occupy for about 5 years now. She said it made her feel tired reading it! All that she used to do, be responsible for.
My point of this musing with you today is to be kind to yourself instead of berating yourself in any way.
You’ve evolved. Your energy levels are different. Your focus and what’s important is different and, if that’s you in any way then – good for you.
It’s easy to say things like “Oh I can’t do this anymore” or “I get so tired” or “I feel like I’m being left behind“.
What if you just allowed yourself to look at ways to pull back a bit?
To drop a gear. To negotiate a better balance for yourself.
It’s rare your company will come to you with suggestions. It’s for you to approach them with workable ideas for a change in pace and rhythm. How it will work not if.
I’m always encouraging clients to take stock. Review what’s important. How much time or money is enough? What’s their 3-5 year planning?
Otherwise, you just keep doing the do and running often to stand still.
I loved my 20+ years in the City of London. So much learning, earning and friends (and a husband met along the way). AND, I’m so done with it now.
A final word on the matter…
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And in other news…
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Snowy and I hosted his team and their partners and kiddies last weekend. We had fine weather (phew) and it was a full on and fun day with a yummy grazing table provided by a local caterer. A number of them said “See you next year!” Hmm. To be continued…
