Getting back to work
Working differently
Today, I'm getting back into full-time work after almost ten months off due to health issues. To give you some context, I've been working since I was fifteen, when I started my first Saturday job. During university, I juggled multiple jobs because my parents couldn't afford the fees and living expenses. After university, I worked as a temp, lived in Goa for a year, and when I returned to the UK, I started full-time work, which I've done for over twenty-six years, but really I have been working for closer to thirty-six years. My only break was for parental leave, but that's hardly a break! Work has been such a central part of my life that it became a big part of my identity. And, as cheesy as it sounds, there's nothing like a serious health scare to put things into perspective. Here are some things I've learned and will try to maintain as I get back into full-time work and try to do it a bit differently.
A simpler start to the day
My morning routines used to be so hectic that I felt like I'd done a full day's work before even getting to the office. I'd set walking targets, drag my reluctant dog Alfie along, listen to something meaningful, and pretend to meditate (I just can't seem to do it!), all while mentally writing my to-do list for the day and dealing with any teenage / school-related things that popped up—usually last minute.
While recovering, I've LOVED slower, simpler mornings—a cup of tea, a walk as far as I want (or as far as Melbourne weather allows), often with headphones on so no one talks to me while I listen to absolutely nothing. I've come to appreciate a simpler routine, doing less but thinking and feeling much clearer as a result. The structure isn't that different (except I've ditched pretending to meditate!), but my approach has definitely changed. I used to think every moment of the day had to be productive. Now? Not so much.
Prioritise relationships
Because my health issues were severe and escalated quickly, it took a lot to wrap my head around going from okay to not okay literally overnight. I cried a lot and in some weird places—think the yoghurt aisle in Coles, walking the dog, various cafes across the city, and even stuck in traffic, panicking that I did not have my medical supplies. Basically, I was a walking, talking soap opera for a while there!
Despite all the tears, I laughed a lot, usually with the same people I cried with. I laughed at myself, people's weird reactions and the Instagram messages people sent me (a lot of 80's aerobics - I don't think my algorithm will ever recover) and in one hilarious What's App thread, a pitch for a podcast exploring stomach, bowel and colon issues - I'll leave you to fill in the blanks on name suggestions. There have been some hilariously awkward moments.
All this to say, people can be the best and the worst.
This whole experience has highlighted how important it is to prioritise relationships that are life-giving. I'm not talking about surrounding myself with perpetually happy people - that would get VERY annoying VERY quickly! It's more about spending time with people who get the whole give-and-take thing about relationships - the ones where we can ride the highs and lows together. I've been guilty of taking these relationships for granted - and I hope not to do that in the future.
Keep a check on my relationship with work
Taking time away from work has given me a new perspective on my relationship with it. One of my values has always been hard work; coming from a working-class family in Yorkshire, I reckon hard work is in my DNA. But I want my relationship with work to evolve. I don't quite know what this looks like, but it might mean taking up my role differently, for example:
Being more discerning about what I take on and what I say no to.
Finding ways to reflect and learn in my work - I had forgotten how much I enjoy and need this (thanks to the team and my classmates at Nioda for reminding me of this).
Looking to different disciplines for inspiration and learning so that I can grow my practice
Prioritising supporting others to be successful in their roles
Finding time to walk and think during the day - it’s where I do my clearest thinking - not attached to my lap top.
I also want to acknowledge that I am in a role where I have the freedom to approach my work differently, and again, I do not want to take this for granted.
Now that I have been completely discharged, I hope this third article is the final one, as I focus on the future with so much gratitude for the medical professionals involved, my beautiful family, friends and of course Alfie.
Alfie, in particular, is looking forward to me returning to work so he can rest from all the walking!
