A decision that's been 'just right'

I’m in the final stretch of my ‘gap summer’ (more a gap quarter), preparing to start an exciting new role after few glorious months off. When I made the decision to take a break between finishing 13+ years at AXON/AVENIR GLOBAL and starting my new role, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As someone who has worked intensely for decades, and feeds off of solving clients’ complex challenges and working closely with talented colleagues, how would this solo summer of no deadlines, no colleagues and no strategic challenges feel? Would I be bored? Lonely? Would I become lazy? Would I feel like my brain was turning to mush?*

As I reflect on the past few months, and the extraordinary experience of having utter freedom in how I spend my time (other than when the bloody airline industry decided for me), I’m struck by the fact that this was my once-in-a-lifetime ‘Goldilocks moment.’ Without outside factors making decisions for me, I was the one determining what was too much or too little; I was choosing what was just right. All without my decisions influencing others' lives and wellbeing. It was an interesting experiment (and experience!).

Without an alarm clock, I was able to see exactly how much sleep was enough for me. What was the right balance between embracing my solitude and needing to feed off of other people’s energy. What was the right amount of solo travel and what was improved by travelling companions. When was I seeking engaging conversations with interesting new people versus dreading the small talk and longing for the easy rhythm of banter with old friends. How long before I got bored sitting on my sofa and conversely how one too many stressful journeys (I’m looking at you, EasyJet and BA!) left me craving the comforts of home. When it felt freeing knowing I had to worry only about myself when making decisions and how it could quickly tip into feeling entirely too self-focussed or missing the opportunity to bounce ideas around.

I am very aware how lucky I am to have been able to take this time off--particularly in a period of time when I don't have responsibilities for others. I know I will always look back at this sabbatical as one of the best decisions I could have made. Coming off the challenging period of the pandemic, and always feeling like I was missing something (time with my husband, seeing friends and family, travelling, time and/or concentration for reading, sleep?!) and/or feeling the weight of responsibility for many people I cared deeply about, this ‘gap summer’ has fed my soul. I’ve also learned a lot about myself—and some of it has been surprising.

Throughout this time off, I'm also really pleased I’ve been able strike the right balance of staying in touch with new colleagues and having the space to clear my mind so I can start the job fresh, energised and ready for my next career adventure. It would have been a massive shock to the system to start the new role cold, but I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some of the people I'll be working closely with, and it’s gotten me increasingly excited about what’s ahead. (It's also given me the time to make the transition in my head from 'you' to 'we' when referring to my new company [and be able to move AXON/AVENIR GLOBAL from 'we' to 'they']--both of which can be particularly challenging after many years with a company.)

So now, as I prepare to recalibrate back into the world of alarm clocks, Zoom calls, and hybrid working, I’m keen to maintain some of my ‘Goldilocks’ learnings. It’s all about finding—and holding onto—what feels ‘just right.’ It's about trying different approaches and recognising when your gut says 'this is it.' Which, interestingly, is how I felt from the outset about the opportunity I’m about to embark upon. Here goes…!  

*for the record...wasn’t bored, rarely (but sometimes) lonely, wasn’t lazy at all, brain did feel mushy at times.