So I've just been made redundant. It wasn't a total shock but it also wasn't on my top 10 things to do this week. If anything, it's kind of inconvenient. But then again, it's also kind of an opportunity.
I've never quite known what I want to be when I grow up. At 5 years old, I proclaimed that I wanted to fold clothes in C&A for a living, at 15 I had aspirations of being a pharmacist and by the time I was choosing a college course, I was all set for the heady world of TV production. I am now 35 and although I folded jumpers ahoy part time during uni, did my school work experience at a local chemist and once did a work placement on Blue Peter, I still haven't really found out exactly what it is that floats my boat.
After some jobs in TV and film production, I packed it all in and went to Thailand to teach English. At the time I found the work I was doing just didn't fulfil me. It all came to a head one day when I was having a heated email debate with Orlando Bloom's agent because Orlando had complained about the size of his nose on a DVD cover. I just decided that there were more important things in life so I handed in my notice at the best paying job I've ever had and flew off to teach 14 year olds the Cha Cha Slide.
I really enjoyed my year in Thailand, but I didn't want to be a teacher full time. But I took something from that job (and I'm not talking about that pack of colouring pens I nicked). A desire to make my work centre around people.
Cut to now, and after a whole lot of years in software testing (showcasing my inbuilt pickiness, pedantry and penchant for pointing out problems) and a wonderful foray into the world of User Experience, I think I've found a little niche for myself. And now here I am, standing on the precipice of change and yeah, it's terrifying.
Change scares me but I am quite glad I've been given this push. I am looking forward to finding a place for myself in the world, and in the last week, I've talked to so many lovely people. People who want to help total strangers, people who want to give their advice and guidance purely just to help someone along their way. People I've known for ages who have rallied round to do whatever they can to make this time easier.
Thanks to these people, I have the confidence to move forwards, onwards and upwards. Thanks to these people, I think I will find my place in the world. Ah people, you're not so bad. Apart from you, Orlando Bloom...
