After a fantastic weekend with the family (Apart from the result for Liverpool!) I am now in Newcastle for the next couple of days, working. The joys of travelling on a Sunday are back and in full swing, but I can’t complain, it’s work. I question whether I am getting slightly lazy wanting to work from home as I realise the main impact I can have for my clients is in a face to face environment.
I also enjoy being in a room with people where I can read their responses, gauge their facial expressions and get an immediate measure of their engagement, in the moment. I can challenge them more and they can challenge me back, so, I’m glad to be delivering some sessions in person. I am, however, going to make sure I get the balance right, as much as possible.
So many of the companies I am working in are struggling with the return to work issue. Some people want home working, some want a blend and some want office based solutions – it’s a mine field and it’s causing issues. There is also a big problem regarding recruitment and retention that has been driven by Brexit and CV-19, combined, to produce a ”perfect storm’ influencing people to make different life choices.
The world we live in has become complex and, at times, more stressful. 40 hours a week for a wage was simple to follow and everyone knew where they were. Now we have choices to make about our working life, that we didn’t have to do before, and I think it’s great. Owning our lives, making our own choices but still having to produce results is a win-win solution. Flexible working conditions, it couldn’t get any better.
For an employer, it must be tough. How do companies manage the differences and ensure ‘most people’ are happy and feel listened to? I am glad I only have to look in the mirror to get confirmation of my rules (And ask my wife, of course). I feel that my level of autonomy suits me and my lifestyle. Saying yes or no to work has its benefits but also comes with big risks.
If you’ve ever been self employed and looked at your diary and seen nothing booked in for the whole year, you will know how a 40 hour week, for a guaranteed wage, can be inviting, especially as the bills rock up!
I do think it’s a great time to make your own choices and it certainly is a different place for my children now.
Ask yourself a few questions:
- What do you value in life?
- How do you want to be remembered, what legacy do you want to leave?
- What do you really want to do but haven’t done yet?
- What do you need to do to make it all happen?
Set goals, take action and be grateful for every moment you have with family and friends. That’s what makes life so wonderful!