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I’ve been a freelance designer for nearly 12 months, and although this isn’t the first time working for myself, the last year has felt very different from my previous solo adventures. I’m more experienced, comfortable with quieter periods, and much clearer on what I actually do. Or at least I thought I was.
Over the last few months, I have taken a pause, a mini-sabbatical if you like. It’s been a chance to spend time recharging and not having to be anywhere or be anyone other than Dad, Husband or Son. This time has provided me with space to reflect on my past career and consider how I want to spend my time moving forward and where I can offer the most value to others.
Along with many others, this has been my last day at FutureLearn. I sent the message below internally, but there are so many brilliant people who have previously worked at FutureLearn that I want them to know what they’ve meant to me.
Last year I attended the one day Do Pause workshop and it has proved to be one of the most valuable events I’ve ever attended and Robert Poynton is a superb facilitator. The day left me with a whole host of practical things I could put into practice straight away, along with deeper things to take away to think about. Over the year since the workshop, I’ve been practising many of the lessons learned, introducing different pauses, all of which I’ve felt has provided me with a slower, more thoughtful way to see things.
Sometimes it can be hard to provide clarity, especially when you’re not totally clear about things yourself. When leading on a project should I be the one creating the clarity or should I be supporting and coaching others to find their own?