Like somethin’ is brewin’ and 'bout to begin!
Any girl my age knows these words—softly spoken by Dick Van Dyke at the start of Mary Poppins—and right now, they perfectly reflect how I feel about work and my career.
Change is definitely in the air. No matter what direction I take, something is shifting. Two colleagues are soon to move on to new pastures, and others are actively applying elsewhere. Until those roles are filled, those of us remaining are left to carry the same workload with fewer hands. The pressure is palpable.
There’s a definite vibe rippling through the office—people moving on, retiring, or seeking fresh challenges. And yet, I feel like a caged bird staring at an open door. Freedom is right there… but I’m scared to fly. Imposter syndrome, fear of change, and fear of falling flat on my face are all holding me back.
The thing is, this might actually be the right time to be brave. To pack up my skills, experience, and everything I’ve learned—and head off into the unknown. Realistically, I’ve got another 25 years of working life ahead of me (thanks, rising pension age!), and with a bit of luck and good health, I’ll make it to 70. That gives me plenty of time to learn, grow, and explore new career paths.
I still don’t quite know what I want to be when I grow up—but I’ve realised that’s okay. The more we move, the more we learn and we don't need to stick to one career or role. Life isn’t what it used to be. People don’t stay with the same company for 40 years anymore, and honestly, my last 10 years in this organisation haven’t done much to develop my career. And they’re unlikely to start now.
There’s no room for real progression. I can have the best ideas in the world, but if my face doesn’t fit, my ideas don’t land. I’ve spent a decade waiting for someone to recognise my worth, to mention my name for opportunities that clearly align with my skills—and I’ve stood by in disbelief as others are chosen instead, despite me knowing I could run rings around them.
I’ve served my time. I’ve given my energy. I’ve hit that brick wall too many times.
I’m ready for something new—even if that “something” is smaller, simpler. I’m open to the idea of a job that’s just that: a job. Something that pays the bills while I pursue the other parts of life that matter most to me.
Because I know I have the skills to lead, organise, and deliver meaningful work. What I don’t want is to be trapped in red tape, or swept up in “innovative” solutions that are all surface and no substance.
Right now, I’m still here—in the safety of my little birdcage—but the winds are changing. And maybe, just maybe, they’re blowing in my favour.
Maybe it’s time to fly.
Fergs 🖤
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