So September was like March which was like … actually, no, September was like all of the past six months but with a massive light at the end of the tunnel … more on that below. So, without any further palaver, let’s wrap this month up.
At work …
While I’d handed back (mostly) the HR role I’d been doing on top of my normal facilities management role, it allowed me to concentrate on the office relocation in Brisbane I’ve been project managing for the past six months – the same one I’ve been stressing about all year.
This month though, in spite of that busyness, there was also an extra purpose to all the busyness … I’ll fill you in below.
Travel …
For the first time this year, I managed a week up at Sarah’s place in Hervey Bay. Naturally I day-jobbed from up there, but it was a lovely change of day-job scene.
I also got to catch up with my good friend Deborah on one of the evenings for a drink and a fabulous pizza.
Part of the deal of me staying for the week is I cook in the evenings. This was a tad more of a challenge this time around as Sarah’s housemate is vegetarian – although (thankfully) not vegan (not that there’s anything wrong with that). It was, however, fun trying some new recipes I’d been wanting to try for a while. (If you’re interested, check out the Kitchen Diaries for what I cooked.)
I took myself out for lunch on Wednesday at the Bayside in Urangan and got plenty of words written (fuelled no doubt by a couple of glasses of wine). During the week I also wrote at Cody’s – the cute coffee shop down the road from Sarah’s – and in her backyard.
Grant came up on Friday and we took a family mini-road trip to Woodgate Beach via historic Childers. I wrote about it here.
Sarah and her housemate took us to their favourite craft beer place for dinner and we finished the day with a (competitive) game of mini golf (which I lost).
While Brisbane is only 90kms down the road, it’s almost 2 hours on the train so I overnighted during the month to help with the packing up of the old office. I used the time on the train wisely and got some words written and had a lovely solo dinner in the hotel restaurant at night.
I was back down there a few days later to arrange the “make-good” of the old tenancy and deal with any settling-in issues in the new one. And now it’s done.
As this goes to virtual print I’m on my way to Sydney airport to come home. I’ve been down here for work which means the usual yummy Chatswood lunches with colleagues.
My primary reason, however, has been to hand over my job and my laptop and access passes. You know what’s coming, right? But first …
Out and about on the Sunny Coast …
With me working on this office relocation there wasn’t a lot of out and abouting this month. We did, however, make it to Mapleton Pub in the hinterland for a pre-Father’s Day lunch and the Pavilion at Mooloolaba for Father’s Day brekky. I wrote about both in my weekly update on the author site.
We also managed a Friday lunch at the Imperial Hotel in Eumundi in the hinterland outside of Noosa. The town has a lovely boho feel – and so does the pub.
Tonight we’re off to See in Mooloolaba. It’s a little bit fancy, but we’re celebrating… which leads me to…
My words of the year …
Change
When I set my word of the year I knew something needed to change. I also knew that historically I’ve had massive career change every 12 years – 1987, 1999, 2011. I could bore you with astrological transits, but I won’t. Instead I’ll say that as of yesterday I finished up in the day job.
I made my decision back in July but wasn’t able to say anything until the announcement was made at work a few weeks ago. I’ve talked about it a little on my author blog in the weeks since.
I’m grateful I’ve been able to leave on good terms and without any sort of bitterness – it really is just “time” – if you know what I mean, and I’ll miss my colleagues and the daily interaction, even though it was mostly virtual. I suspect I’ll also struggle with things such as loss of purpose and (I hate to admit) title.
While I feel good about it and certain I’ve made the right decision for me, I know I’ll have a few tummy-dropping anxious moments at 2 a.m. wondering what in the blazes I’ve done – especially when paydays come and go, but, as I said, it’s time.
As for what’s next? All I know is I want to do more of what I love without having to do the things I don’t love so much first. While I intend actually treating my writing as a career now and putting myself out there (gulp) in a way I wasn’t able to do while I had a day-job, I’m not saying never regarding getting another day-job in the future. Just not for a bit. Maybe. Probably. Who knows?
Creating
Last time we spoke I mentioned how I’d put Brookford to the side for something new – the first in a new series of cosy mysteries set in the fictional Aussie small town of Whale Bay. Well, somehow I’ve managed to (almost) finish the first draft – in just 6 weeks. I’ve been writing before work, at lunchtime after work, and most of each weekend, but I’ve (almost) got there. As of this morning I have just a couple of chapters to write to tie it all together. I realised yesterday though that the character I though had “dunnit” hadn’t, so that should prove interesting as I rewrite.
Anyways, it will be off to my structural editor next week and I’ll be scheduling publication next March.
Between now and then you’ll hear plenty about it.
If you’re interested I’ve been writing a bit about my process each week over on the author website.
In the next couple of months I’ll also be releasing a few new books as I clear the backlog of what needs to be released and has been waiting for me to get the time to do what needs to be done in order to release them. It won’t be giving these the start in life they deserve, but, well, as I said, I need to get them out.
Looking forward…
We’re off to Vietnam next weekend for a couple of weeks, with a few nights in Singapore on the way back. No doubt I’ll tell you a bit about that next month. I will, however, be taking a blogging break while we’re away so will see you on the other side.
Over to you…
What’s been on your calendar this month? Perhaps you’d like to update us on your word of the year or intentions? We’d love to hear about what you’ve been up to…
The linky is below and it’s open for a week…
My co-hosts are:
Deb at Deb’s World
Sue at Women Living Well Over 50
Donna at Retirement Reflections
And Anyways... 
Wow Jo, such a huge month for you but I’m so happy you have finished the day job on a high! I’m sure you’ll be missed and you’ll miss certain aspects of it as well but your WOTY is Change when all is said and done! You really kept the tension going in your post too :). All the best and I look forward to seeing your books up front and centre. By the way when I was in Brisbane city last week I took multiple photos of that big gold building glinting away in the sunshine and wondered what it was, and now I know thanks to your post 🙂
Enjoy your upcoming travels and blogging break, can’t wait to follow along on your trip.
Hi, Jo – You’ve had an incredibly full September and you have totally rocked your WOTY. Congratulations on such a smooth and positive finish to your day job and embracing the change ahead. I am in awe that you were able to get so much writing done during this busy time. This top fan is ready and waiting to read more from you whenever it is ready!
I’m writing as fast as I can!
I know and I have no idea how you do this. I am in complete awe!
So many adventures and things to look forward to. It sounds like you have made the right decision. Have a lovely holiday!
Thanks!
What a month you’ve had Jo. It it seems your WOTY has brought about the perfect result. That’s a huge decision you’ve made but it sounds like it was time to move on. Enjoy you well earned down time and extra writing time. I love your photos this month.
It’s a big change & I’m sure I’ll have plenty of adjusting to do. Thanks Jennifer.
Go you! So many new adventures ahead. It’s so nice to leave a job knowing you did it well and your colleagues and boss will miss you. That’s how I felt when I left the little part-time job I’d taken on – the polar opposite to crawling out the door on the brink of a nervous breakdown and with a boss who was oblivious! Nothing beats a positive finish – and I’m sure you’ll be picking up something else along the way – just maybe not quite so full on…… got to leave time for all the book tours and signings! Have a great time in Vietnam and I’ll look forward to seeing your pics on FB. xxx
aaaah yes, how could I forget the book tours lol…
So happy for you…and you already know that. As a fellow “no title” person…then who am I? It takes its time to change. And like you say, you may get into some paid work again. I did 3 retirements I think..and glad once all the dust settled to ‘never have to answer to another human again’ for reasons of employment…ha! I couldnt be more pleased for you. Thanks for sharing the news and that you are another person/people I know having a blogging break. (not me) Thanks for the link up. Take care. Denyse
Thanks Denyse… you might now see more of me on your linky…
I will look forward to that Jo!
Thank you for linking up your blog post this week at Denyse’s Words and Pics for #WWandPics. Warm wishes and appreciation from Denyse.
What a month of big changes for you, Jo. I’m glad that you ended your day job on a positive note, and you’re now able to follow your passion for writing full time. Have a wonderful holiday in Vietnam and Singapore! Both countries have delicious foods.
It’s been almost 7 years since we were in Vietnam and 4 since Singapore and we can’t wait to be back.
YAY you!! Congratulations on this major decision. I think you will adjust very well as you have a number of irons in the fire and your trip to Vietnam to fill the time that you would otherwise have been day-jobbing. And here comes spring and summer, you will have time to be outdoors!! Congratulations on closing this previous chapter and open the door to a bright, shiny, hopeful new one!!
Thanks… I’m really looking forward to the possibilities.
OH wow that is a big change! Congratulations!! Can’t wait to see what books you start publishing and cranking out.
Thanks Joanne… it’s certainly something that’s given me just as many sleepless nights as work stress has done lol.
A perfect way to embrace your WOTY. No TITLE?? Are you kidding? Published Author is a pretty darn impressive title!! And I bet you will establish a great routine and even take the plunge to “outing yourself out there.” Congrats on retirement from that role, I also know how good it feels to go out in the best possible scenario.
As to the blogging break and the trip– perfect! We will all still be here. Enjoy.
Thanks Bernie … it’s time to, as they say, put my money where my mouth is.
I enjoyed all the pictures that accompanied your post. Congrats on your manuscript, Joanne.
Thanks
Wow! That is a big decision. I retired 9 (gulp) years ago. It took me a while to get used to it. Not sure I am yet, actually. I have managed to write and publish 7 books though and have three in the wings. You will find your grove. Enjoy!
Thanks Darlene, somehow I’ve managed to write & publish while working, but definitely have done nothing re marketing at all – partly because of time but also worried about what my colleagues would think. Now it’s time to put my money where my mouth is.
I really don’t know how you cram so much into your life and keep going. Your thoughts that something needed to change this year will probably be a wise decision. It’s easy to keep ignoring the little voice trying to tell us something. Wishing you every success in your next chapter (no pun intended 🙂
Great month, loving the food pics!
Go you! I’m so happy for your – now you really will be able to do what you love and love what you do. I just hope your book signings and book tours will be international so that I can get in on the action too. Your time is now!
Wow, that office is high up but the view from the meeting room is gorgeous. SOunds like you had a great month!!
Hi Jo what a positive and uplifting month. You certainly packed a lot in and inspire me with all you do. I’m so happy that you have finally left what wasn’t making you happy and can now focus on your first love (after Grant, Sarah and Kali of course) – writing. You are so talented and you are now ready to fly. It is always lovely to catch up with our daughters isn’t it? I’m sure Sarah loves your visits and spending time together. Have a fabulous trip to Vietnam and can’t wait to see your photos. Take care my friend and sending love and best wishes for this new chapter in life. xx
Hi Jo – firstly congratulations on taking the plunge to leave the day job! You’ll get used to it! You amaze me with how much you always get done ‘in addition’ to your day job so it blows my mind to think how much you’ll get done without the day job getting in the way! I haven’t kept up with what you’re writing lately (I’m rather consumed by aged care lately) but you inspire me so much. It is a dream of mine to write and illustrate a children’s book but I haven’t had the space in my mind or time to even start yet. It’s my mission to try and make time – I need some change too. Very exciting that you’ve got a trip to Vietnam/Singapore. I look forward to the piccies on the socials! Take care and enjoy the extra free time you have now! xo
Have fun in Vietnam and Singapore!!