Transitioning from the workplace. Yes, there is such a thing.
Maybe I’m naive, but I really didn’t think too much about managing my transition from work to home prior to taking the leap and accepting my redundancy.
Well, apart from some vague idea of having to revamp my wardrobe accordingly. Obviously a very important consideration but perhaps not THE most important in the scheme of things…
My lack of preparation is sort of strange as I had all sorts of plans in place for making the transition to the workplace after having each of my kids. Routines. Timetables. You name it, I planned it with military precision.
But, apart from planning to “ease myself into things” I haven’t exerted the same energy into managing my transition in the other direction.
So why? It’s a big change, as big a change as starting a job. And psychologically it’s possibly a harder transition as you move from a role with deadlines, purpose, expectations and accountability set by others for you to follow, to a reality where it’s all on you.
You are the boss. There’s nowhere else that the buck can stop. It’s all on you.
It still feels so surreal. I must confess I still feel on holidays. But I need to make plans and manage this transition properly so I can make the most of my opportunity to work at home and live a smarter as well as happier life.
I want this to work. I don’t want to lose my drive or the vision for why we are doing this. So I have decided to focus on three ways to manage my transition from the workplace.
Tasks
I have commandeered the diary I used at work to note down daily tasks which is really helping me with the transition. It’s helps as I’m continuing to set tasks as I did before while using a tool I am familiar with. I find it’s a helpful way for me to bridge the gap between work and home.
Also the very act of noting down your tasks and crossing them off as you complete them can reinforce your focus and increase your motivation. Well, it does for me anyway, but that could just be me!
Setting tasks also fits in perfectly with my next strategy to set goals. Just ensure your tasks fit in with your overall goals – there’s no point exerting effort on tasks that will not get you any closer to achieving your end goal.
Goals
After a few weeks of consciously allowing myself to take the foot off the pedal I’m now focusing on harnessing my energy on setting new goals. Nathan has written about setting goals before – techniques that I am employing right now – and I have used them to set the following roadmap to achieve my goals.
Goal #1
Build up Smarter Happier so it can meet our vision to be the go-to resource for families seeking to make real and lasting change to their lives. I plan to achieve this goal by:
- Creating great & consistent content.
- Building an email list and attract subscribers.
- Developing useful products for you to use in your own lives.
- Providing first-hand knowledge of my experience as I take the leap from the workforce into home-based work.
Goal #2
Continue working on My Home Truths. After nearly four years, I have built up a loyal community whom I respect and love. I want to return to writing the posts that matter while still sharing my truths and confessions:
- Continuing to host I Must Confess each Monday.
- Researching and writing a series of posts on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Sharing more of our daily struggles caring for kids with special needs.
- Building an email list.
- Concentrating on Pinterest as a traffic referrer.
Goal #3
Develop my consultancy business Double Scoop with the aim of full launch in early 2015 by:
- Developing a solid business plan.
- Refining the website.
- Crafting regular posts to provide evidence of my expertise and experience to prospective clients.
- Taking on initial clients at a discount to gain testimonials and to perfect my delivery model.
- Building an email list and attracting subscribers.
Attitude
The final aspect of my transition strategy is looking at my attitude. Yes I am now at home but I’m not here to play – I’m here to work. What I plan to do at home is as important as anything that I did in my previous role in the workplace. I need to back myself and believe that what I do is worthy.
I have to be positive. I have to believe that I will succeed. I need to show my commitment to my goals by actions as well as words. I need to treat my writing as a business and give it the professionalism, attention and time it deserves.
And if you are transitioning away from the workplace, you need to do the same. Set tasks. Make goals. Adjust your attitude. Treat your transition from work to home as seriously as you would the other way around.
Make the change count. Take full advantage of this opportunity.
I know I am determined to!
Linking up today for #IBOT
Good luck with using these steps to help you transition from the workplace to working for yourself. I love your goals and I think it’s great that you’ll be writing a series about the NDIS. There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of easy to information about it, and I look forward to reading your take on it.
Tegan recently posted…Feeling loved when you feel unlovable
Thanks Tegan – I’m looking forward to writing about the NDIS. We are in a pilot area and are nearing the end of our first year in the scheme so it’s time to take stock and share everything we have experienced so far.
Kirsty Russell recently posted…I Must Confess…5 secrets from my wardrobe
Sounds like you’ve got a really solid plan and work schedule. That’s half the battle when you are entirely self directed.
Michelle@myslowlivingadventure recently posted…a peaceful practice
Thanks for the positive reinforcement Michelle – I just need to put my plans into action now!
Kirsty Russell recently posted…I Must Confess…5 secrets from my wardrobe
I’m really enjoying following your journey through redundancy and beyond, something I too am oh-so-familiar with. All too soon your days and weeks will fill up and you will look back on the “honeymoon period” as you transitioned to working from home – I know I do! Mind you I actually make a decent income now so that definitely helps 😉
Visiting today from #teamIBOT xxx
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted…My, how many CLOTHES you have!
Janet, I really do look up to you – someone who has successfully done what I am trying to. If you have any tips for me, send them my way!!!!
Kirsty Russell recently posted…I Must Confess…5 secrets from my wardrobe
I love this. I’m not quite formally transitioning in the same way, but I struggle to find my way to work at home.
Vanessa recently posted…Winners – Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show 2014
I completely understand this Vanessa. I’m lucky in a way as I was doing some of my previous job at home due to my health issues so I had some practice before diving in. My biggest issue is prioritising between my goals – I may have to narrow down my focus in the next few weeks so I can actually get something done!
Kirsty Russell recently posted…I Must Confess…5 secrets from my wardrobe
Some excellent advice here Kirsty. For me it takes an awful lot of self control not to be distracted by other things when I’m working at home. But it’s all about attitude – and being strict with yourself in terms of planning and goals, just as you’ve said. I’m looking forward to learning from your progress!
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted…Shame About That Bass
Thanks Lara. I’m finding my biggest issue is being distracted by social media – I need to get that sorted ASAP! Thanks too for the positive feedback about my approach – good to know that I am on the right track 🙂
Man I love your attitude! I feel really inspired by this. I really need to get myself a diary and start focusing better.
EssentiallyJess recently posted…An Ode to Mojo #IBOT