So for about 20 odd years I have been in Project Management. I didn’t really plan to be (it wasn’t really something one did with a decent science degree) but like many folk I sort of fell into it.

To be honest it mostly suits me. Time management. Attention to detail. Planning. Huge amounts of multi tasking.  Diplomacy. Dealing with many other professionals. Negotiating with difficult people. Managing finances. Playing the long game. Crisis management. Endless admin. Learning on the job. Giving love and support to clients and making them feel valued. Event planning. Social engagements Contingency planning. Even catering.

Some areas I have found more difficult. Delegating. Working from home throughout (even pre covid). Managing my stress levels. Keeping my cool and emotional stability. The day to day drudgery. The competitive market.

The pay has been shit. The pension non existent. The company did no appraisals. Holidays were of the busman sort.

But I have absolutely loved the role. It has been the best 20 odd years of my life. Seriously. And I wouldn’t change one single moment. There have been immense highs, proud moments. Laughter. Love. Joy. Fun.

Recently, however, there has been a company restructure. And I have more or less been forced into early retirement. There’s no package. Or party. Or golden handshake. I need to slink off quietly.

There will be bits and pieces left to do and I may get called in on a consultancy basis.

But I need to let that (more than) full time role go. It’s hard to adjust. I need to find more hobbies, expand my social circle. And be happy about it.

Because the outcomes of those 20 odd years are out in the world (or nearly).

So there we have it, that’s my real appraisal. That I have raised amazing people who no longer need me.

Project Motherhood.