This is my last week in the office before I hang up my headphones and put on my out of office for the summer. For the last few years I’ve taken two months off every summer to spend with the boys. Given the turmoil of the last few Covid-months, I had a moment where I questioned whether or not I should take the time off. Should I work through to make up for lost work? I quickly decided no. This time off is important. Plus, now, more so than ever, I feel like I need to unplug and recharge.
‘You’re so lucky‘ is the usual response I get. As you read this perhaps you’re thinking the same. I agree. I am lucky. I have a very understanding boss (I’m self-employed).
It can be easy to look at other people and assume that things have just ‘happened’ for them or they’ve been ‘lucky’. Its a bit like watching a magician perform. We see the end illusion, but we don’t see the months of practice and work that have gone into make the trick work.
So it isn’t just luck that allows me to take this time off. I’ve created my own luck. I budget throughout the year so I can afford the time off. I’ve had to turn down work and manage my client expectations. However, when you know what you want, and what you value it becomes easier to (a) ask for it and (b) create the conditions that help you achieve it.
Focusing on what is in your control helps you to be proactive. A recent study showed that 86% of adults in the UK and Ireland admit to believing in ‘luck’ or ‘fate’. However, that means that when something doesn’t happen it’s easy to attribute it to ‘bad luck’ or someone else’s fault. By looking at what is within our control we find that we have more influence than we first think, and there are actions we can take.
For example, if you want to use parental leave to take some time off during school holidays – ask for it (for tips check this out she who dares wins) Can you start budgeting now to make it a reality? You may have left it too late for this summer, but what about later in the year, or next summer?
If you want to go for that promotion at work – find out what you need to do. What experience do you need? Ask for specific feedback so that you’re clear on what you need to stop/start/continue doing. How can you raise your profile and enhance your personal brand?
If you feel like you’ve been unfairly treated since you came back to work from maternity leave – have a conversation with your boss or HR, don’t just accept it.
You’ve got one shot at life. Focus on what’s important, what you want, then figure out how you can create your own luck. Good Luck!
You’ll find more information on the workshops we run at www.mumager.ie or drop us a line at www.mumager.ie
