A snapshot of my week: one-part ghostwriter/copywriter, one-part wellness coach and teacher.
An insight into my social #awks of running multiple work-streams but the values-based pay-off.
Here’s a peek into my work diary for the week. (I’ll spare you the rest which is, more precisely, my boys’ hectic social diary.)
2 days: copywriting/ghostwriting/brand strategy work for clients.
1.5 days: somatic healing / mentoring client sessions (2 days including planning/follow-up).
0.5 day: deep work. (Must try harder at this.)
0.5 day: teaching yoga/breathwork at a corporate wellbeing retreat.
For such a long time, I’ve felt unclear on my work identity. I don’t have a neat answer to the “what do you do?” question. I’m a few different things that I can’t tie neatly into a bow. I often feel I’m a different person depending on which ‘room’ I’m in, a little bashful about openly admitting to my multi-faceted week.
Phrases like “jack of all trades, master of none” undermine my confidence. Expectation of having a single, linear career path to summarise me into a palatable definition for other people’s understanding have me shape-shift to conform.
The conventional thinking is that, unless you’re 100% all in, you’re doomed to fail. By default it infers that I’m not that ambitious, not that committed and, maybe, has undertones that I’m just not cut out to succeed in either.
Is there truth to that? I don’t know. Who’s to know what would have unfolded in an alternative Sliding Doors reality. Here’s what I feel is true.
When I’m in the zone with one aspect of my work, I’m IN it. The perfectionist in me means that I want to do work to my best. I don’t give a half measure of skill or commitment just because this might represent only half of my week. It’s 100% - focus, commitment, dedication, honing my skill - but for some of the time.
It may well have meant I’ve not achieved the momentum (career progression, financial status) I might have done if I’d burned the bridges to all but one - “the riches are in the niches” so they say. But, I’ve gained too. I’m refreshed by the variety which keeps me sharp and offers a unique perspective. I’m fulfilled and my career values are, on the whole, being met - freedom and flexibility, creative expression, meaningful work, defining my own version of success. And love - it’s given me the opportunity to be present in my other more-than-full-time role as a mum.
As my children become increasingly independent, that need for flexibility lessens. At this point, it becomes choice. A choice to embrace the and. I’m this AND that.
Sidenote: Note the name of my Pinterest moodboard in the image above. The board curates my interests and skills and is named after the apt Rumi quote I share here: