A lot have asked me in the run up to this how I’m feeling. Now the day is here – it doesn’t feel too significant in terms of emotions. 4 day weekend in UK this week, starting tomorrow. Shows I’m still in the 9-5 mindset when I’m looking forward to that more?
Someone asked me when I got into the kitchen if it was my last day. She said “You escaped – well done.” Interesting way of putting it. Klinta just came in and said she’s so happy for me.
2 women just now asking how they get the TV channels on a monitor on the wall. So I had to point out that wouldn’t happen. Not sure if I'll miss that. Klinta is the first person I had a bond with in over a year and a half since Graham left. That social isolation doesn't help. But in recent months I've made friends with Guy and Marcus - I feel in a much better place socially.
I worry I might feel a little isolated at first when I get started with my art. Whilst I will be seeing lots of people at craft fairs etc. I think I’ll have to find a balance between the two. However, the reduction in stress from not being in an office job might help me with my social “battery” once I’m in my new routines.
Local library will be a place to go draw. Same with one of the churches which has coffee mornings in the day. Somewhere fairly quiet, but with some foot traffic. Park benches can be ok, but you run the risk of youths, chavs and reprobates which turn a relaxing location into a hostile one.
I'll find my groove though. Networking and exposure is key. Much like my staffing - if I do it closer to people, I will get more reactions and opportunities.
The uncertainty of the future isn’t as unsettling as I expected it to feel at this point. A few fleeting moments of unease or doubt, but on the whole – I feel ready for this. As ready as anyone could do I suppose.
My gut still says I’ll make it. At the end of the day that’s all I need. With enough time, and that belief in my own success, I’ll get there in the end.
Ed
Someone asked me when I got into the kitchen if it was my last day. She said “You escaped – well done.” Interesting way of putting it. Klinta just came in and said she’s so happy for me.
2 women just now asking how they get the TV channels on a monitor on the wall. So I had to point out that wouldn’t happen. Not sure if I'll miss that. Klinta is the first person I had a bond with in over a year and a half since Graham left. That social isolation doesn't help. But in recent months I've made friends with Guy and Marcus - I feel in a much better place socially.
I worry I might feel a little isolated at first when I get started with my art. Whilst I will be seeing lots of people at craft fairs etc. I think I’ll have to find a balance between the two. However, the reduction in stress from not being in an office job might help me with my social “battery” once I’m in my new routines.
Local library will be a place to go draw. Same with one of the churches which has coffee mornings in the day. Somewhere fairly quiet, but with some foot traffic. Park benches can be ok, but you run the risk of youths, chavs and reprobates which turn a relaxing location into a hostile one.
I'll find my groove though. Networking and exposure is key. Much like my staffing - if I do it closer to people, I will get more reactions and opportunities.
The uncertainty of the future isn’t as unsettling as I expected it to feel at this point. A few fleeting moments of unease or doubt, but on the whole – I feel ready for this. As ready as anyone could do I suppose.
My gut still says I’ll make it. At the end of the day that’s all I need. With enough time, and that belief in my own success, I’ll get there in the end.
Ed
