Think I've turned the corner (not gone around the bend)

[Wombat]

I don't say much about some things (and that tends to be one of my problems) but since returning to gainful employment I have really struggled (See the thread "a rough week*). That hasn't gotten much better, and I have realised that by the end of the court case, I will no longer be able to do what I do for a living.

So then ..........what next?

That has been the question that I have been asking myself for the past month or two and, characteristically, I haven't been getting much sense back

Well, I went on Seek yesterday to see what happened if i plugged in "sustainability" as a key word and it appears that local councils employ a "sustainability officer". So I have decided that this is what I will aim for. Having an aim in life has made things somewhat easier. Usually Sundays are not good days for me, but I am sitting here in reasonble spirits so I am taking that as a good omen.

I am not really sure where this journey will take me but at least now I have a goal in site.

and thank you my friends for letting me rave on about it!

Nev

[Bonniegirl]

Well you have to go round a bend to turn a corner I reckon!

Sounds a perfect job, I think you're on the right track, a change of path sounds the right thing to do at this time.

Sometimes you've just got to move on and do something different. they saty a change is as good as a rest!

Good luck

[Millymollymandy]

That does sound like a great job which would suit you just right! Good luck for the future.

[Milims]

Yaaayyy!!!

Go Wombat go!!!

It never ceases to amaze me that it seems that sometimes in life you need to be bogged down by all the rubbish to understand what its like to run free! And just when you think there's nothing but rubbish happening something fabulous comes along, but then thats something all of us gardeners should realise - the best stuff grows when you add lot of s**t!! All the very best to you Nev and Mrs Wombat too.
Positive vibes!
Chris and Helen

[glenniedragon]

Having something to aim for certainly helps, one of the cruelties of life is that you have to have bad times to appreciate how good the good times are. But go for it Wombat, I can't think of anyone I know better qualified- I'd give you a reference!

Kind thoughts
Deb

[ina]

Well you have to go round a bend to turn a corner I reckon!

Isn't it weird that two expressions that literally mean the same can mean something so different... But I fully agree. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to get enough purchase to rise to the top again.

Will you have to do some kind of new training for that job? One good thing about is, folk working in sustainability will become more sought after in future. When I started at college again a few years ago, I was in a similar situation - stuck in a rut I didn't like. And going back to college helped enormously to give me a new impetus (even if the year wasn't all roses!).

[Wombat]

Thanks for the encouragement guys.

I will still be in my current situation for up to 18 months, so i will have time for learning ang planning. I ma not sure what sort of training I will need. Some of the stuff I do know may be transferable. I hope the permaculture design course will help, and I may wind up back at Uni again. Don't know at this stage!

Nev

[the.fee.fairy]

sustainability officer sounds good!

Are there any posts for environmental positions - like on an environmental committee? or environmental consultant? You'd be good at those too.

[chadspad]

I reckon u could probably do anything u put your mind to Nev! All the best for whatever comes next on your journey

[Thomzo]

Best of luck, Nev and good for you for having the guts to make the change. I'm still considering what I'm going to do when I get made redundant in September. Continuing in my current field is not the most attractive option at the moment but I don't know what else to do yet.

Do let us know how it goes.

Cheers
Zoe

[Tigerhair]

When my boss and his wife split up recently, my boss said he couldn't have got through it without an aim - he wanted to buy some land and build a sustainable house on it. No luck so far, but it helped him through...

So, me dear, you are right to have an aim and good on you for finding one that suits you SO well.

All the best.

[red]

Nev

glad to hear you are starting to turn that corner!

[Muddypause]

Hope it turns out well for you, Nev. Sounds like you've recognised this could be an opportunity, rather than a setback.

Sustainability Officer sounds mighty interesting, but I reckon there's a book to come from you, too (though others, who have done it, or are in the process of writing one, may not recommend it as a way of making a living). What about becoming one of those TV SS gurus - "Self-Sufficiency the Wombat Way"?

[Annpan]

Great news Nev

Well done.

I always find you get there much quicker once you have figured out where you are going (which I have yet to do ) good luck on your journey.

[Wombat]

Thank you again one and all, for your kind words and encouragement, it makes me feel very humble, you faith in me.

Stew as usual has hit the nail on the head and "Under the Choko Tree" has been an idea for some time. Just need the opportunity to write it. I think my family crest should have a wombat on one side and a choko on the other.......

Nev