New Job

Leaving Cassidian as the CEO and then immediately take up a totally domestic and caring role was a big shock to my system. Since April 9^th I have absolutely prioritized my family for the first time in a long time.  Working for a large global corporation whilst rewarding in many ways is also very demanding.  I was very lucky in that Caroline understood the demands, the rewards and most importantly possessed a strong work ethic herself.

Whilst I would never have chosen the circumstances that brought me here I feel hugely privileged to have spent some quality time with Caroline and with my two children over the past 8 months.

However, the time has arrived where I need to return to work.  You can only have so much daytime TV in one life.  As much as I love “Homes Under the Hammer” and “Good Morning” with Holly and Phil, its time to leave them and re-engage with the rest of society.

As every single parent with children at school knows there are many hurdles and considerations that need to be overcome and dealt with.  When looking at the work life triangle, me – family – work, my priority has to be my family.  Georgina although doing very well at Cardiff University still has some settling down to achieve.  Joe is now in his most important year at school and will be doing his A levels in May.  If he works hard then he will have his own settling to do at University next year.  I also have to come to terms with my own circumstances including seeing more of my friends and family.

With these hurdles and considerations in mind for the immediate future would mean any potential role would have to lean more towards a lifestyle choice and probably be on a freelance basis.  The major benefits to this way of working are many. I am able to investigate a variety of opportunities; talk to very different and interesting people; and have to rely on my own skills.  My first step was to set up my company named  “TWU Ltd” as in “This Way Up”.

I have been very fortunate in that I have either been recommended to companies or past colleagues have looked me up.   Without going into too much detail at this point the option that fits my lifestyle balance best at the present time is to join FD Centre (FD as in Finance Director).

FDC have asked me to join them as Regional Director for South Wales, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.  FDC is a service provision company for high caliber financial professionals.  The company is growing rapidly across the country and has a very mature business model.  I have been really impressed by the quality of the management and ethos of the Company.  So all you Cassidian lot, just when you thought it was safe, I will be back across the Severn Bridge.

I am also looking at other business opportunities that will broaden my portfolio but that will come later.  Whether I will be successful at this totally new way of working remains to be seen but I’m going to give it a go!

Thanks to everyone for your support and best wishes.  “Bring it on!