As 2023 draws to a close, it’s good time to reflect and thank your stars you’ve got to the end of the year intact.

This has been my first full calendar year of working for myself, albeit it’s been 18months in total. It’s been a rollercoaster this year. I have learnt so much about everything from Corporation Tax, balancing fees and Business Planning to my own mental health limitations, the importance of shared values with clients and the beautiful thing that is a supportive professional network.

What are my most significant reflections on 2023.

Mental Health. Look after your own. I started 2023 feeling hopeful, but tired. The impact of my work ethic, like lots of people in this industry is tiring. I dedicate so much of my physical and mental energies on ‘work’. I do this because it’s how I’ve been brought up, who I am and because I enjoy it. I have always hoped that people respect that about me and can see the value I bring to projects and organisations. This year, I have finally learnt that it doesn’t matter how much you work, how good you are at your work, how much time you dedicate to a project or organisation, how many weekends/ holidays/ evenings you give up, how much family time you miss out on, with a click of the finger you’ve been replaced. How many memes do you see with that kind of message…. Well, it’s true. Family. Health. Shared Values. Looking after these areas don’t have to mean delivering a poor service. It will mean your head is in the right place to deliver the best possible service you can.

Business Planning. Make time to Business Plan. We too often have our heads in our work to think about our businesses. Taking time out to breathe, reflect and plan the future direction of the business. Don’t dilute or compromise your plans if you can help it. I’ve realised I need to make more time. It’s so crucial to help us understand the impact of the unexpected and it also helps you to put things into perspective, forward think and get excited about the future.

Continued Professional Development. When you’re too busy, you forget to keep up your CPD, to learn new skills. You get stuck in a rut and slowly devalue yourself. As we get older, we need to find new ways to get that passion back and find new ways to get a buzz about work. Personal Development and Change is a really positive thing. This year I have loved developing links with the smaller ‘Heritage’ Groups and communities who are making a real difference to the sector and have attended some fantastic sessions with them where they have shared their experiences and the fabulous work they’re doing.

Networks. My Network is amazing. It is filled with brilliant, passionate people who give me spark and energy in all kinds of ways. Those strong women who keep reminding me of who I am, those passionate people in the heritage sector who remind me why I get a buzz from my work and the amazingly supportive people who have unfailingly had my back, kept the faith, never doubted me and have lifted me up. In a busy world, take time to nurture your networks, They’re (mostly) lovely people! 

Thank you to everyone who I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year and those who have supported me, hugged me, made me laugh or were just ‘there’, you’re fabulous. 

After a significant lack of holidays this year, I am taking my own advice and from the 13th December, I’ll officially be having an extended Christmas Break. Here’s to 2024 – onwards, upwards and most importantly keep being yourself. (also known as don’t let the b@stards get you down!) Next year will bring some changes!