Being a Swan: The Sequel

When I relocated last year, from Norwich to Sawbridgeworth, I had decided that it was the right time for me to experience new things. I loved my job at Indigo Swan, but I took the chance to throw myself into my new ‘Sawbo’ life as an opportunity to find a new job, and hopefully some new colleagues who might turn into friends.

Leaving the nest

In 2016 I experienced life working at two very different companies within the telecommunications and insurance industries. For a while I felt a little lost, and it was hard not to compare things to my time as a swan. I enjoyed my work and I was determined to do well, but somehow I lacked the motivation and ambition I used to have.

Meanwhile, Indigo Swan were intensely discussing their plans for the future and how they would satisfy their determination to ‘be better’ each year. To help achieve these goals they found an opening for someone to support the Head of Client Experience. Someone who could help to cement the strong relationships they have with the suppliers, and could work closely with the Head of Innovation to streamline the client journey.

Guess who they wanted to do this job? Little ol’ me!

What if…?

It wasn’t until I was approached by James that I realised I could do more, I wanted more, and I could be more.

The opportunity I now faced was overwhelming. I knew I had to take a step back and make sure this was right for me as well as Indigo Swan. Anyone who knows me well knows I love a list, so you’ll be pleased to hear there were plenty (and I mean plenty) of “for” and “against” lists flying around my little flat.

In the end I decided, despite the office being 87 miles from what I now call home, this was an opportunity I could not turn down. I had started to lose my sparkle and I was ready to be a swan again.

Flying back home

My first day back can only be described as amazing. By the end of the day it was like I had never left, and the warm fuzzy feeling I felt as I walked back into the ‘nest’ still hasn’t left me!

I think the official term is ‘Boomeranging’ and I can’t think of a word to better describe my journey. I tried to stay away but I could only last 12 months without this wonderful bunch of swans in my life.

A new set of skills

I don’t regret leaving Indigo Swan in 2016. Although they were kind enough to discuss the opportunity of remote working when we were preparing for our move, I felt curious and needed to see what Hertfordshire had in store for me. I know I am now ready for this new chapter in my life. Perhaps it’s because I have experienced new things and satisfied my craving to know “what if?”.

If nothing else, spending 12 months in a different environment has given me a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas to bring to the table. It can be so easy to take for granted the wonderful things around you and sometimes you have to take a step back (or like me, a step out) to really appreciate the little things.

2017 is going to be a busy year, but I couldn’t be happier that I’m back where I belong, in this wonderful innovation-filled nest.