Last Spring, I went to the gorgeous, glorious wedding of a friend who works in AI. The bride was radiant, the groom beaming, and the vicar performed a heart-warming service. In many ways, it was a very traditional occasion. But when we came to the wedding breakfast, the Best Man's speech had a very modern twist. It had been written by ChatGPT.
This week, for the first time, we realised that it was light when we awoke. It's funny how such a small thing can lift your heart so much, isn't it? And in our newly-cheery state, we've noticed other tentative suggestions that winter might finally be drawing to a close. The cherry blossom at the school gate is cutting a dash through the grey afternoons. When the sun does come out, the March sky is so intensely blue - so sharp and crisp - that it almost hurts to look at it. They're tiny, incremental steps, but every day feels a little brighter here at 9-2-3 HQ. We're looking forward with renewed excitement to the months to come.
Leaving your children for the first time is a big step - there's just no getting around it. Whether you're re-joining the workforce after a career break or your maternity leave is coming to an end, the return to work can be nerve wracking.
Michael Georgiou from Aligned Career Coaching, helps professionals who have fallen out of love with the work they do find careers that both fulfil them and bring them joy. We asked Michael what falling out of love with a career might look like, and what professionals can do to start the process of finding a job they love…
As the New Year dawns, with the added joys of lockdown #3, you might be forgiven for thinking it’s a rather grey and uninspiring dawn. However, here at 9-2-3, we’ve been thinking about the months and years to come and we’re feeling hopeful about the post-pandemic landscape for businesses; there are definitely signs of a brighter future shining through the clouds.
2020 has been quite the year so far. Whilst as a country we seem to never be too far away from another political crisis, there have been some great developments that show where the rest of the year, and perhaps further into the future, is going to take us. So it’s a good time to take stock of some of the more positive things starting to emerge when it comes to work and the ultimate goal of modern day thriving family.
1. Tell us a little about you?
I was born and bred, and still live, in Manchester. I am an employment solicitor, specialising in pregnancy and maternity discrimination cases. I work 4 days a week as I am also a mum to 2 young boys. My husband and I “share the load” in respect of School drop-offs and pick-ups.
2. Your fave spot in Manchester?
I recently had the opportunity of doing the Bee in the City trail with my sons. It allowed us to see so much of the amazing City we live in, and visit lots of the lovely buildings. We got to go in Manchester Cathedral and didn’t realise what a gorgeous building it was until then - despite living here all my life.
3. How would you describe your ideal working week?
Would be to finish on a Friday not having to worry about how much I had to do the next week, in terms of workloads and distributing that amongst my working days and also the worry of juggling the kids drop-offs, getting into work on time, finishing jobs off at work to then have to leave and pick kids up from after school club.
4. Fave Manchester inspired music?
Not necessarily Mancunian but I am, and have always been, a massive Take That fan, so anything by them (some of them coming from Manchester) would be my preference.
5. Why does flexible working appeal to you?
It allows me to have a work-life balance. It means that I can continue to do a job I love but not have to miss out on dropping my children off at school, picking them up and being there for carol concerts, assemblies and parents evenings and spending time with them during the summer holidays.
