Helen Wright
Moving on up...

The post-maternity-leave return to work is not an experience which is widely known for its relaxing qualities. I mean, it's true that I spent the last two weeks of my own maternity leave joking to my friends that the workplace would feel like a spa weekend in comparison to looking after a small child 24/7…

Moving on up...
Helen Wright
(Un)natural Selection

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.

(Un)natural Selection
Helen Wright
Inspiration

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.

Inspiration
Helen Wright
Child's Play

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.

Child's Play
Helen Wright
Is it just January blues, or have I fallen out ...

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…

Is it just January blues, or have I fallen out of love with my career?

return to work

, , ,

How to work from home by @Laura_the_9_to_3

, , ,

Not only do we love the name of Laura’s business, but we’ve been following her page on Instagram for a while now and love the content she pops out on there. Take a read of the blog she’s written for our #25dayflexup about how she makes ‘working from home’ work for her…

, , , , ,

Time to dust off your old CV?

, , , , ,

If you’re starting to look for your next opportunity but are worried about how your CV is going to stand out, then fear not, the 9-2-3 team have summarised some of the best tips to help get you going…

, , , ,

How to get familiar with LinkedIn...

, , , ,

Just where do you start with LinkedIn? LinkedIn is actually a really useful tool when you’re searching for a job, looking for new opportunities and building your own network of professionals with different skills and abilities.
There are some really useful articles you can find from your contacts and there’s also a wealth of groups that you can join on this platform where you can take part in conversations, leave your opinions and also hear what others have to say. ..

, , , , ,

Getting to know your strengths by Charlotte Speak @poweroftheparent

, , , , ,

Your strengths are your superpowers and will help you move through the transition of managing work and home life. ..

, , ,

Introducing Maddie!

, , ,

Maddie began working for the 9-2-3 team a few months ago now, she’s a wonderful new addition to the company, has a keen eye for business development and is known to make a wicked batch of cupcakes…! Here’s a little bit more about Maddie…

, , , ,

#northernflex - Shouting about the love of flex up North with.....

, , , ,

@Anothernorthernmother lives in South Manchester with her husband, their 7 year old daughter and 3 year old twin sons.  She’s childrenswear designer and have been with the same company for over 11 years. …

, , , ,

#northernflex - Shouting about the love of flex up North with.....

, , , ,

Louis Georgiou, Code Computerlove

Louis - Code Computerlove.jpg

1. Tell us a little about you? (work, family, location etc)

I’m a husband and father of two young children, aged 10 and 5.  We live in Altrincham and I take the Metrolink to work in Manchester City Centre every day.  I’m the Managing Director of Code Computerlove, we’re a digital agency with around 100 staff, based in the Northern Quarter.

 

2. Your fave spot in Manchester?

My favourite area doesn’t exist anymore, well since the Manchester bomb it’s now the Triangle near Selfridges.  Back when I was a student it was a flea market called the Corn Exchange (a bit like Affleck’s Palace) and it’s where I collected all my Beatles & 60’s records and imported Japanese video games 

 

3. How would you describe your ideal working week?

I love being in the office, but I know I’m more productive when I’m totally by myself.  So my ideal working week has me working from home for a day or two, speeding through a backlog of work I’ve been meaning to get to for a while – it’s very satisfying!

 

4. Fave Manchester band/song?

Tough question as there’s so many!  I’d say The Stone Roses are my favourite Manchester band, but my favourite song by a Manchester band is ‘Hymn from a Village’ by James.

 

5. Why does flexible working appeal to you?

I’m probably a workaholic, I love what I do and so work is intricately woven into my life.  I’ve got a family and 2 young children so I do need to juggle my work and family lives so I need flexibility to be able to do that.