What’s your new direction going to look like? Do you ever think to yourself I want to make changes but I’m not sure how? You just found me! That was me back in 2010 after I’d decided to change my life and end my unhappy marriage, I thought heck, what direction do I take now? (click here to read the full story).
Chocolate was my best friend.
In those first three years after the marriage ended I studied, lost a job, studied some more, languished, cried, screamed in some cases, chocolate was my best friend, ignored friends, drank more wine, then landed an ok job, which eventually would lead to where I am today. But first things first.
How did you plan to just do it?
I was doing the school run (this is a year after landing a steady job) when a Mum I knew through the PFA called Matilda (not her real name) said how did you leave your husband? How did you just decide one day it was over? How did you plan to just do it? We got talking at the school gate and I suggested a coffee.
How are you going to survive?
We went to the café around the corner, sat down and told her the way I did it was the way I shouldn’t have done it. There are so many things to consider. The children first and foremost, then how they’ll take the decision. How are you going to survive? Will you be able to plan for your future without losing the lifestyle that you’ve currently got?
Planning is paramount.
We eventually sat down another day and I helped her plan out her exit strategy, which luckily she was able to plan. Yep, sounds dreadful planning for an exit of an unhappy marriage, but sometimes planning is paramount to ensure you’re safe, able to support yourself and the children have minimal disruption. I’m happy to report that two years after our first meeting, she is happy, the kids are happy, and the ex has accepted that it was time call it quits. Don’t we all wish things were that black and white?
Then along came Jane.
After this, another acquaintance from the primary school approached me, who had seen what I’d done for Matilda, and said she wanted to join the workforce, but had no clue where to start. She’d had her first child at 17, then two more subsequently over the next six years and whilst she was lucky to have a supportive partner, she wanted to work to remove the boredom and find a role that she could enjoy around her children.
Mapping out the ideas.
Again, I invited her round on my day off to sit down and map out what was involved, Jane (again not her real name) went away, sat down with her husband and they mapped out a timeline of what could be achieved. I stayed in touch with her and gave guidance where I could. Twelve months later, she had completed her course and found a role in a school. She had extra income to spoil and support the family and everyone was happy without having to worry about childcare after hours or on holidays.
Just an idea.
That’s when the idea was born. I kept a note book and wrote ideas in that book for almost five years. A whole book which became a bible of sorts. Scribbles, ideas, business names. Sometimes I wrote things for a week, other times I put it away for months.
Now was the time to strike!
Then covid struck! Now was the time to strike. With a beautiful friend and mentor of mine Linda, she supported me, nurtured me and helped me create The Reinvention Strategist. What a rollercoaster journey I’ve been on over the last two and a half years. I never thought this day would come but it has.
You ready to take the leap?
Now it’s over to you. What do you need help with? Nothing is off limits, and I’ve got a cupboard full of experts to help you, if I can’t support you to the extent that you need. These include human resource experts, relationship counsellors, financial support experts, health and wellbeing coaches, fashion stylist. If I don’t know someone, I’ll find them for you!
Want to take that first leap of faith and discover what could be next for you?
Shoot me an email at sarah@sarahbruce.com.au to see what’s around the corner for you.
Until next time, take care
Sarah xo
