We had an indication of what to expect on Monday, and confirmation on Thursday that our shop is closing early November. In some ways the news has been a relief. It's felt like it's been on the cards since the results of the brexit referendum came in - swiftly followed by a warning that in an uncertain future not all jobs could be guaranteed. Since then we've seen costs rise and sales fall. Wine and a weak pound are not the best combination.
I have no idea what I'm going to do next, but apart from the very real concern about how to pay the bills if I'm out of work for a longish time, I'm mostly feeling optimistic. I hadn't realised just how stressful work had got until I realised that the dominant emotion was relief that I wouldn't have to get through another Christmas there.
Last time this happened to me it felt flat out terrifying, and there are less opportunities now for a middle aged wine aficionado than there were then, but this still doesn't feel as bad as it might. Hopefully it's going to be an opportunity for more change. I'm more or less certain that I'll be able to make a dent in my tbr pile at least, and if it's put on hold my immediate summer plans of researching Vermouth more thoroughly so be it.
So sorry to hear this news, but I'm glad you are seeing it as an opportunity. TBR piles are fun to conquer, too!
ReplyDeleteHow about a Patreon for this blog, so we can kick in a dollar when you post a review? It won't pay all the bills, but it might help. If you do this I will both back it and signal boost. And maybe you could make a book of your book and alcohol pairings, that's the kind of thing people buy! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this. Hope another door opens for you with something exciting behind it!
ReplyDeleteBrexit's a real bugger. My husband's furniture-making business took a real hit last year and he had no commissions for months on end. He's just got three, though, so maybe people are beginning to feel that life must go on. So there may well be more new opportunities around in the next little while. I do hope so. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you - let us know how you get on.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that you have to go through this. But now for the fun part: figuring out what you want to do next!
ReplyDeleteHaving gone through the "middle-ager suddenly in search of a job" scenario five years ago, I feel for you.
ReplyDeleteSelfishly, I hope you keep reading and writing about what you read.
Less selfishly, I hope you find a good job, if not a better one.
So good and bad news. As you have said, it can be a fresh start; perhaps think about what Jo Walton has said, above, especially making your own book...
ReplyDeleteGood luck anyway in whatever you decide to do.
I'm so sorry you're going through this, and so impressed with your calm, perspective and optimism. I did a middle aged career change last year, and it was absolutely the right choice. I hope the same will be true for you.
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