Article > Balanced living > Evolution of Work

We grow, we change and we mature. Our expectations and needs for employment change as radically as our bodies and our attitudes. So, accept change as a welcome friend, and go where your spirit leads. Be your own visionary and counsellor

If you are old enough or wise enough or experienced enough (or brave enough or crazy enough) to be ready to transform your life then you are not looking for an off the shelf solution. Not anymore.

I wrote this article several years after I took my life in my hands and followed my own dream. For me, this meant leaving one more nice safe job that didn't use all my skills, and created a business where I could do everything I cared about doing, and live by my own rules at work. This subject, more than any other, can really only be fully addressed on a case by case basis, however I thought that you might like some tips that helped me.

What I can do is to give you a list of reminders of things that you would be well advised to do, or at least to consider doing:-

• Do plenty of research before you make to move, because when you make a life changing step, the last thing you need is a whole load of ugly surprises that you could have foreseen and avoided if only you had bothered to look into the situation better!

• Spend as much time as possible in the place you are going to move

• Keep everyone involved in the loop, you will find the support of family and friends very useful, and probably invaluable. So take time to sell them the idea. Doing so will help you to identify issues that need looking into - before they become an obstacle.

• Children of any age can be persuaded to try something new, but you may need to spend a little time and effort pitching it to them.

• Keep yourself relaxed and healthy. You cannot afford to get ill or burn yourself out - and leaving one stage of life behind and leaping into the unknown adds to your stress factor big time. And of course stress reduces your ability to fight bugs and stay calm. So give yourself treats, time off, and take a good multi vitamin or superfood.

• Talk it all out. If you are lucky you will have friend or two who love hearing how your dreams materialise. Do NOT rely solely on your partner, even if you both totally share the dream and the enthusiasm. You will BOTH need some outside support.

• If you do not have all the support you might like, then keep a journal. Keep every idea, list, feeling and reaction in it. In fact, even if you have a fabulous partner and the best friends in the world, keeping a creative journal, notebook or scrap book of ideas is VERY valuable. And it is great fun to look back on.

• Ask for help! I really cannot stress this enough. There are still grants for all sorts of things, pockets of money, loads of information and support out there. But none of it is likely to come to you, unless you LOOK for it and ASK for it (sorry to shout).

• And please step back. Get away from the whole situation when you can. For and hour, for a day, or better still a long weekend - you will need to keep things in perspective, now more than ever before.

• Laugh. Laugh at yourself, at life and regularly treat yourself to funny programmes and movies.

• Last, but not least. you could always visit Ashwhin Retreat. Not only can I offer some great therapies for relaxation, a beautiful haven of peace, but also the listening ear of someone who has completely transformed her life!