This wasn’t the plan

As we know, a few months ago, I was let go from a job that I liked for a long time.

The formal language was polished. The informal vibe? Bit of a blindside.

The message was clear enough:

“Your role no longer fits the strategic direction.”

Which was confusing. I always thought learning was central to what the organisation was about. I also wasn't aware of a strategic direction.

I’m actually not bitter. I’m not naïve either.

I'm including this image because holding onto awards and compliments from 32 years ago is my current coping mechanism.

I was innovating

The week before I was told to pack up, I was doing what I’d done for the past few years: running projects, holding space, nudging ideas forward, being asked for advice on programs that no longer exist.

I thought I was innovating. And then, just as suddenly, I wasn’t. I guess I innovated myself off the payroll.

Values, culture and videos

There’d been a lot of talk about values.

Workshops. Posters. Videos. Words like “belonging” and “empathy” were frequently used. And mostly, I believed in them. I’d done so much work on meaning and belonging and purpose.

Then the music stopped. And like a game of musical chairs I didn’t know I was playing, I didn’t sit down in time.

What I’ve learned

I’ve learned that you can be good at your job and still be let go. You can be told you're "essential" right before becoming... not essential?

You can genuinely love the people you work with, and still not hear from them after your departure.

You can be removed from Teams faster than you can… oh, I’ve been removed. No need to finish that thought.

Redundancy isn’t always a sign of failure. But the silence that follows can make it feel like one.

So, what now?

I don’t have a new role. I’m not going to pretend I’ve turned this into an empowering brand (or should I?) But I’m not broken either.

I’m still thoughtful. Still funny. Still sharp.Still capable of doing great work, just in different ways.

What I’m open to

• Creative learning projects

• Purpose-led program design

• Consultancy in education, wellbeing, or innovation

• Collaboration with people who value people

If you’ve been in a similar spot, where you're tapped on the shoulder and shown the door with a smile while you’re on carer’s leave and helping your paraplegic brother, I see you.

If you haven’t, but you’re building something that needs depth, creativity, and someone who won’t waste your time, I’m open.

Because while I might not have fit the last “strategic direction,” I know exactly where I’m headed next, or where I’m not headed next.