I finished up editing Mumtastic today. I’ve spent the past two years building the brand into something relatable and real. Mums love it because it’s not click-baity or bullshitty. Brands love it because we created content that really works for them with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of heart.
I feel sad today, but I know I won’t tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll just feel… panicked.
I HATE change. Well, really, I hate any change I don’t instigate. If I’m in charge, I love all the change. In fact, my theory is that the best way to stay in your comfort zone is to make your comfort zone as big as humanly possible.
I’m just no good at uncertainty, and change always brings a good deal of it. I am the kind of person that cannot settle into a book until I’ve read the last page. If I know how it ends, I can love the story. This is also the one thing about parenting that I just can’t cope with: if I knew that the kids turned out okay in the end, I figured I could relax and love their story so much more.
So here’s a trick: make up the ending and work towards it.
I guess it’s goal setting, but in the most fluid way possible. In my mind, my kids have grown up to be happy, well-adjusted, settled adults who are full of common sense and bonhomie. I keep that picture in my head whenever I feel the panic rising. You know the panic. The ‘oh my god she is going to be sucking that dummy as she walks down the aisle if I don’t do something’ panic. Knowing the ending helps enormously, trust me.
So today, redundant. According to the dictionary definition, that means I’m “no longer needed or useful.” That’s not depressing at all, right? For a person who prides herself on being useful and helpful and all the fulls, redundant is just not a nice place to be at all.
Which is why, I’m only going to let myself feel redundant today (sigh). Tomorrow, I’m planning, I’m plotting, I’m mapping out the story. I’ve already cranked up my social media company (yes, I’m here if you want someone to make up your story’s ending for you). I’m going to start my own parenting site. I think I’ll open an online shop. And I’ll be writing, writing, writing.
Redundant, my ass. I’m just getting started.
Have you ever faced redundancy at work? Did you go okay?
Agent Spitback says
I love this post so much! You’re right, you can grab the bull by it’s horn, and make things happen for yourself. I’ll be following you!
Maxabella says
Thanks for the vote of confidence! x
Sarah @sarahdipity says
Oh wow, big news Bron! I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been made redundant, that really sucks. I hate change too but sometimes it’s what we need; I have no doubt you’ll turn this into a positive and do some amazing things! I for one am excited to see what’s next xx
Maxabella says
I’m half-excited, half-gutted. I’m hoping the excited part keeps getting bigger!!! x
Mrs P says
There’s nothing redundant about you. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do next. X
Maxabella says
Thank you, Mrs P. I am overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone. I feel so much better. People are good. x
Hugzilla says
I know people hate empty platitudes but I am a deadset believer in “one door closes and another one opens”. Good luck with your new adventures! x
Maxabella says
I kinda believe that too. Just need to focus on it. Thank you for your good wishes. x
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
Love it Bron!!!! You’re going to kick-ass at whatever you decide to do!!! xx
Maxabella says
Thank you, Lucy. I do indeed have some asses I’d like to kick π x
Amy Haverkort says
Cannot wait to see what’s next!
Maxabella says
Thanks Amy… um, me either? π
Janine Fitzpatrick says
Yes was made redundant but it was back before kids and mortgages do not as scary as when others actually rely on you – they hired me back 12 months later on almost $10,000 a year more. How funny!!
You will make this new reality work because you are clever and talented and A Queen in the online world. You go get ’em girl!
Maxabella says
Thank you, Janine. A vote of confidence from someone like you is a very reassuring vote indeed. x
Kate Lloyd says
You’re such a go getter. I’m excited to see what’s next.
Maxabella says
Thank you, Kate. Me too. x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I’m with Hugzy. This isn’t an ending so much as the beginning of something totally awesome. I can’t wait to see what you do next (and I’m like that with the books too, so although I don’t know exactly what you’re going to do, I know it’s going to be utterly fabulous and I’m totally OK with that!)
Maxabella says
Thanks, Sammie. I feel so buoyed by everyone’s faith in me. x
Anj says
Least redundant woman I could think of π And when I was made redundant 4.5years ago it turned into the next best step ever…I’ve done more exciting, fulfilling and totally-driven-by-my-own-passion-and-curiosity work than I had in the rest of my working life combined. Redundancy felt like an opportunity to chuck out the rules I didn’t like and have a red hot go at making a living being ME (plus the marketing thing which I really could still do a better job at :P) Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Maxabella says
I really needed to hear that, Anj. Thank you so much. x
Kate Fairlie says
You are the least ‘redundant’ person ever!
Love that idea of coming up with an ending… my ending involves my two best friends and being travelling old ladies! LOL
Sounds like you are already leaping feet first into the next thing… can not wait to see where you land! If you ever need a sounding board you know I am always up for a chat!
Maxabella says
I figure, if you’ve made to leap, you may as well do it wholeheartedly. I’ve got no money, so I’ve got lots to learn to make this happen! But, you know what, I think that’s daunting, but doable. x
Jane says
Hi Bron,
being “made redudant” is someone else’s label. Really it is an opportunity to share your talents with a different or in a different capacity. I love your positive attitude! You are taking back the power to chose what you are “made”. Wishing you all the best!
Maxabella says
Thanks Jane. You are right: it’s just a silly label. I honestly feel better about it already. x
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I was made redundant 3 years ago now. It was voluntary (I put my hand up) but only because I was not well enough to continue. Otherwise I would probably still be there. However, I don’t regret the decision to leave. It’s opened up so many doors and given me such a fulfilling life at home with my kids. While this redundancy was not your decision, I know you will make the most of this opportunity. Because you are not redundant – you are awesome x
Maxabella says
Thank you, Kirsty. I think I remember when it happened to you. You have just gone from strength to strength. Already I feel calmer. I like not having my time accounted for every minute of every day. I like not wondering if I should be working…
Shannon says
Redundant. Such a yukky word and an even yukkier feeling.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you wrote a book about parenting, I’d buy a copy. And one for all my friends.
Somebody recently told me that they often “reverse engineer” the way they approach things. I really love this idea.
I’m so excited for your next chapter xxx
Maxabella says
The best thing about the whole thing was the amazing team I built over there. And I can take that team with me, wherever I go. x
Nicole @ The Builder's Wife says
And so the door opens to the brilliance yet to come…… xx
Maxabella says
Haha, I think ‘brilliance’ is pushing it, but good times ahead for sure. Thanks for your support, Nicole. It means a lot. x
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
Go you! I’m a firm believer in even though it doesn’t feel great at the time it’s just allowing for new opportunities to open up. Exciting times ahead for you I’m sure.
Maxabella says
Yes, I definitely need to learn to relax!!!! I’m quite stressed about how bad I am at relaxing π
Renee Wilson says
Woohoo!! Go Bron!!! I can see plenty of good things on the horizon for you xx
Maxabella says
Me to, Renee. I am quite looking forward to it and trying not to feel daunted by all the hard work ahead to get there. Actually, I quite like hard work.
Wendy Stiles says
Nice! Yes, I was made redundant about a year ago while on maternity leave with my second child. It happens way to often and gives me the shits. I’m a professional photographer now and have just launched a personal project called ‘Women Who Fight With Grace’. I want to photograph other women who have had similar situations or been discriminated against, give them a voice and raise awareness. https://www.facebook.com/Women-Who-Fight-With-Grace-105266153378731/
Rach says
Hey Bron, your approach is so right. As a change-avoider myself I find your back page approach nothing short of brilliant. Just like you.
Whatever comes between now and your happy ending I will be following with interest. You are awesome!
(Be extra kind to yourself during this transition, now you are your own boss you get to be the good sort)!
Maxabella says
I LOVE your last comment. It’s perfect. Thank you so much for sharing that. I get to be my own good boss. x
Miss Chardy says
You would never be redundant Bron!!! Great post and I know what ever you do next will be BRILLIANT!!!! I can totally relate to the part about “if I knew the kids were going to turn out ok I could relax and enjoy the ride a bit more” … I am so hearing you sister! Look forward to seeing your next fabulous chapter. Good luck. xxx
Maxabella says
You know what, whenever I feel overwhelmed about family life fitting in with work life, I think of your meal plan and all the people you cook for and all the things you cook. Calms me right down. Thanks lady!
Karen says
You are unstoppable. Come out swinging lady.
Maxabella says
I’m swinging – hopefully more from the chandelier than the end of a rope. That was unnecessarily crass, but you know what I mean!!
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
Sorry to hear you have been made redundant, but with your positivity it sounds like you’re on to bigger and better things! You go girl!
Maxabella says
I hope so, Erika. Thanks for your support. x
Zoe Meunier says
Ahh, that sucks balls Bron. But I love your attitude. And I have to say, every time I’ve been made redundant, good things have followed and I’m sure the same will for you. xx
Maxabella says
I hope that’s the case. I am going to work hard to make sure it’s the case! We should catch up since I”m not so busy right now!!!!
Brenda says
hello dear friend!!! it’s me Bren from our old blogging days. Oh I’m so glad I found you – and at what an exciting time for you. Can’t wait to hear what you do next.
All my love
B xx
Maxabella says
Hello Bren – taker of random phone calls and always friend. So nice to see you! x
Aleney de Winter says
Glad to hear you are starting something of your own. You will rock it as always lovely lady
Maxabella says
Thanks Aleney – I think it’s time to back myself. x
Maria Parenti-Baldey says
It’s the end story which always pays off. Congratulations ?
Maxabella says
This is true. And most endings are very satisfying when you think about it. x
Erin says
Huge changes, praying for you. Feeling excitement for you as this next chapter in your life becomes revealed π
Maxabella says
Thanks Erin. It feels nice to have my time back in some way. Even though I will be very busy putting everything in place, it feels like my time is my own again and I like that. x
Julie @Off to the park says
Sorry to hear that you have been made redundant Bron. Redundancy sucks! I had it happen to me once (a long time ago) when I was young and naive, and got a bit drunk at a work function (surprisingly that wasn’t they booted me) it was because I couldn’t man the phones the next day! They were all home with hangovers. ?
All the best with finding your next thing – I hope its fun and exciting. I am looking at returning to work or starting a business from home still unsure what it’ll be. βΊxx
Maxabella says
Haha, I have done that in my youf as well. I didn’t get fired over it though, just a reprimand. I think I actually made it into work, but fell asleep at my desk, or something.
Mumtastic is moving in a different direction and they didn’t need a senior editor anymore. I think they’ll probably put a junior burger in the chair, but maybe not. I guess it’s not my call anymore!!
Try something from home as well as get a job outside?
Sarah @ Tomfo says
You’ve only just begun lovely lady, you will rock this xx
Maxabella says
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Sarah. Right now I feel good… later, who knows!?!
kim says
can’t wait to see you soar some more, Bron. A parenting site! Yes! I can sooo see you doing that and doing that fantastically well. Looking forward to your future days:) xxx
Maxabella says
Thanks Kim. It’s about time I started a parenting site that is true and thoughtful and real. And then make some money from it! π
Denyse says
Thanks to the randomness that is FB i saw your post of today & now this, the post of yesterday. I too love certainty & its my conservative nature which craves it. However, i’ve learned many lessons to buoy me somewhat in these recent months & years of uncertainty.
What I often ask myself (without knowing the answer) is “what is this experience teaching me?”
In your case, the word redundancy is just plain negative & horrid. Not one aspect of your work & work ethic could ever be described do but its the $$ that Make the decision in the end, not the capability nor quality of what you have given to the on-line publishing world.
I wish you all the things you’d like to do, that you’ve thought about doing “as your own boss” and great success as you move forward! Denyse xx
Kathy Kruger says
You’ll be fantastic Bron. I think taking charge with your own parenting site will be the best thing you’ll do. Or else another goal that you give your heart to. Because your heart’s commitment is a powerful thing.
Janet Camilleri aka Middle Aged Mama says
I had a shock redundancy nearly 5 years ago. It hasn’t always been easy but now my life is better than ever. Onward and upwards Bron!
Maxabella says
Thanks for sharing that, Janet. I am still feeling positive but also trying not to get too caught up in panicking about MONEY. UGH, money. x