I started this blog just over two and half years ago. It was one part of a process to prepare me for “What Next”. At that time my favourite person and I had just come back form a retreat that my firm puts on for partners who are over 50 and is designed to assist them with transition from the firm.

Armed with an action plan from the retreat and some thoughts about “What Next” from a book I’d read, I set about a plan to be ready for “What Next”.

“What Next” is now a little less than 3 weeks away!

Back then my plan was to have a reason to write a thousand words a month as I experimented with writing in different styles.  I had this romantic notion of a career as a writer. It was naive I now know, but it was a great place to experiment. Since then I have completed nearly 100 posts, written regular articles in The Adelaide Review on business and writen about 25,000 words as initially I undertook  a couple of undergrad subjects in a Media Degree and then started my  Honours.

I also had some initial thoughts about an academic career.  I could lecture. It all seemed straight forward.  I had no idea of the process, simply assuming I’d turn up and be welcomed with open arms. The welcome has been very warm indeed, as it seems my experience is highly regarded, but I don’t have the academic stripes. However, just over two years on from embarking on that pursuit I have a very sound idea of what’s required, I am half way through Honours, getting my head around my PhD application and have some casual lecturing filling in for others and two tutorial classes. I’m definitely on my way.

While my primary focus has been academia, I also don’t won’t to lose touch with my past life in profesional services. So far I’ve been privledged to have had approaches to work with some very exciting local firms. I’m looking forward to being involved.

Then there’s me time. More time for the bike. Already this year I’ve had more time to spend with my riding buddies, as I haven’t needed to race off after the ride to get to work quite so early. I’ve very much enjoyed the opportunity to just sit around and talk the usual post ride rubbish. But in 3 weeks I can get those extra rides in. My challenge will be to get back to over 200kms per week for the period to 30 June. Back into the hills, build my strength and get fit.

Then there more us time. I’m looking forward to more time at the beach and traveling with my favourite person. Our plans for 3 months in Italy are taking shape. Perhaps starting in the North as a winter begins and then having Christmas in Sicily before wending our way back toward Rome and then home.  We can be like the couple I chatted to on the ferry across to South Perth a couple of nights ago (when I was on one of my last business trips in my current role) who have embraced retirement with gusto, taking time to travel completely relaxed and unhurried.

So with 3 weeks to go there’s plenty ahead of me.

It really isn’t long until  “What’s Next”.

Street Art – Hindley St, Adelaide