Regular readers will know that it’s all change here are Shoestring Cottage. I have just a month left of paid employment! When I got offered the opportunity to take voluntary redundancy, I jumped at it. This is because I have been in the same job for over a decade. I was bored and unhappy with the changes happening within the service. Sometimes you need a new challenge. I am nervous but also excite, but this is the kick I needed to move on.
With this in mind, I thought I would set myself some goals for the next few month. I can’t believe we have got through more than a quarter of the year already! There are six main priorities.
Setting goals for changing times
Budgeting
I will be budgeting hard and being even more frugal than ever whilst I am sorting out my plans for new income streams. Luckily I have some redundancy pay to tide me over, but I want it to last as long as possible. I won’t be blowing it all on a cruise!
I shall be watching every penny and meal planning to stretch our budget.
Job hunting
I have started job hunting. There are a few positions that I could apply for, but they are so similar to what I do now and are full time as well. I am making changes so I will hold my nerve until I find a part time position. With the health issues I have experienced in the past year I am very keen to break away from the 9-5, as I explained in this post.
There is a workshop I can do at work to prepare me for redundancy, so I have booked a place.
Simplifying and decluttering
Regular readers will know that I love a good declutter! I am hoping that taking redundancy will give me more time to go through the entire house and get rid of all of the excess stuff. Fewer things means less to clean and maintain, and space to appreciate what you have left. Simple living is what I am all about.
Gardening
The garden took a back seat last year. I felt exhausted most of the time, which turned out to be fibromyalgia, then I started suffering from intense pains from trapped nerves, caused by two bulging discs in my cervical spine.
Fortunately Mr S stepped into the breach and kept the garden in reasonable order, but we didn’t grow any vegetables and the weeds were rampaging through the flower beds at some points. This year we want things to be different. We have already sown some seeds and are hoping for a bumper harvest from the veggie patch.
Growing your own gives you a reason to be outdoors, keeps you fit and saves money too. I am aiming for little and often, and will still leave the heavy stuff to Mr S.
Getting fit
Because of all of the above, my fitness has taken a downward turn. I am absolutely determined to get fitter and have been doing at least 15 minutes of gentle yoga and stretching every morning without fail. It’s amazing what a positive impact a regular routine has, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. I haven’t walked as much as usual, but will be able to increase this once I finish work.
As my shoulder and neck pain improves, I am doing a little more. However, I still might need an operation at some point, which could set me back a bit. I have also put on a bit of weight so I am considering giving Slimming World a go. There is a morning group that seems very popular in the church hall round the corner from us.
Making money from home
This is the biggie. There are many options for creating an income from home and I have already begun working on some of them. Working for myself means that if I don’t feel great some days I can go at my own pace. I can work more on the days I feel good. Again, some of the options I have been exploring are in this post.
Exciting times ahead! Setting goals in this way is good to focus my energies. Even though change is scary, I am feeling optimistic. I will let you know how my journey progresses. Are you setting goals for the future?
Mrs LH says
Wishing you good luck! Exciting times ahead.
Like you, I took redundancy from the NHS 4 years ago. I then worked on a self employed basis typing from home and did bits & bobs on ebay,etc. I took our budget seriously and we’ve not felt deprived. Stupidly I’ve just restarted a 3 day a week job back in the NHS – and I hate it!! I feel trapped, bored and stressed. I’ve decided to leave in fact – I can’t wait to resume my self employment and the freedom it brings. It might not be as lucrative as my job, but it fits my life better.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Good to hear. Everyone tells me they don’t regret it
Susan says
Both me and my husband are the same age as you and have health issues. He lost his job two years ago but found another one. I wish you the best of luck. Change is frightening because it’s the unknown but you know how to be frugal and have other sources of income. Health comes first and if you’re not happy in your job, this will only make your health worse. Our goal this year, if health remains stable, is to become mortgage free. This will mean being really frugal, no holidays etc but for us, it will be worth it. We’re also changing the garden to cut down on the work as I find it exhausting and painful. Someone told me yesterday about call centre work from home for banks so that might be worth looking into, if it helps?
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Good luck with dumping the mortgage! How good will that feel ?
Lyn King says
I’m sure you know Jane but just in case, if you do join a Slimming World group there are often vouchers in magazines that give you free or reduced membership joining fee. There’s one coming up for half price joining on 17th but I need to find out which mag it’s in. Bella, Best and Woman’s Own often do them, probably more moneywise if you can wait until a free join comes up or you have a friend who gets the mag but won’t use the voucher. I’ll let you know if I find out. Good luck with your change of work and everything.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Yes please do! Thanks Lyn
Lyn King says
Morning Jane, just seen there is a voucher in this week’s Woman’s Weekly out today for free membership to Slimming World so instead of £10 you’ll pay just the weekly fee of £4.95. I think the magazine costs £1.10 or £1.20 depending which supermarket you buy it in. I will say that if you’re having your back problems there is a lot of veggie chopping for their recipes but they are mostly very nice.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Oooh, thanks Lyn!