So I find myself somewhat unexpectedly about to be on the job market. Well probably not THAT unexpected if you’ve been following closely but I really hadn’t decided to resign until minutes before I did the deed. It had been on my mind a LOT – too much – but the final decision just sort of happened.

I’ve never been comfortable in this role and despite everybody’s best efforts that has never really looked like changing – even with my recent fake it to you make it attitude. In the end to use some football club parlance “we parted by mutual agreement”.

I just have no stomach for the overheads of running a large ish, publicly traded consultancy – no matter how valid the activity is – and I allowed it to become a mental straight jacket – seeing issues and obstacles as immovable blockers to how I wanted to operate (even when this wasn’t the reality).

I’m leaving on good terms with everyone (I think). Colleagues and clients have all been a joy but I think over time my frustration would have changed that and I’m not looking to burn bridges or sour relationships. Just to do things differently.

What does that different look like? Honestly I don’t know. I’m not sure where I fit. Civil service and consulting have both ended bumpily in recent years but I remain passionate about the internet of public service and the people making that happen so I’ll keep looking for my place within it.

My current thinking is looking for Service Owner, Head of Digital or Product generalist type interim/contract roles or maybe some specific piece around digital capability / capacity in (shocker) public service. If you have anything like that give me a shout – I’m cheaper than you think 🤣

[I mean I’d LOVE to do something about working in the open but ain’t nobody about to pay for that!]

On a practical point of view I never shut my limited company down and continue to pay my accountant so a transition to contracting or freelance life should be frictionless (assuming I find anything!). I’m Hokey Cokey on the tax thing as well. Inside/outside shake it all about when it comes to IR35.

Also I might put my Canada 🇨🇦 plan back on the roadmap 🤔

So here I am again – throwing myself on the mercy of the network and saying farewell and best wishes to brilliant colleagues. My lot in life competing with Gareth and Gething 😆

Oh and I am finishing at the end of Week 30 so if anyone wants to catch up in August I’ll definitely have some time!

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My energy levels were shockingly low at the weekend so I decide to work through all the movies and a couple of shows I have been saving up →

House of the Dragon – caught up on the first 5 episodes – the 4th was fantastic.

Abbot Elementary season 3 – LOVE this show…this season with added fun guest star action.

Godzilla x Kong – some amusing Kong vs Other Giant Apes action but otherwise meh.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – no redeeming qualities really. Just a waste from start to finish.

Monkey Man – thought it was slow to get going but when it did – WOW! The fight scenes are spectacular.

The Iron Claw – heck this is a depressing movie – made more so by the fact I really did buy into the bond between the brothers.