​Getting my Mojo back after lockdown.

So here we are, approaching 16 weeks of lockdown for the Beauty Industry. I foolishly thought it would be 2-3 weeks, probably much like most of my peers. 

As the weeks have rolled on, I’ve thought long and hard about what I want my life to be like when this is all over. 

What is “normal life” and do I even like my “normal life?” Well, unfortunately, the answer is no. My work/life balance had become just about unbearable, and by the time I realised this, I couldn’t see a way out. I am forever telling my students to say “no” to clients who want appointments at unsuitable times but noticed that I never take my own advice. My life had become like Groundhog Day! The thing is, I love my clients. I love hearing about their lives, their jobs, their kids. Some of my clients have become really good friends over the years. So, saying “no” sometimes felt mean. However, I had to remind myself that I’ve got a son at home who was lucky if he was seeing me two nights a week what with shared access with his Dad. It just wasn’t enough. 

So Covid-19 arrived and basically took the decision out of my hands. Before this started, I remember talking to a colleague about finances. The things that were coming out of my account each month were ridiculous, but then, I thought I couldn’t live without them. Four months later and I realise I never needed them, to begin with. I have cut my outgoings dramatically, and funnily enough, I’m still here to tell the tale! 

Going without certain things is going to enable me to be home for my son and spend some quality time in my own home, which weirdly enough I’d never really spent that much time in before now. I’ve enjoyed doing all the wee odd jobs that I’d never got around to before. I’ve enjoyed the much slower pace of life. I’ve absolutely loved spending time with Sonny and realising his banter is actually hilarious. On the flip side, the Mum guilt is terrible as I kind of realised that I didn’t really know him that well before. 

A horrible situation I’m sure all mothers will understand. Workwise, I got a few courses converted to online. It works for some and not others. I’m looking forward to getting back to the classroom and teaching a few more classes than I used to. (during school hours.) I’ve also decided that working with my students and helping to guide them and build a business is what I really love doing. Seeing women become successful after I’ve met them in a classroom where they had zero confidence gives me a massive buzz. I’ve also spent some time and money investing in my own learning. I started a Mentoring course with an amazing woman called Karen Ritchie. In just 6 weeks, she has taught me a mountain of things that will help me take my business forward, and hopefully, I’ll be as good a mentor to my students as she is to me. I also enrolled in a Marketing Course with a really talented lady called Niki Hutchison. Something I’ve wanted to do for ages but “never had the time”. Story of my life. 

Finally, and very excitingly, I will soon be launching my new virtual assistant company “Mac VA”. 

If you're interested in my support for your business, drop me an email at info@mac-va.com. I’ve never had a fortnights holiday, never mind 4 months off, so I’ve taken the opportunity to use my time wisely - well most of it.

So, for me, 2020 hasn’t been all that bad after all…

What about you - I'd love to hear what's worked well and not so well for you.

Jill x