For the past couple of months, I have been doing some administrative work for B., who operates a nursing agency. I was not looking for this kind of work, so the offer came as a surprise. Because I had previously declined work from B., I felt terrible about turning her down again, so I accepted on the understanding that it was temporary. The work has not been difficult, but it has felt as though I have been working in a vacuum, with little handover help or contact from others. I also realised that doing the job effectively requires more customer service than I was willing to provide, so I gave my notice yesterday.
I was concerned about my timing because I had previously convinced Jo and Mum to contact B.’s agency for care worker assistance. Fortunately, B. was fine with it; she said she had someone else lined up to take over for me. She admitted that I had received very little assistance with my work, but I had helped them through a rough patch. I have offered to assist with the handover to whoever succeeds me.
Interestingly there could be another job on the horizon. A recruitment company I’d dealt with in my previous position approached me about the possibility of doing some accounts work for a local aged care facility. I said I would be interested so long as the hours were flexible. So we’ll see if anything eventuates.
Tomorrow I am taking in a final box of records and notes to handover the voluntary secretary role to Narelle. It is a great relief to untangle myself from this one. Mum suggested it might be a little bit sad for me, given how long I had been involved. Very possibly. I’ll have no formal role but I shan’t cut ties completely. At the moment the thought of having no further responsibility there is making me feel quite happy.
I was recently asked by another small charity in Ipswich if I would be interested in being their volunteer treasurer. On Thursday, I am having coffee with a few of the committee members. The charity provides support for people with cancer. Part of me is intrigued, but part of me is hesitant to take on another commitment. Because it is a small group, I do not anticipate much work.
The invitation is particularly poignant at this time because my old friend Shirley has recently had an aggressive melanoma removed and is awaiting word on whether further treatment is required. The news may have a significant impact on my decision. It was heartbreaking to read what Shirley has been going through; it must have been traumatic for her. And I can not help but recall that both of my parents had cancer scares.
Photo by Merakist on Unsplash
