Someone recently told me they don't like all the fuss about year end because it's really just another day: that January is really no different to December; and if you've had a good beginning and middle of year but a rubbish end to it you end up writing off the whole thing.
I see their point, but for me there's a definitely a different vibe to December than January - the sense of an ending. I find it useful to reflect on the year and think about highlights and lowlights - and what if anything I want to change or what I want to begin.
I registered my business at the end of November last year, so the end of the year also marks the end of my first business year and the start of a new one, so it seems a good time to reflect on the end of the first chapter of The Narratologist.
What a transformative year it has been for me personally. When I was looking for a picture to attach at the top of this blog I had a little giggle at the words..... "awoke slowly".... "fumbled"..... That seems like a great way to describe how this all started. I registered a business before I really knew what I was doing and spent the first few months trying to figure it out. Who am I without a corporate career? What work do I want to do? Who for? How do I describe what I do? How do I build a website? What else do I need?
I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people in helping me make connections, catching up for coffee, referring potential pieces of work. I am grateful to the people who already run their own business and were generous enough to meet me for coffee, or breakfast, or lunch and give me advice or even just reassurance over these first few months. They mostly weren't strangers - but the quote doesn't really work if you change it. And then the first piece of work came along, and then the next. I have been loving the variety of things I've helped with and the feeling that I'm really adding value.
I'll do a breakdown for social media on the work I've been doing and what I've been spending my time on (social links at the bottom of the page if you are interested) but really I want to use the opportunity here to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has connected with me this year. From feedback on the website, a quick message to say good luck, coffees, leads, or actual work - you have all helped, and I really, really appreciate it.
As for 2025, and Chapter Two of the Narratologist... Well, some of you will know I'm studying at the moment. I am currently about a quarter of my way through writing my Doctoral Thesis - so my focus for early 2025 at least will be on getting that done. I am studying the role storytelling plays in organisational change and the intention in the longer term would be to use the findings to help organisations planning large scale transformation or change with designing their communication plans. So I expect it to be a fairly slow and steady start to the year while I try and juggle work and study. But first I'm looking forward to a lovely summer break with friends and food (and my dog).
Thanks again for your support in 2024 - and best wishes for the holiday season.
