I was tempted by another trustee role . . . and then I thought again!

It was a great charity that worked in adult education and in many ways was right up my street. Well connected, with some interesting trustees, I thought it would be good way to trade my expertise for some quality networking.

I updated my CV, and wrote a compelling supporting statement. A trusted friends checked it and encouraged me to pitch. But then I did some more thinking. I am already a trustee of three charities, and at times, particularly when they all demand my attention in the same week, they can be exasperating.

I am now a writer, and trying to write my next book, as well as make time to speak at book festivals to support the marketing of my latest one. I realised that I no longer need a CV, as the best opportunities will present themselves when people read what I have written. I need to be selective and put my writing first.

After a lifetime of working hard to recruit, satisfy and retain clients, it’s hard to adapt to a life where I no longer need to please others, but instead have to focus on meting my publisher’s deadline. It’s hard breaking old habits, but liberating when you do.