A New Chapter

After 9 years, 9 months and 13 days with the same employer; you could say I was comfortable where I was!

The last few months of my employment were a whirlwind.

I knew I needed to move on, but I was hopeful things would improve.  I started looking around to see what was out there for me. A good friend of mine, Jacqui Jagger, introduced me to Andrew.  

Andrew’s business was growing rapidly and needed support. I was delighted when Andrew offered me the role of HR Assistant.

A whirlwind week

‍

I was offered the role with Andrew on the Monday; made redundant from my current employer on the Wednesday with immediate effect; and I started with Andrew on the following Monday.  Andrew was so supportive of my situation, and worked hard to get me started as soon as possible.

I was incredibly nervous about starting with a new employer after so long.  Andrew and the team were so welcoming, and I felt so comfortable from day one.

I am now entering my third month with AJB HR; and it feels much longer (in a good way).  It has been very busy since I started, which is great – I have helped out so many clients already.

The flexibility here is a huge bonus.  When I told Andrew the hours I had at my previous job, he was more than happy to support the same hours.  Add in the fact I can work remotely, I can’t quite believe my luck!

No two days are the same here; with a range of clients from estate agents to accountants, it certainly keeps you on your toes.

My journey into HR

I started with my previous employer in 2013 as a project assistant.  In 2015, I left to go on maternity leave and, when I returned in 2016, I knew that I couldn’t continue working full time with two young children.

Unfortunately, the role of project assistant needed to be full time.  After a few chats it was agreed that I could return part time – in the role of HR Assistant.

HR was brand new to me, but I got straight into it.  I received so much support and training from my colleagues.  My previous employer was a global company, with offices in Dubai, India, Azerbaijan and Turkey – with the headquarters in the UK.

There are a lot of different things to see and do in the world of HR.  My career has allowed me to work with different parts of the world, meet a range of new people, and explore different cultures.  Along the way, I’ve been exposed to various areas of HR.

HR can be very hard and challenging.  The thing I enjoy most about HR is helping people – this is so rewarding.  I am very passionate about driving change in the workplace.

I knew my skills and experience gained would make me a good fit with AJB HR.

You don't look enough

As mentioned above; I have 2 children.  A 13-year-old and a 7-year-old – cue the ‘you don’t look old enough’ statements!  Having a child at young age made me determined to achieve in my career, whilst being a parent.

One thing about me is I am a creature of habit.  I have lived in the same house for 12 years; been holidaying in the same place for 6 years; and drove the same make of car for 14 years – all of which is strange, as I’m so passionate about change in the workplace!

A lot of my spare time is spent with the children (and running round after them)!  We have recently got a loan horse for the eldest, so you’ll find us at the stables three days a week!  She has been passionate about horses for years, so it felt like the right time to take one on - hopefully I won’t regret it during those cold, dark and wet winter months!

As I type this blog, I am counting down the days until I can put my out of office on, as we are off to Benalmadena (yep, the place been going to for six years).  I’m very fortunate that my parents own an apartment over there, so it makes sense to go somewhere where we only need to pay for flights.

Note: as you read this blog (when it’s published), I will have been on holiday and returned – so please do feel free to connect with me here.

Get in touch

There are plenty of ongoing changes in the world of HR. If you need support with anything such as hiring, recruitment, contracts, handbooks, grievances, disputes, or anything else HR-related, please do not hesitate to get in touch here.

‍