Merry Christmas & That’s A Wrap On 2022!
How quickly has this year flown by? And what a year it’s been!
As I find myself reflecting on the last 7 months since we launched Admin Avenues on Admin Professionals Day in Australia (Friday 6th May, 2022) I’d like to share some of my takeaways and reflections, in the hope they might inspire and encourage you to engage in your own moment of self-reflection.
This year, I stepped into my first real Founder position. A moment of great pride and joy for me. But, I’ll let you in on a little secret, it was not something I’d planned for.
So, how did I end up here?
In 2021, I wrapped up my 20 year career as an admin professional in London to come home to Australia to be with my family and friends post Covid and lockdowns. The plan was to be home in Australia for a few months to have a hot Christmas and turn 40 with my family by my side.
The universe had a different plan for me. Whilst I was in mandatory hotel quarantine, I was looking at some temp jobs to fill my days whilst everyone would be working. It was such a punish to try find any admin jobs through one source. From this frustration, the idea of Admin Avenues was born! It is the website I wished had existed when I was going through my admin career.
I knew I wanted to start something that merged my passion for combining purpose and profit. Something I could lead with empathy whilst being unapologetically ambitious. A place to combine creativity, mission and growth. I found these things, and so much more, through starting Admin Avenues.
Did I feel nervous? You bet! Did that old friend anxiety and imposter syndrome show up from time to time? Absolutely. Has it sometimes been daunting and overwhelming? Of course. But, has it been worth it? A thousand times, yes!
It’s been a steep learning curve. But if I’ve learnt anything this year, it’s that you can tackle any challenge, overcome any setback, and learn any lesson with the help of the right people. Whilst I am the face and voice of Admin Avenues, there has been an incredible team in the background who have helped me achieve everything we have produced this year so I’d like to send a big thank you to my family, Phoebe, Jackie, Connie, Jolene, Matt, Jess and my poor brother Blake who has copped the grunt of my founder journey highs and lows. I will never forget the work you all put in to help me get to where we are today. I am so so grateful for all of you.
Now, let’s talk 2023. I think it will be the year to create a bold career vision, based on your values and goals. I ask that you take some time over the break to think bigger, on your terms. It’s the year to invest in yourself and own your power.
I’ve also been reflecting on the power of joy in both our personal and professional lives. This is something a lot of us have struggled to cultivate over the past couple of years. So, I’m thrilled that Admin Avenues has been a catalyst for me to joyfully reconnect with people from my past – old friends, old colleagues, former clients and admin professionals all over Australia.
For me, it’s all about those serendipitous moments that come once we let our hair down with others (which we don’t always get when we WFH). That’s why I’m so excited to have launched our FREE Membership, which encourages us all to refocus on joy, fun, and organised serendipity.
In our members area is a link to admin community groups in each state. Pick your state (or pick a few if you travel for work). If there’s one thing you commit to next year, make it networking – once a week, twice a month, whatever works for you. Before you know it, you’ll be rewarded with new contacts, a community of inspiring admins that support you no matter what, and a whole lot more joy!
Looking back on this year and the year ahead, I am full of positivity. I can’t wait to welcome you back to our digital space in 2023. We have so much planned for our members so if you haven’t yet, sign up now to our monthly newsletter HERE and sign up to our FREE membership HERE so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
In wrapping up my last blog of 2022, whether it’s utilising all the resources through our free membership platform or connecting talented individuals looking for their next admin career, I’m here to help in any way that I can. Feel free to reach out anytime!
Lastly, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this journey a whole lot better. I couldn’t have achieved what we have to date without your support. It really does take a village.
See you in 2023!
Sincerely,
Candice