Sometimes the universe throws you a curve ball. Something unexpected. Sometimes it’s positive and sometimes not. Whatever it is, it’s surprising and can take a minute to come into focus before you fully comprehend what it means. This week, that curve ball was learning that my contract at the Tech School can not be renewed next year meaning that I kinda lost my job.

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Not straight away of course. I still have a few months to go but ultimately next year, I will be a full time graphic designer again. It is an unexpected plot twist but one that I have very little control over. The only thing I do have control over right now is my reaction and true to my personal brand, it's annoyingly positive. I almost had to take a minute yesterday to be more disappointed, so my colleagues could mourn somewhat instead of me making light of the whole situation. 

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The situation is unfortunate. A perfect storm: The end of a whole lot of funding, a new government about to take over and the EBA requirements around multiple fixed-term contracts. Over the time I’ve worked at the Tech School, six new schools have been built across the state from the same limited pool of money stretching everyone’s resources. Each and every one of these factors are out of my control and to be honest, I felt more sorry for my bosses who had to make the decision than I do for myself. 

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It would’ve been an extremely hard decision to make once the numbers were added up and it was realised that there were no other options. It must’ve felt a little like taking a bouncy ball off a kid who was just having the best time because I love my job at the Tech School. Everyone who works there does because it's such a unique environment. You get to hang out and inspire young people as an educator but you don’t have the stress or responsibility of being a classroom teacher. As someone who isn’t a teacher, it was a rare opportunity to be one.

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The Tech school has offered me nothing but opportunities over the last 20 odd months. Even getting the position in the first place was a complete fluke and if it wasn’t for the team seeing potential in my energy, I never would’ve got the job in the first place because I certainly struggled to hit most of the selection criteria in the application. I was taken under the wing of my boss and mentor Kirstyn who had been nothing but a cheerleader for me the whole time. We come from very different backgrounds but bonded quickly over our passion for lifting others. As a Scout wizard (I have no idea of her rank but it's impressive) she can plan an event like nothing I’ve ever seen and her passion for working with young people is palpable. She encouraged me to be myself because that is what I’m good at and the students will respond to it. We are a great team bouncing off each other, me learning how to do it properly, Kirstyn learning how to wig it. In a strange way she brought me out of my shell by highlighting a whole lot of skills I’d accumulated over the years but have never used to their full potential. 

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This is what I am most grateful for from my time at the Tech School. The skills I’m taking with me. I really fucken good at getting people excited about anything really. It is a super power that I took for granted but now see as an important and necessary part to the cohesion of a program. Not taking myself too seriously is an asset and something I should never stop doing. It means I’m approachable and makes it easier to genuinely connect with others, especially young people. Not knowing the answers is totally fine. There will always be someone smarter, taller, cooler in the room and being only one step ahead of the students is all I really needed to be. I’m also pretty good at running programs (with the help of others obviously) after Koorie Motion Lab, a program I’ll miss the most, won a strategic driver award from Fed Uni this week. 

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I have no idea what next year will look like but I’m excited. The universe always has an alternate motive and while this door closes, well stays slightly ajar because I’ll help out as a CRT if they need me, another door always opens. In fact it could be perfect timing. I’m ⅔ of the way through my book and should have my shitty first draft written next month. Having time to design, market and talk about my book is going to be super handy. I also have a design business that has had a ripper year considering I only work on it a few days a week. The Respect Ballarat project I’m working on is by far the best and most awesome project I’ve been a part of and I can’t wait for its launch next month so I can show everyone. I’ve also got my blossoming speaking career which is getting a kick start next month when I take to the stage at PSANZ in Auckland. 

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Other than missing my colleagues dreadfully, this could be the best news ever.