Ever wondered what a menopausal marketer’s life looks like? Well, hold onto your hats as Dawn gives you a mad mix of her week. Buckle up, it’s an interesting one!
Monday morning….I spent an hour looking for my phone whilst on it, then 30 minutes hunting for dry shampoo and hairspray my teen swore she didn’t touch (she was right). Finally, another 30 minutes on a wild goose chase for my keys. Welcome to my brain’s current state of chaos I thank you menopause.
Mondays start with a catch up with Rachael, where we dive into all things AVS – new members website final tweaks, a new media packs, eshots, workshops, social and more. I absolutely love this part of my job because it’s like working with a bunch of the most supportive, collaborative cheerleaders. You all might not realise as you are all ‘in it’, but you’re a truly inspiring tribe in the madness of this academic venue world!
Later, Steven (the hubby) and I splash around in the pool, learning front crawl. I’m like Eric the Eel, but it’s a fun challenge we enjoy together- I say together usually quite a few lengths apart!
Tuesday kicks off like yesterday, but this time I found the dry shampoo! First, a board meeting with Derby County Community Trust – it’s an exciting new role very close to my heart with tons to learn. They have projects everywhere, even Kenya! Then, a local networking event—cue cuppa and cake with fellow small business owners. Next up is a LinkedIn workshop (that goes really well – phew). I’m really loving this area of my work but imposter syndrome is a massive issue for me at times, so sometimes I just have to put my big girl pants on and just get over myself!!. Evening plans? A ‘run’ with friends, which is mostly chatting with some jogging thrown in for good measure – this is known as a Jalk….as we jog a little inbetween talking.
Wednesday’s packed with more AVS work with planning for workshops, venue website updates, and finishing the new members site. Tackling CHS Leeds tasks, stand design, and FVP eshots/social posts too. The evening is all about dropping my 17-year-old, Katie, at football and joining my local club for a bike ride. Just booked a cycling training camp in sunny Calpe, Spain for 4 week’s time – so need to find some bike fitness fast but I’m so ready to enjoy some warm weather rides!
Thursdays are jam-packed with event planning, crisis management, marketing, websites, branding, and PR catch-ups with a range of clients. Scheduled weekly mentoring catch ups with a marketing manager, a student and a business owner. I love the variety, the chaos and the freedom! Thursday nights, I channel my inner mermaid at Tri club swim night, where everyone else glides like dolphins. I’m still working on my speed, but considering I could barely swim one length freestyle six weeks ago, I’m now up to 50! Tonight’s wetsuit session had me feeling like a buoyant superhero. Who needs speed when you have style, right? 10/10 for making getting a wetsuit on and off SO SO difficult, talc and luub was mentioned several times – I wasn’t sure if I’d turned up to the wrong type of club 😉
My Fridays are all about recovery from swimming and menopause brain drain. This Friday was brunch with friends; self-employment win! The afternoon filled with thrilling tasks like invoicing and planning. A walk and ‘Hack Your Health’ podcast by Davinia Taylor keep me sane. Friday nights are pub quizzes, pizza, drinks, and endless laughs (usually about my swimming ability/lack of progress).
Saturdays kick off with a park run (with the hubby dressed at a flamingo/!). , my daughter’s football match, chores, and a long bath. We decide if it’s cooking in or dining out on a whim. Sundays are for epic bike rides, family catch-ups, TV time, and conking out by 9pm!
Now, excuse me whilst I put a giant post it note next to my phone and dry shampoo so at least I start out winning tomorrow 😉
