Finding the Good Stuff in a Very Unusual Year

Well, here we are. On the home straight to the festive season 🎄 What a year it’s been.

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Christmas this year, if I’m honest. You know that strange, hazy time between Christmas and New Year, when no one quite knows what day it is or what they’re supposed to be doing? That odd limbo where time feels...erm 🤔

I think I’ve been living in that space for most of the year.

That’s largely what happens when you don’t have the stability and routine of a “standard” job. When you’re hopping between short-term contracts, quietly panicking about money, and occasionally working at strange hours of the night—because, well, you can 🌙 And if you’re awake anyway, you might as well do something productive ☕💻

But, in the spirit of Christmas, I’ve decided to focus on the positives 🎁 And hopefully, in doing so, I might help you do the same too.

Because while not having a stable, reliable job can be unsettling, it’s also opened the door to some genuinely interesting and enjoyable experiences 🌱 I’ve learned new skills, explored potential new career paths, and taken on projects that have stretched and challenged me in the best way. Some of it has been practical and future-focused; some of it has been purely for fun—and, quite honestly, to keep me sane 😅

Another unexpected benefit of a non-standard work pattern? More time for long dog walks 🐕 More trees 🌳 Fewer screens 📵 And that, without question, is a blessing.

So, rather than dwelling on the negatives, let’s lean into the good stuff ✨ Here’s what’s made this year brighter 🌟

1. Back to the South West UX Meet-Up 🎤💬

I’ve started co-organising the South West UX meet-up again—and I couldn’t be happier about it 😊

I first got involved many moons ago during my transition from Copy and SEO into specialising in UX, hosting and speaking along the way. It’s genuinely wonderful to be back. The brilliant Indu, who’s been there from the start, has kept things going through COVID, shifting organisers, and all the usual life changes—work, kids, and everything in between 👏

Being back feels a bit like coming home 🏡 And in a world that’s felt fairly chaotic, that sense of familiarity is something I really value 💛

2. Training in AI 🤖✨

AI: the big topic on everyone’s lips—and, somewhat ironically, the thing that’s helped take some of my work away 😬

That said, after completing several courses and, more importantly, using AI practically on real projects, I’ve come to see just how powerful it can be when used properly—and responsibly 🧠 Having worked in complex industries like finance and insurance, as well as creative fields, I can see real value in it.

The key, of course, is caution ⚠️ And to borrow the current buzz phrase: keep the human in the loop ❤️

Also, please enjoy this AI rant from the Daily Show - it made me chuckle!

3. Starting a TEFL Course 📚✏️

I also started a TEFL course, which I’ve been thoroughly enjoying 😊

As someone who studied English Literature and Philosophy, I assumed it might be something of a cakewalk 🍰 It turns out that doing academic work again after a long break is quite the adjustment. A good one—but an adjustment nonetheless!

It’s been genuinely satisfying to dust off skills I haven’t used since university 🎓 And interestingly, my experience in mentoring and management has been far more transferable than I expected. It may sound like a cliché, but some skills really do turn up in places you wouldn’t anticipate ✨

4. Writing and Directing a Short Film 🎬🎥

This year, I also wrote and directed a short film based on one of my short stories—and what an experience it was!

This was completely unfamiliar territory, and I loved it 💡 Meeting new people, learning how the whole process works (and realising just how much effort goes into it), and then attending a screening to see my story on a proper cinema screen with an audience—it was all hugely rewarding 🎟️✨

How often do you get to do that?! 😄

5. Writing a Video Game 🎮🌍

Finally—and possibly most unexpectedly—I started writing a video game, based on a children’s story I’d written 🧚‍♀️

I’m currently talking to a very talented designer friend of mine, Dave (look him up), about building it together 🤝 Collaborating on a passion project has been an brilliant. Game writing is a fascinating shift from traditional writing: the level of detail, the interactive elements, the image prompts, and the depth of character backstories all add new layers.

You really do get immersed in the little worlds you create—and that, in itself, is great fun 🎨✨

So, happy festive season to boys, girls, and those beyond the binary 🎄💫 I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and find exciting, fulfilling things to do in the year ahead (and hopefully pay the bills too!)🌟

And finally, my most important piece of advice—regardless of your age:

Make time to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol 

Whatever else in this crazy world is going on, it'll cheer you up! Merry Christmas, everyone 🎶🎄