A New Chapter in My Family History

This is a personal update. 

On 1 November I began my three month notice period at work. My 30 year civil service career officially ends on 31 January 2017. I am ready for a change. When the opportunity arose and the Department of Health announced it was shedding a third of staff launching its voluntary exit scheme in the early autumn, my list of reasons for leaving far outweighed the ones for staying. True civil service policy analysis principles there. Weighing up the pluses and minuses to come to a balanced and considered opinion.

A New Family History Chapter – photo by Jane Roberts

But I do have mixed feelings. It’s a huge step after so many years. On the whole I have enjoyed my time with the civil service, to be fair some jobs far more than others. I’ve made some fantastic, lifelong friends. I’ve gained a raft of skills which will be of incredible value going forward. Above all moving from a job with a regular monthly salary into the unknown feels very scary.

But it’s an opportunity I relish. It’s a chance to have more time to concentrate on family history. A chance do the things I enjoy. A chance to do something for me. A chance to share over a decade of family research knowledge and experience. And a chance to put those skills I’ve learned to practice in a new direction. Skills, values and principles which include: 

• planning;
• researching;
• analysis;
• summarising; 
• reporting;
• seeing the bigger picture;
• bringing together multiple data sources to provide a coherent picture;
• writing;
• time management;
• independent thinking and working, yet also being able to work as part of team;
• project management; 
• meeting deadlines;
• following a set remit;
• confidentiality;
• honesty & integrity;
• computer programme knowledge; and
• providing value for money.

So going forward I will have more time to work on my own family tree and my one-name-study. I will also be able to attend more family history events. I aim to do more continuing professional development. And I will be able to take on more client work. In the coming months I will provide more details.