My ride on the great resignation train

Back in September, I came across the article Here comes the Great Resignation on the ABC News website. In it, the writer offered post-pandemic commentary and, like many news outlets then (and in the months since), reported on the growing trend of people in the United States quitting their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Great Resignation. The Big Quit. Whatever you want to call it, the story piqued my interest as it was the same week I resigned from my job of six years with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. The Great Resignation had officially arrived in Australia, and apparently, in my home office.

My work at the Network is something I feel immense pride and achievement in. It is a workplace that challenged me — both personally and professionally. I learned not only about my vocation, but about storytelling and strong, compassionate leadership. 

I enjoyed the connection with people within the hospital environment, the feeling of being part of something important, and initially, working from home during the pandemic snatched that away. 

During the first lockdown in 2020, I was home like everyone else, working, home schooling and toddler wrangling. I’d never enjoyed working from home before — social butterfly, I am — but suddenly I loved it, as well as the flexibility (and productivity) that came with it. 

Within a couple of months however, I felt something akin to business as usual. Slipping back into old routines, it wasn’t long before I felt the itch to shake things up. 

There are a few things I know: I want to keep working hard, build content for brands I am passionate about and take on new adventures. So all of a sudden, resigning seemed like a no-brainer. Jumping head-first into the unknown and starting my own company was the obvious next step.

So this week, while sitting alone on my couch, I launched my business Anchor & Co Communications. The idea had been in the back of my mind for years. It just never felt like the right time. Until now. I spoke to mentors, colleagues and friends, and got advice from everyone I could think of — then there was only one thing left to do: back myself and launch. 

It was a huge moment, but it also felt oh so very quiet. 

I am excited to be my own boss, to meet new people and find fresh communications solutions for clients. I am eager to build something new, exciting and scary. I’m also really looking forward to being a familiar face at the school gate, and not needing to race out the door with two young children at 7am every morning. 

But I already know the thing I will miss most about the Network: the people. I’ll miss working shoulder to shoulder with wonderful, passionate people dedicated to transforming kids’ health in NSW and beyond. I’ll miss the patients and families. I’ll miss hearing their stories, and being their advocate for change. 

It has been an absolute privilege. Now, onward to the next adventure. 

If you need a strategic communications pro, focussed on understanding your business, stakeholders and customers, let’s chat. 

Julie Wright | Director, Anchor & Co Communications | julie@anchorco.com.au