It’s been a while since I posted a life update. It has been difficult to maintain a travel blog, whilst in a pandemic, especially when it is inadvisable to travel. What do you write about when you don’t travel?
2020 has been a mixed year, full of mostly ups and some downs.
Back in March, I was told that my agency contract was coming to end. They wanted to keep me on but due to COVID-19, all recruitment was being put on hold. Basically, a lot of agency workers were being let go so that we could be furloughed. My agency did not put me on furlough, leaving me with no income. I faced four and a half months of unemployment in the jobs market with no jobs, with all my applications withdrawn.
When the agency decided against placing me on the Job Retention Scheme, I decided to see this lockdown as an opportunity to learn new skills that I could take into a new role. As a result, I have completed courses on HR, creating graphics via Canva, Social Media Management, Copywriting and Creative Writing just to name a few.
I also increased my reading and have finished 50 books this year on subjects on history, personal development, diversity and discovered new authors that I love.
In August, I started a new job which I love and hope to be made permanent. I also got to visit the Isle of Arran (blog post to follow).
For the future, I don’t see myself travelling for another year or so. Now that we have a few vaccinations, there is hope but I am aware that I am probably bottom of the list when getting one. The focus will be on seeing more of my beloved Scotland, particularly on the Western Isles.
So, what do I do with this blog? I love writing and would like to continue blogging and this has been a question on my mind for some time. What type of blog posts would you like to see as a reader? Please post your comments below.
The other questions I had was, what do I do in the time between travelling?
The answer to this one is easy. I will be studying a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing with the Open University. It will take me six years to complete and I can take a break from studying to travel, as long as I complete the degree within 13 years. Hopefully, by this point, we would have eradicated the coronavirus.
I am very excited to start this course in January 2021 as it combines my passions reading and writing and will help me improve on my own art form.
In regards to this blog, I will update this as often as I can and keep talking about travel including past travels as well.
2020 has not been a bad year for me, apart from the unemployment period. That doesn't take away the fact that this year has been filled with tragedy and loss. Happy New Year and I wish you all a safe and healthy 2021.