I’ve just written a blog post on how blurred lines between your personal and professional identities should be managed (ideally with a digital magna carta!) and it got me thinking on how personal is too personal?
What kind of stories should we share about ourselves as business owners and professional people?
So I thought I’d write and share my personal story and see what kind of response I get!
I’ve just celebrated four years of freedom. Back in August 2013 I left my (now ex) husband of 23 years when I discovered he’d been having a long-term affair with my (now ex) best friend of 10 years.
Now don’t worry, I’m not going into the gory details or describe the immeasurable destructive fallout that commenced that you’d expect from such a seismic shock. I’m saving that for my auto-biography.
Instead, what I wanted to focus on is how it is NOW. And the fact that no matter how bad it gets, it really does get better in the end.
Why is that? I think it’s because:
I’m free to do what I want. Whenever I choose. Especially when it comes to time and money. In the last four years I’ve travelled endlessly, left a well-paid job, set up three businesses, advised two charities, seen my clients win endless awards thanks to the applications I write, and have also volunteered my time abroad.
I realise my worth. I’ve come to realise I’m good at what I do. In the past four years I’ve achieved some of my best professional work yet – and it’s especially gratifying without derision and clear disinterest in my achievements and ambitions.
I’ve remembered who I am. Removing myself from such a negative situation has given me the space to remember I’m still the opinionated, fearless girl whose mum allowed her to question everything and choose her own clothes from the age of 18-months-old. I’d just forgotten for a while.
I’ve built my network. I’ve not only re-connected with friends from my past, I’ve also made loads of new friends and acquaintances. The positive energy, respect and support is priceless.
Everyone has a story. And I mean everyone. Speaking to countless people over the past four years has shown me that and, while it’s helped me personally, it’s also helped professionally in terms of continuing to develop my nose for a story and identifying what content is worthy of sharing.
So there it is. The outcome of my journey after the life I knew changed forever, and, despite it being a rocky road at times, the destination is a pretty good place to be.
But the question is, is this blog too personal for me to share?
Too late now!
Kelly Oliver Dougall says
I dont think its too personal. I have had this very dilemma just this week with the #metoo campaign. I did share and then wondered if it was a massive case of TMI. I could have just said #metoo, but I didn’t – I went into detail about what happened. I did this because I felt strongly that our culture has to change and unless some women can share the detail in the cold light of day, our culture won’t change. Some women don’t feel able even to write #metoo let along the details.
When I just used facebook for me it was ok, but I did have to think about my employer. Now the buck stops with me. I’ve decided though, when I am perfectly me, I attract people who are in tune with my values and these are the people I want to work with.
Jennifer Robson says
It took me a while to publish it, but it was in my head for a long time!
Stacy says
No! You gave enough personal information to enable the reader to understand you as a person. I thought it was the right amount to tell .
Jennifer Robson says
Thank you ladies, your thoughts are heartening and reassuring.
sharon lashley says
No I don’t think it’s too personal at all as knowing who we are as people and what makes us achieve what we then go on to do as professionals is all connected.
It’s all part of our journey through life and you should absolutely celebrate where you are now in your personal and professional life especially when ‘writing’ is your profession.
Great Blog – Keep up the fantastic work!
Jennifer Robson says
Thank you Sharon, lovely feedback x
Suzy Jackson says
Jen, you’re a wonderful human being. I’ve never seen you as full of energy and joie de vivre as I have this past year or two.
It’s your story; it’s not about anybody else, and there will always be a question about how much it pertains to your business. But YOU are your business. And this is part of who you are. You’re a survivor, a thriver, and a super friend.
Jennifer Robson says
Wow, thanks Suzy. And so are you x
Nicola little says
An excellent blog post and having been with you on your journey, it’s amazing to see how brilliantly you’ve turned the worst situation into the best. You’re inspirational.
Jennifer Robson says
What lovely feedback – thank you Nicola x
Lindsay Elissa Coils says
No, I don’t think it’s too personal at all. I think it’s important to know the person you are working with or want to work with. Anyone can paint on a face (and sometimes we have to), but everyone has a story and things that happen in our lives make us the people we are, good or bad. If you have a bad day, it’s not because you’re negative, it’s because you’re human and I would rather be human than fake any day. It’s lovely to see that you’ve come out the other side a happier and stronger person.
Jennifer Robson says
Thanks Lyndsay, I agree being human is awesome!
Rebecca McGarvie says
When you are your brand, you need to talk about you. Your experiences, actions, thoughts & beliefs are effectively like a corporation’s ‘commitment statement’ or ‘social responsibility policy’ but way more powerful. It’s exhausting trying to be something else, so instead just be you. I’m facing the same challenges but find that the critics are fewer than those who do relate & the quality relationships that I build being honest are worth losing the critics whom I would have lost anyway. Thank you for this blog for reminding me so clearly how to carefully curate a personal brand and a massive well done for responding so positively on such a hugely difficult experience.
Jennifer Robson says
Thank you Rebecca, what fabulous feedback!