I have just started my final week in The Beatles Shop. I have worked here on and off since the end of 1991, and have been full-time for the last 15 years.
For around the last decade, I have commuted from Manchester to Liverpool every workday by train. And more recently, I have had an added tram journey to that commute. I spend between 2 and 2,5 hours commuting in either direction with a bit of waiting for trams and trains included. It’s become too much, and the rising cost of living and travelling means I am left with very little “fun” money each week.
So I have decided to leave after over three decades of involvement with the place. I am hoping to find something closer to where I live, probably part-time. (I would still be better off than I currently am.)
I have been applying for jobs, but sadly, I haven’t been successful in any applications I have made so far.
It feels…weird.
I have lots of things I want to do, but never seem to have enough time or energy. (Most weekends are spent recovering from the working week, catching up on sleep and laundry.) However, the more I think about the things I will have time to do, the more overwhelmed I get. I am going to get organised though, pace myself, enjoy a lie-in or two, and then formulate a plan.
The strangest thing will be not being in Liverpool every day. I’m more familiar with the city than I am with Manchester. If I need something, I know where to go and shop for it.
The financial aspect of being able to give up work is something I will be keeping private, but all should be well until I get another job. In the meantime, expect a few plugs for my Etsy shop all over the place. I’m hoping it brings in a little pocket money. (I’ll be keeping a separate blog where I talk about the items I’ve made, there will be links – stay tuned.)
It feels like quite a leap into the unknown, but the last one went pretty well, so let’s hope this one goes as well.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to being a tourist in Liverpool again. I will be there for a week at the end of May for the International Pop Overthrow Liverpool event and a spot of sightseeing with my other half. (That’s another blog project I’m hoping to kickstart properly – more on that soon.)
