Anniki Sommerville author The Big Quit

The Merry Menopause Bookclub

Anniki Sommerville’s specialist subjects include Perimenopause, parenting and work/life juggling. She has written for The Telegraph, The Guardian and Grazia and is the author of 5 books.

In this episode, we talk about her latest book - The Big Quit which is all about how to navigate work and find the right balance for you.

My personal experience and that of friends, clients and The Merry Menopause community drew me to this book. Perimenopause and Menopause can put a spotlight on our relationship with work and our careers.

Join us as we discuss:-

• Anniki's experience of Perimenopause.
• 'The reckoning’ that comes up in our early 50s.
• Work ephiphanies.
• How did our ancestors feel about work? A brief history of female working life.
• The pressure we put on ourselves which leads to overachieving.
• Recognising that at times you may not have the stamina to keep pushing yourself to achieve - when you have young children and/or reach Perimenopause.
• The concept of ‘quiet quitting’ - in your job doing the bare minimum
• Asking yourself the important questions - is work serving me? What are my options? Am I regularly feeling overwhelmed, frustrated angry?
• Get clear on what you don’t want, the not-so-shit job!
• What would the ideal job look like?
• Comparison - comparing ourselves with others who we perceive to have ‘the dream job’ without realising that everyone compromises.
• Toss away the idea that there is a perfect job - there is no such thing
• We reminisce on the careers advice given, or not, to us in the late 80s
• Anniki’s career aspirations as a 14 year old.
• Anniki’s career path.
• The pressure of being the chief earner in a family.
• Have an open mind and a clear idea of what you want and you will spot the opportunities available to you.
• If you are in a negative spiral and you can’t see any escape remember all situations are TEMPORARY.
• Mental health and Perimenopause
• Tools for re-assurance and self-confidence
• Boundaries and taking a break - work will take over if you allow it to
• Actively manage your phone - think of it as a person. What kind of person would it be?
• Mis-interpreting Zoom calls and texts messages
• Our life skills are valid and valuable in the workplace. Older women are being undervalued by themselves and their employers.
• You can’t have it all - what are your priorities?
• How to move on - If you are not enjoying your job, know that it doesn’t have to be forever
• LIFE IS TOO SHORT - Anniki talks about losing her father and the shift in her perspective
• Stop focusing on what you can’t do and start focusing on what you can do.
• Alcohol and Perimenopause.

Anniki’s book choice - Love Your Sober Year by Kate Baily and Mandy Manners

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