The ninth in a series by Stress Matters, who have been asking those across the events industry – how are you doing?
Daniella Saleh on staying optimistic despite being made redundant.
I have been in the events industry for 10 years and have loved every moment of it. Most recently I was a senior event producer and for the last four years I have been producing major sporting games across the UK.
Right now I’m doing well and have adapted to a very strange new normal. I was put on furlough in March which unfortunately led to redundancy in October. For someone who loves what they do and has great passion for it, that was very difficult for me and has got to be my low point of the pandemic. However, I have adapted and adjusted and now have a new outlook.
I’ve relished taking the opportunity to look into other areas that I am passionate about and to progress some self-development. Having more time to work on different skills, volunteer and be able to find out more about myself has made me feel like I’ve made the best out of this unexpected situation.
As much as we’ve all gotten used to the weirdness of it all, the whole situation is still a bit funny isn’t it? It feels like we are in a poorly written movie and each scene keeps getting more outrageous than the last. I think you just have to take it all with a pinch of salt and some good humour.
I have learnt a lot about myself though. Mostly I realised that I am more resilient than I realised, mentally stronger than I thought and that I can adjust. When I look back and see the magnitude of the work that I delivered and the skills that I developed in my last role, it fills me with pride.
I have also learnt that it’s okay not to be okay, and that life can be tough, especially right now. I think we all need to be more open to discussing how we’re feeling. I’ve been delighted by the kindness of strangers in my network offering support and it’s so lovely to see genuinely kind and caring people out there offering to help. I think this has been a great opportunity for reflection also. Everyone is just trying to find their version of happiness and success and actually, this has been the perfect time for a lot of people to reflect and do that.
When it comes to looking out for myself, I feel I’ve been pretty good this year. I try to work out a lot and eat healthy but do allow myself the occasional treat! I’ve made sure I go for regular walks, do lots of reading and see friends and family for a coffee when we’re allowed. I make sure I set myself goals each week and stick to a routine and this is good for me – feeling in control. Checking my schedule each evening before bed and writing my to-do list for the next day helps me to sleep well. A little bit of Netflix helps with that too! Usually a documentary.
If I could go back six or nine months and give myself some advice, I’d say ’Relax!’. I’d also say ‘Do everything you can, but remember not everything is in your control. Believe that everything will fall into place and that you are exactly where you need to be. Believe in yourself, get rid of the self-doubt and do what is best for you.’
Next year I am looking forward to the return of the events industry, the hope of getting back into work and being onsite doing what I love to do. I am putting it out there into the universe that I will get an offer for a new job and am looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to more self-development, focusing on doing more things for me and my personal growth.
If you would like to share your story, please visit www.stressmatters.org.uk/pandemic-stories for more information.
