“So, what are you up to now?”

2016 got off to a great start – I took an extended Christmas to catch up with my family and enjoy Muskoka. As much as I’ve become very much a city person, I’m a country mouse at heart and Muskoka in the winter is nothing short of breathtaking.

So what am I up to now? I’m back in the city and back to work – on finding work! I just wrapped up an amazing 8 months with the CFL, wherein I learned everything from the new rules (hi, 32-yard converts), to making infographics (fiddly, but worth getting right), to just what a small group of people can pull off in a season when an entire country gets behind you (quite a lot, as it turns out). I was lucky enough to work with a fantastic team, and now I’m even more excited for the next challenge!

So, what exactly am I up to now?

A few things:

• All I do is win job applications: Job apps take up the bulk of my time and focus. I’m looking primarily for communications positions in sports, politics, and not-for-profit. I’m trying to be both strategic (gotta love when networking chickens come home to roost!) and a bit choosy – I’m just coming off a position that I absolutely loved, and that’s a path I’d love to stay on.
• Consulting & freelancing: At the advice of my boss, I’ve incorporated myself and am hawking my comms wares as Clare Hutchinson Communications. Editing, news clippings, social media: if it’s got words in it, I can help you with it.
• Quidditch Canada: I’m throwing my back into my work for Quidditch Canada – both of our regional championships are at the end of the month, and there’s no shortage of fun projects and great work to do. I’m also part of the selection committee to help send Team Canada to the World Cup this summer in Germany! I’m glad to have so much time to put towards my passion project ahead of our biggest events.
• Recharging: I’ve learned that I thrive in high-stress, past-paced environments – but I’ve also learned the value of taking time to look after myself. Everyone likes a go-getter… until they burn out. I’m making lots of good food, visiting my Grandma (her cribbage smack talk hasn’t changed in 93 years), reading (send me your long-form journalism recs!), running, and I’ve seen the new Star Wars six times. (Hey, everyone’s got their thing.)

Of course, answering “so what are you up to now?” can get wearing, the longer you do it – and your answers aren’t always going to be the ones you wish you could give. The employment landscape is changing rapidly, and sometimes the best thing you can do is make things happen and adapt on the fly.

Or, as Poe Dameron instructs, “Stay sharp.”

Poe Dameron, staying sharp

Finn, taking opportunities as they come

So that’s what I’m up to now. How about you?