Around autumn last year I started to feel very inadequate. I’d had rejections from various shows and fairs and I was also very worried about future income. I am self employed and a significant proportion of my income comes from arts project facilitation work. Much of the funding for this work had disappeared or diminished and it was becoming an increasingly competitive area to work in. I was wondering if I should keep pursuing my artistic ambitions and a creative life.

I decided that I would need to look for a salaried job and I applied for countless positions, signed up with a temping agency and considered all types of work.

After Christmas there was still no signs of work on the horizon, most of my freelance work had finished and my confidence dropped even more. I think I was mourning the life I was leaving. I had been fortunate to work on some very interesting projects and build significant relationships through long term residencies and I felt sad that this could be behind me. I realised that I would be deeply unhappy if I couldn’t continue with my own artistic practice and wondered how I would be able to do this with a different work pattern.

But what a difference a couple of weeks can make. I was called for an interview for a job I had applied for some time ago and had pretty much given up on as it had been so long. I cried with relief and joy when I found out I’d got the job.

In my new job I will be working with Sandwell Museums at Haden Hill House Museum and Haden Old Hall. I cannot really express how lucky I feel to have this new opportunity. When I undertook a BA course in my twenties and then an MA my plan was to pursue a career within the museum and gallery sector. However, this wasn’t where I could find work and things took me in a different direction.

I am very excited that now at (nearly) 50 I get the chance to work in an area that has fascinated me all my life.

It’s a part time role so I will still have the time to continue with my own practice and indeed I think there will be a lot to inspire me at my new place of work. I will also be able to undertake some facilitation work, should those opportunities present themselves.

I can’t wait to embark on this new adventure!

The photos in this post were taken on a celebratory trip to Sandwell Valley Country Park.