What do I mean by Triflyer? Well, it rhymes with "highflier" and we all like that description, filled with optimism and ambition. The "tri" refers to three ways, like "Tri-athlon", where you compete in 3 sports. I am dividing my time, not always equally, between three main functions. I've never been the sort of person who can sit behind a desk for 8 hours or more a day, focusing completely on one thing. Variety is the spice of life, as far as I'm concerned, which means I enjoy every day for what it brings, and I get a balance between activities which feeds my need to be both active and reflective in my work.
So what are my three work activities? My main one is career counselling, and whatever goes with it, so I see private clients as well as groups for workshops and I visit organizations to train employees with work-related issues such as team-building, stress management, mentoring and coaching. I really enjoy working with people, collaborating and exploring how best to develop and progress. As soon as I have appointments these form the scaffolding of my calendar.
My second function is as an Associate Lecturer for The Open University. The OU is such a flexible body that both students and tutors work on-line or by telephone in their own time. We meet about once a month for tutorials, and much as I love reading and working virtually, it's lovely to see the people face to face.
The third strand of my working week is still developing. I have just qualified as a Pilates teacher. Pilates is a fantastic form of exercise, which strengthens the core muscles and mobilizes the joints. It is also incredibly relaxing. My classes will be aimed at people who need to function better in their everyday lives by releasing tension and feeling their physical best.
For me, living a healthy life has to incorporate physical movement, intellectual stimulation and creativity. I am lucky that as a Triflyer I am able to achieve this as well as weaving in time to devote to voluntary work and to friends and family. It's important to practice what you preach, and as a careers counsellor I like to help people understand what suits them best and how they would be happiest spending their time. My lifestyle would not suit everyone, and it has taken several decades to achieve it. On the other hand, there are as many lifestyles as there are people - you just have to discover the right one for you! It is not easy to do that, given the demands put upon us by today's society: it's all rush, rush, talk, talk, work, work! Maybe I'm just a Maverick! Anyway, as the ad says, "I'm luvvin' it!"
