There are bluer skies, I’ll see the ocean and mountains before I go beddy bys…

It’s official – only one week to go until I’m no longer a public servant. HOLY SHIT!

It’s been 30+ years, four different departments and countless roles – and many achievements I’m really proud of. Some of which include the implementation of Australia’s first national Paid Parental Leave scheme, Dad and Partner Pay, women’s safety measures, Intercountry Adoptions Australia and more recently the new Child Care Subsidy… but this is not a resume. Been there, done that, it’s over.

I definitely won’t miss the hectic craziness lifestyle of balancing home and work – but I will miss the people. They are scattered far and wide across this amazing country we all call home – from Bunbury, to Melbourne, to the Gold Coast, the NSW central coast… and of course Canberra! I have made some real friends over the 30 years and I will keep in touch with plenty of them for years to come (I can hear their eyes rolling). I may be gone, but I won’t be forgetting them!

So now what?

Well, it’s definitely time to move on. The brain has not been the same since it was cut open and, although I’ve fought my issues for two years, I knew what I had to do. It was time to leave the mansion…

I actually checked out a while ago.. I suppose the last 9 months could be considered a gestation of sorts? It’s like I’ve hit the third trimester of pregnancy – I’m just sitting around getting fatter and waiting for the due date. But it’s nearly here! And it looks like that it will be a rebirth of sorts – that sea change will come sooner rather than later.

But am I ready?

Ummm… hell yeah! I’m rearing to go! I’ve been practicing all freakin year for this! I have a bunch of new hobbies to keep me busy, a beautiful coast house beckoning me and a fantastic family that supports my decision.

I’ll be spending my time cooking and baking, making candles, creating fibre art, painting, maybe writing that novel, and working on my stand up comedy material… there is plenty to do! I may even volunteer is some capacity?

But for now – it’s time to get moving on the CBR exit strategy.

I’m voting myself off the island.

Gabs out. In