The Christmas Countdown
When December Becomes Your Year-End Deadline
As we approach the festive season, many professionals find themselves in the familiar rush to wrap up projects before the Christmas break. But for some of us, this year's countdown carries extra weight. As a member of the Lancaster digital community, I've been reflecting on how the traditional year-end pressure takes on new dimensions when combined with personal circumstances.
When Life Reshapes Your Timeline
The standard December rush has taken on new meaning this year for personally, as I navigate the combinations of disability, pregnancy, and professional responsibilities. With less than a month until Christmas, what would normally be a straightforward end-of-year wrap-up has become an exercise in careful prioritisation and contingency planning. The possibility of early maternity leave has transformed Christmas from a convenient administrative boundary into a hard deadline for numerous projects.
The Art of Problem Classification
In recent conversations with colleagues, we've been discussing an interesting approach to project management: the concept of "2024 problems" versus "2025 problems." This classification has become crucial for those of us facing significant life changes. In my case, with maternity leave on the horizon, what might typically be considered early 2025 challenges are realistically looking more like 2026 projects.
With my role at Lancaster University, this pressure has actually led to increased productivity. Data analysis is being finalised, and papers are being polished for submission. Our work at Digital Heard continues to thrive, thanks to a robust team structure that ensures project continuity - thanks team, you’re amazing!. The WILD initiative, among others, remains in capable hands with our dedicated team members.
Meanwhile, freelance commitments – from book proposals to collaborative projects with other organisations – add another layer to the pre-Christmas timeline. There's even an exciting new venture on the horizon, waiting to be announced. (Follow me on LinkedIn for when this drops!)
Lessons for the Digital Community
This experience highlights several important points for professionals in our network:
1. The importance of realistic timeline assessment when facing personal changes
2. The value of strong team structures that can ensure project continuity
3. The need for flexible planning that accommodates life's uncertainties
Four weeks might seem like a small window, but it's amazing what can be accomplished with clear prioritisation (thanks, Helen!) and support from a strong professional network. For those in the digital sector, particularly those facing similar challenges, it's crucial to remember that adapting our professional timelines to life changes isn't just acceptable – it's essential.
As we approach the festive season, perhaps it's worth asking ourselves: What truly needs to be completed by Christmas, and what can wait? Sometimes, the most professional decision we can make is to acknowledge our limitations and plan accordingly.
The pressure to complete everything before Christmas isn't just about meeting deadlines – it's about ensuring sustainable work practices that accommodate life's changes while maintaining professional momentum. As we continue to build our digital community in Lancaster, these conversations about balancing professional goals with personal circumstances become increasingly valuable. If you’d like to run an event on one of these topics - let me know!
