Select a region
At the start of the pandemic, Donna Abel was made redundant, and given six months to find a job.
Now the new CEO of Jersey Cheshire Home, having assisted in fundraising for the charity since 2011, Donna gives a breakdown of the five things she has learnt during this past year...
"The pandemic has spread at an extraordinary pace. It has caused great uncertainty, even chaos, amid constantly changing times, but it has also provided many, including myself with an opportunity to do something different. To stop, pause and reflect.
At the start of the pandemic, I, like many others was made redundant, I had six-months’ notice to work and therefore six months to find a new job.
What I learnt during this time is that...
Pictured: "It can feel overwhelming and scary, but we can and will survive, adjust, and even thrive."
It has touched people’s lives in ways we could not have imagined. And has left lasting scars for some and provided opportunities for others. It can feel overwhelming and scary, but we can and will survive, adjust, and even thrive. Together we are stronger.
I have learnt that out of a crisis comes real opportunity, while it may not feel like it at the time things can improve, we can adjust and find a new purpose. For me it was a case of trying to remain calm and controlled during a situation that was completely out of my control. Naturally we can all worry about things we can’t control. I learnt that being open and showing vulnerability was okay and that health was more important than wealth!
Pictured: "I found myself thinking more about other family members, friends, colleagues and becoming more selfless."
When working from home alone, I felt isolated and forgotten about. It was hard with limited human connection during the working day. I learnt that being brave enough to pick up the phone, say hello how are you doing? Or to drop someone a little email just to let someone know that they have not been forgotten, was mutually beneficial and provided me with a greater sense of personal validation, it made me feel good.
Even with higher digital engagement I emerged working more collaboratively. I found myself thinking more about other family members, friends, colleagues and becoming more selfless. The pandemic forced me to adapt to the situation and to make more personal connections. It simply felt like the right thing to do and was authentic to me and if it made a small difference to others then it made me feel good, like I was making a difference no matter how small.
Pictured: "The global public health crisis caused by the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic will end and we will learn to live with it and adapt overtime as we have done previously."
It is true that we are unsure of how long the pandemic will last or what its lasting impression will be. For sure it was an emotional roller coaster. But I told myself that that’s okay! I was not on the front line, not time starved, exhausted emotionally and physically and my loved ones were all well, my worries were related to finding a new job and supporting my family.
Some of us were somehow sleepwalking through the fog of uncertainty and emotional disruption, slightly disoriented but safe and healthy, there is one thing we know with certainty. The global public health crisis caused by the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic will end and we will learn to live with it and adapt overtime as we have done previously.
I have learnt that I don’t want to be in politics, that is a thankless job at the moment, however following the Government guidelines will help to keep us all safe.
Pictured: "I learnt that teachers have the patience of saints and do an amazing job."
Home schooling and working from home is hard, and where possible should not be mixed. I was the “fun sponge” parent setting tasks like I would have done in the office and expecting them to be done to a work environment standard.
I learnt that teachers have the patience of saints and do an amazing job. Never underestimate the emotional intelligence of an 11-year-old, they pick up on everything, not helped by Social Media. Reassurance that all will be well was a regular conversation, facts and optimum really helped during this time.
Pictured: "I took the opportunity to reflect on my career, my time in Jersey and how good Jersey has been to me."
I took the opportunity to reflect on my career, my time in Jersey and how good Jersey has been to me. So I was determined to give back. I already volunteered for Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Services and The Prince’s Trust but wanted to do more, I applied to support the Employment Forum and was successful in my application. These voluntary positions helped me feel like I was making a difference, but there was still something missing.
I always enjoyed working with people and helping them to advance their careers or achieve something they didn’t think possible. I loved the sense of achievement it provided me with and the satisfaction I got when their self-belief improved.
I wanted to make a real and meaningful difference and I was over the moon when I saw that Jersey Cheshire Home was looking for a Chief Executive Officer as their mission is to Enhance lives. I found my purpose and started in that role in October and I am loving it.
Pictured: "I am the luckiest person in Jersey having found such an amazing team and purpose and I look forward to working with them and making a real and meaningful difference to others."
The team at Jersey Cheshire Home are passionate about what they do, they genuinely care and devote themselves whole heartily to the work they do supporting adults with disabilities.
During the period of lockdown earlier in the year their positivity, team spirit and selfless acts of kindness kept everyone spirits up and truly helped us to live our values and mission.
Out of crisis came real opportunity, I am the luckiest person in Jersey having found such an amazing team and purpose and I look forward to working with them and making a real and meaningful difference to others.
