We made it!

As we enter the final week of term (Assessment week for most of us), now is a good time for us to remind ourselves that we’ve achieved a vast amount and we deserve a rest.

Workloads have undoubtedly increased because of the implementation of the new term structure, loss of staff (both PS and Academic), new structures for dealing with academic advising, marking, etc. etc. The list goes on. But we’ve battled through it with the help and support of our great colleagues and amazing students. Let’s hope that next term is a little easier as we are all more familiar with the many changes.

Building a Community is more important than ever now. With bad news from other universities an almost daily occurrence it is vital that we keep talking to each other and make time for that talking – it’s all too easy when you’ve a huge workload to push things like taking a proper lunch break to the very bottom of your priorities. Make a New Year’s Resolution to have the breaks you are legally entitled to take and if you can spend some of that time chatting to your colleagues then do.

Taking a break is important. We, the staff, are the university and we’re its most valuable resource – even if we don’t always feel like that. We can’t be useful or productive if we are not rested and ready for the new term, so do ensure you take some time over the vacation period to be with family, friends, pets, and watch terrible films, play games, get outside, and do something that makes you happy!

Put on your Out Of Office message as soon as you are able. The university is closed from 22nd December until 1st January, but if you can take some leave between this term ending and the new one beginning then make sure you do that. Trades Unions fought for holidays because rest is necessary. We are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of holiday a year – make sure you take it all. You can find out more about it here – https://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-guidance/pay-holiday-and-working-hours/holidays

Enjoy yourself but don’t overdo it…this is a photo of Heidi Colthup’s cat, Fitch, who ate too much a few Christmases back and suffered for the consequences. Don’t be like Fitch.

 

Finally, no matter how or if you celebrate, have a happy and peaceful Christmas