The Knackered Women’s Club

This episode is a chapter of my latest book, The Midlife Trenches which offers a survival guide for knackered public sector midlife women. I'm just in the process of recording the audio book version so here is a free listen to one of the chapters. If you would like to buy the book in hard copy, you can find a link at www.sarahclein.co.uk.

From Social Worker to Storytelling Copywriter: Leesa Morris on Leaving the Public Sector WellAfter 17 years as a social worker in the public sector, Leesa Morris was burnt out and exhausted from trying to fit into an environment that wasn't made for her. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she shares how she transitioned to becoming a storytelling copywriter - work that allows her to be authentically herself.In this episode, we explore:Why people behave in ways that aren't in their own best interests - and how understanding stories changes everythingThe hidden exhaustion of constantly worrying about saying the wrong thing or not "playing the game properly"What it's like to be "a flower in the wrong soil" for nearly two decadesThe relief of no longer having to mask who you are every single dayHow small steps compound into significant changeWhy leaving doesn't have to be dramatic - you can build slowly or leap, but the key is doing somethingThe honest reality that running your own business has different stressors - but it's a completely different universeLeesa is refreshingly honest about the challenges of self-employment while being clear: there's a whole world of people thriving in their work and being themselves. If you're stuck in the "this is just how life is" mindset, this conversation is for you.Connect with Leesa Morris:Website: www.leesamorris.co.uk LinkedIn: The Storytelling Copywriter

Navigating NHS Reorganisation and Workplace ChallengesThe ongoing upheaval at NHS England and its impact on staff uncertainty and job securityHow constant reorganisation creates hoarding behaviours and information silos across teamsWhen Good Leaders Go Bad: Stress and Toxic BehavioursHow existing poor leadership behaviours become magnified during times of organisational stressPeople no longer "quietly quitting" when there are no other jobs available, leading to increased confrontationGetting Union Support: A Practical GuideWhen to approach your union representative (earlier rather than later)What unions can and cannot help with, including the limits of legal representationAlternatives if you can't use your local union repThe Informal to Formal ProcessSteps from informal resolution through HR to formal grievances and potential legal actionThe importance of documentation: keeping detailed notes of incidents, dates, times, and emotional/health impactsRemote Working's Hidden CostsHow hybrid working may mask true sickness absence levels as people work through illness at homeThe challenge of maintaining boundaries and recognising when work is affecting your healthDon't Suffer in SilenceThe critical importance of talking to someone - whether a trusted colleague, freedom to speak up guardian, HR, or union representativePractical resources available: ACAS, professional associations, household insurance legal coverUseful Links https://www.acas.org.uk/https://www.miphealth.org.uk/https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/my-mental-health-at-work/

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ruth Germaine, a former NHS professional who spent 39 years in healthcare before making the brave decision to leave and establish her own independent practice. Ruth shares her journey from feeling trapped in endless organisational restructures to finding freedom and purpose beyond the NHS.Key Themes:The Turning Point: Ruth recounts a pivotal moment in her General Practice when she was told to "get them in, get them out" - a stark contrast to why she became a nurse in the first place. This experience set her on a path toward workforce development and eventually led her to leave the NHS altogether.Navigating Constant Change: Ruth describes surviving five major restructures during her time in strategic NHS roles, and the physical and emotional toll of constant organisational upheaval. She offers honest insights into recognising when it's time to move on.Life Beyond the NHS: Now working across consultancy, coaching, and research, Ruth has discovered the "world beyond the NHS" - full of opportunities to make a meaningful impact without organisational constraints.Practical Advice for Those Considering Leaving:Start before you leave: Build your LinkedIn presence and network while still employedDon't panic: The emotional rollercoaster of restructures can cloud judgmentQuality over quantity: Meaningful professional connections matter more than follower countsSet boundaries: Being your own boss means protecting yourself from burnoutBe brave: Reach out to people, have conversations, and explore possibilitiesRuth's mantra "I'll ask my boss - she's quite nice" has become her way of giving herself permission to set healthy boundaries and work sustainably.Ruth's Current Focus:Ruth is passionate about neighbourhood and asset-based community development, social determinants of health, and continuous professional development for healthcare workers. She hosts her own podcast and continues to learn through conversations with leaders in integrated care and community health.Connect with Ruth: Find out more https://www.reflectiveruthconsultancy.com/This episode is essential listening for anyone feeling stuck in organisational change, questioning their future in the public sector, or wondering if there's life after the NHS.

In this conversation, Sarah shares her personal journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity as an autistic individual with ADHD. She reflects on the emotional complexities and realisations that have emerged since her diagnosis, including the importance of self-advocacy, understanding sensory overload, and the need for community support. Sarah emphasises the significance of self-acceptance and the ongoing process of navigating her identity in a world that often feels overwhelming.

In this podcast, Sarah explores her journey of self-acceptance, reflecting on the labels of being 'lazy, messy, and weird' that have followed her throughout her life. She discusses the fear of being unnoticed, the struggle with consistency in her habits, and the subjective nature of being 'weird.' Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and finding joy in one's unique traits, ultimately seeking to redefine her self-perception and live authentically.

A brilliant discussion with Tass Smith from Warwick District Council about how she raised awareness within her organisation about menopause after struggling with her own. Tass talks about the impact of menopause at work and how she worked with HR other colleagues to support World Menopause Day, set up training, a support group and provide information via the organisations internal communication mechanisms. Find out more about the work by listening in to the podcast and following Tass on Linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/tass-smith-a1257919 where you can also find links to a video that she has developed as part of this work.

A revisit of the year with the good, not so good and everything in between.

This episode focuses on saying no. Why to, how to, when to and what difference it can make.

Exploring the reasons why your face might not fit in an organisation any longer, how it feels and some things to think about.