Avocados, Sauna, and Surviving 2024: A Year of Growth and Gratitude
This week, I’ve turned 39, we’ve had our work Christmas party, and I’m starting to reflect on the year. In many ways, it’s not been the best year — probably one of the most challenging years career-wise. As the year nears its end, I’ve been thinking about the intentions I set back in January: to be a better manager, eat more avocado, and set clearer boundaries with the café my partner runs.
Like many businesses, we’ve faced economic challenges, and when I had to make redundancies in my team, I really struggled to see how I could be a better manager. Delivering such tough news was hard for everyone involved. But one thing stuck with me: a team member said, “We trust you, Holly.” It was probably said lightly, but those words have stayed with me. They reminded me that while I couldn’t control everything, I could choose to navigate that time authentically as a leader. Supporting someone from our front-end team to move into a delivery role was another rewarding moment — it re-energized me and reminded me of why I love delivery and what I still have to offer.
Around the same time, I was working on a client engagement that, on paper, was well within my wheelhouse, but in reality, caused me a lot of anxiety. It was an agile training course, and I struggled with imposter syndrome, wondering if what we had to offer was “valuable.” It was tough, but it helped me build an even closer relationship with Chris Harris, who’s been a great support personally and professionally this year.
Midway through the year, I continued to have mini crisis’ of confidence. I was finding motivation hard to come by and questioning whether I was still the right fit for my role. A colleague, Bonny, asked me, “Where are you finding joy outside of work?” That question was such a good wake-up call. It reminded me that work doesn’t have to be the only source of motivation and joy.
Around that time, I started interviewing Independent Oxford business owners, which got me speaking to different people and reignited my love for creative writing. I also became a director of a community interest company focused on mobile saunas. One highlight was organizing and selling out a sauna event at a prestigious private house — it was so much fun!
I’ve also done well at setting clearer boundaries with Rachel’s café. In the first year, I was always on hand to help, but we quickly realised it wasn’t sustainable for either of us. We agreed that Rachel wouldn’t ask for my help unless I offered. When her one-year anniversary came around, I organised her first evening pop-up: a three-course Indian supper club. It sold out, got local press coverage, and was a great milestone to celebrate.
This year has been a journey of learning to enjoy my own company. At the start of the year, a free weekend with no plans felt daunting. But as the year went on, I’ve grown more comfortable with solo dates, joined local community walks, made new friends, and continued writing food reviews for Bitten Oxford. Recently, I started a Substack called Ship Happens, and I’m excited to see where it goes next year.
A big personal highlight this year was my mum’s health. After several years of near-constant worry following her breakdown, this year has been her best in four years. It’s been amazing to feel like we’re getting her back and to spend time together again.
I didn’t expect to travel much this year, but I ended up doing more than I thought: Paris, Scotland, the Lake District, Antwerp, Lanzarote, Dorset, and Albania. Each trip was fantastic, and we’ve already booked Mauritius for January — I can’t wait!
Work-wise, this year has been challenging but also offered new opportunities. The restructure has given me and a colleague a chance to reset some roles and responsibilities between delivery and client partners — something that’s been blurred for a long time. It’s exciting to start fresh and set clearer expectations. I’m also looking forward to the new talent joining us next year — I’m confident they’ll bring fresh ideas and provoke positive change.
Remote work, which I’ve always loved, has felt harder this year. Spending most days alone in the house has been isolating at times, especially when I’ve felt tired or low on motivation. Co-working spaces don’t always work with Zoom-heavy schedules, but I’ve tried café working and will keep experimenting.
I’ve also leaned into using AI more for work and for Rachel’s café, especially with press and social media. It’s been a huge help, though I’ve realised that for personal reflections like this, there’s still no substitute for writing it myself.
Looking ahead, I’m considering trialing a nine-day fortnight to create more balance and spend quality time with Rachel, since she mostly works weekends. I hope to continue sauna sessions, cold-water dipping, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
All in all, I’m ending the year feeling grateful. Despite its challenges, I still have a job which I’m grateful for and feel privileged everyday to work alongisde such an excellent team.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, yes I have eaten more avocados this year!
