Sinking into huge, sky-blue deckchairs overlooking Silent Pool, they swapped news. G&Ts arrived in beautiful blue & gold copas. Both women paused to admire their drinks before clinking glasses and taking a sip. Lockdown seemed to have agreed with Maggie – she was calm and in control, and had made time to have her hair done. Anne felt a little self-conscious and hoped Maggie couldn’t tell she’d cut her fringe herself.
“Maggie, you look great!”
“Thank you! I feel great,” smiled Maggie.
“Good for you,” replied Anne. “I wish I felt great.”
“Oh! Is something wrong?”
“No, not really. It’s just work.”
“What’s happened?”
“Nothing’s happened. In fact, that's the problem. There’s the opportunity for partnership track. I should go for it, I know I should. I probably won’t get it, but it would be good experience.”
“Why wouldn’t you get it?”
“Because I’m not good at winning clients and generating fees.”
“Don’t you want to be a partner?” asked Maggie.
“Hadn’t really thought about it lately. All I know is I’m not happy at work, and I’m not sure why. Sorry – I’m all over the place, aren’t I?”
Maggie laughed. “Just a bit. It sounds like you need some clarity. To work out what direction you’re heading in. And if it’s even the direction you want! Look, have you thought about coaching?”
“Yes, but I can’t really afford it, and I don’t know if it would work.”
“Coaching’s great! And it benefits work so the firm will likely pay. Honestly, I speak from experience.”
That explained the positive change in Maggie!