Romany Lee // Community Manager
Romany Lee // Community Manager //WorkLife Picton
Community and Background:
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Picton community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I moved to Picton in 2022. I have friends in the area who have been here for over 15years, so I know it quite well. My partner and I have a block of land we have recently built on. I wanted to change my work trajectory, and especially wanted to get more involved in the community. Something I’d never had the want or time to do in the past. I wasn’t sure this was the community, but I have discovered it’s incredibly diverse and full of wonderful people.
Business and Entrepreneurship:
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I was taking time off to clear my head and decide on the next step. I saw the WorkLife sign as I drove through town, and was curious. I decided to contact them and find out what they were about! I had no idea what I was looking for, but Kate generously offered her time for a coffee and a chat. It was a great chat, and I was inspired by the ideas she had. There was no job available at the time, so I just put the encounter on the backburner. Four months later Kate called and asked if I’d be interested in taking a position 3 days a week- I jumped at the chance (I’d spent the last 4 months applying for jobs almost daily, with only one interview to show for it!!). I truly am on a new trajectory now, and I’m really enjoying the work.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
Balance has always been my biggest challenge, and certainly not possible in my previous job as stable manager for a 160 horse property! In searching for a new job I knew that having more balance was essential. I am lucky to be working part-time, so this makes the balance easier. I make sure I spend time I doing the things I love, like riding my horses as many days a week as I can. The biggest thing for me was convincing myself that I do not have to engage with work emails when not at work. If it is urgent then work will call me, and I’m happy to do what I can. It has taken the last 6 months to really break the habit of always feeling like I have to be ‘on’, and in turn enjoying down time without a busy mind. Boundaries are key, and asking someone like your partner or close friend to help you be accountable really helps.
Personal Life:
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
I love hanging with my horses. They have been my happy place my whole life, probably before I could walk. Focussing on training brings me so much joy, it’s often hard to describe- especially to my partner who knows nothing about horses! I also now have a fantastic vegetable garden that I can spend unending hours in without realising it- this has been a revelation for me. I love it! I have also finally have the energy to pick up books again, and look for things to do on the weekend rather than just sleeping through.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
One of my most favourite books in the last year was Horse by Geraldine Brooks- stunning!! The other is Fight Like a Girl- Clementine Ford, I met her briefly at the Sydney Writers festival and was awed by her presence, she’s a powerhouse. The book is like a call to arms, but it was also recognition for so many experiences that I believe a lot of us have been holding down, out of sight. Finally, Lessons in Chemistry- Bonnie Garmus. Simply gorgeous! For me one of my most favourite audio books is actually Brene Brown doing a live talk called The Power of Vulnerability. I love her delivery style, and enjoy just listening to her voice.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
I had to stop having access to my emails outside of work, otherwise I cannot stop thinking about it. Now that I have curbed that habit, I can see emails come into the inbox and maybe briefly read, but not think any more on it. Observe your habits, decide which ones you can do without, and find someone to help you be accountable!
Home and Lifestyle:
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
I never really allowed myself to be too sentimental about things, but now that I feel more settled, I allow myself to collect things I love and are precious to me. I love texture in fabrics and around my home- leather, wood, pelts, linens, velvets, wool, ceramics. Natural Scandinavian colour schemes, and a great love for blue and white ceramics. I have two button back armchairs of my grandma’s, and love the sleek simplicity of Scandinavian design with the addition of classy antiques. I am still creating my story.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
I love the play with the colour yellow, and the collection of all things yellow, different tones and textures, the black desks! and the feeling of the spaces being personal, with the addition of unique, quality works of art and design pieces.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
I would probably get a coffee from De Nada, go for a walk around Thirlmere Lakes, drop into Thornton’s and pick up a luscious bunch of flowers, maybe pop into Cedar Creek Orchid for some juice or cider, perhaps Mowbray Park Produce for some veggies, then head down to The George for an early meal on the balcony next to the creek.
Productivity and Time Management:
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
I don’t stay organised, haha. But I’m trying! I try to put everything into my calendar as reminders. I have a physical diary for keeping track of the pets and horses. On arriving at work I have a notebook that I scribble down the things I know I want to tick off for the day. The pages are dated. The act of physically writing something down imprints it into my mind a lot better, and I like crossing things off lists! Plus I can see my notes in my mind and always have something to refer back to.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership:
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
I thoroughly enjoy being at WorkLife. The people I encounter and the chats I have break up my day and actually make me more productive. I just love the general hum of people going about their work around me.
