It’s Not Over Yet Poem
After growing up in Adelaide
And moving to Melbourne in 1994
I was shocked to be sacked when I was pregnant
And that left me angry for six years and more
So I made a big decision
To remain employable forever
After finishing my degree by correspondence
Continuous learning became my endeavour
Too scared to have just one job
I chose to become my own boss
Uncertainty became my new normal
And sick pay was my loss
But that turned out to be an advantage
Because health became my new priority
I made sure my working hours were flexible
So I could be with my family
When my marriage ended
It took a long time to recover
Housing finance was impossible
But I had more to discover
Now I had no choice
But to continue working
And thanks to the networks I’ve created
The income keeps on coming
It’s fair to say I’ve had some challenges
But I’ve made the best of what I’ve got
I have a simple life of freedom
And I am happy with my lot
I am fully aware
That safety nets are a delusion
So if it is to be, it is up to me
And that is my conclusion!
This poem was prompted by an interview I had with a newspaper journalist. Although we had a conversation that I thought was ‘off the record,’ they wanted to include part of my ‘inspirational’ personal story in the article. I didn’t feel comfortable with that idea.
Yes, I am fully aware of some of the challenges I have overcome, but I do not feel the need to broadcast them in detail! I am happy to share an analogy in the hope that it will help someone else and this poem is a general overview of some of my personal story.
Sadly, I think too many people in Australia assume that the ‘government’ or ‘someone else’ will keep them going when times get tough. It has been my experience that any of these sources of support are very minimal and short term. They can also lead to an ongoing poverty trap, or worse still, health and safety issues.
That said, I have asked for help at different times and I have been extremely grateful for the support I have received. However, it has become very clear to me that it is only ever available as a last resort and that ultimately, it will be up to me to change my own circumstances and deal with the ups and downs of life.
For that reason, I have developed a range of strategies to keep me healthy, active and safe. I have some ‘options’ if I need them, but one thing is for sure, I will not be relying on the public purse provided by government. I am not critical of those that do, but I am well aware that we all need to do everything ‘else’ first! With love, Sue Ellson🙂
#notoveryet #SueEllson #SueEllsonPoem #poem #poetry
Photo is of autumn leaves in Canterbury on 31 May 2025.
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