Dance to your own beat

I was taught by my dad that your job can make or break you. It can crush your spirit and make you sad. Or it can motivate, lift and reward you.

How you get to a 'good' job is a secret no one tells you. It's one of those secrets adults don't let you in on [like living on your own might be fun, but there will be a lot of dishes]. I did not go to university, I left school with good grades and no clue what to do with my future. I worked. HARD. I temped, interviewed, got rejected and accepted. I learnt how to type, smile, do numbers and talk to people. I did lots of talking.

People noticed my can do attitude and took chances on me. I proved them that chances were worth taking. I made a big U turn from working in a comfy, secure public sector job to a tiny community project in a deprived area, taking a big pay cut and equally big risk. I used the same skills learnt at the start, and lots of listening.

This week I got the offer letter for my dream job. A community mental worker at a women's orgnasiation. I will work part time and study to be a counsellor part time. I earn the same as my boyfriend who spent 4 years in education and now in some debt.

There is no right or wrong way to get to where you want to be, but if you don't feel like following the crowd - that's ok. You cannot sit at home watching TV and life will work out a job for you, but you can choose to dance to your own career path tune. I credit my parents for giving me lots of things that helped me on my way [manners, being friendly to everyone and remembering never to judge], but if your parents missed some good building blocks, learn them yourself. Teach youself what you need to know to get on, always be waiting to learn the next new thing.

As I finish one job, and move towards being the *new girl* again, I feel just a little bit smug as I dance away to my own beat, and love every moment of it.

ps. Golden rule - never quit a job until you have one lined up!!