HI Everyone!
I hope you're all well, that you enjoyed the long weekend and that the hangover's weren't too bad on Monday Morning! Last week was a very VERY big week for me! The course which I am doing as part as a volunteer in the new Visitor Centre in Clondalkin, finished up last week. It has been a long few weeks however I really enjoyed the course and I have learned so much! On top of that, I finished up in the Little Museum of Dublin last Thursday as I have been offered a job with the amazing and fun Viking Splash Crew (ARRRRRGHHHHHH - that's my best viking roar, it needs a bit of work!). So all in all it was a very big week for me. Those of you who have been following be from the very beginning of this blog journey, or at least for the past year, will know that I fell into tour guiding about 14 months ago through a CE Scheme. I was on the Illness Benefit as a result of my depression and anxiety. I had to leave work, it was all too much for me. However, after taking time off work to attend counselling and to try to work through my mental health issues, I soon felt it was time to go back to work, however I was advised to ease myself into it. That's how I ended up working in a place that I absolutely love as well as finally finding a career that I really enjoy, that I thrive from and that, to be honest, I am good at. Not many people regard the Tourism Industry, in particular tour guiding, as a career. It's no one's fault, but it's the truth. When I was in my final two years of secondary school, the dreaded CAO was all the teachers and guidance counselors could talk about. "What do you want to be? What college do you want to go to? How many points do you need for that?" It got me thinking about what I wanted to do. My future career changed by every lunch time, one minute I wanted to be a teacher, the next a journalist, however the one option which stuck with me slightly longer than any of the others was to work in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. The only reason why it even was an option for me or how I thought of it was because of my dad. Growing up he always spoke about how much he always wanted to get into the tourism industry, however things were different then. He never ever pushed the idea in my head, however growing up I always was the first one to opt for a day of sight seeing and I was always the last one to want to leave a tourist attraction. However when it was my turn to meet up with the guidance counselors and discuss what I wanted to do, my little tourism bubble was quickly burst, and I was handed leaflets and books on teaching. I don't remember the exact reasons why they didn't see it as an option, however I do remember at one point it being mentioned that I would have too many points for one particular course I was interested in! Is there such thing as having too many points in your leaving cert?? Have you ever heard such nonsense?? I'm not going to get into the details now, but to cut a long story short, I applied for what my teachers and counselors thought was best for me, and after one year in a university ( in a course I hated), I made the decision to leave. The amount of people and "friends" who judged me on this decision was unbelievable, and I bet you that if you asked them their opinion today they would still say it was the wrong decision. What I did next was what I should have done when I was 17 about to leave school, I listened to my heart. As cheesy as it sounds, that's all I did. I knew it was what I should have done and when I sat down with my mam and dad to discuss my options, the first thing they said was "well you are very good with people, you are a great listener and you love to talk, so let's try it.". Although my mental health provided a slight bump in the road, I have since then never ever looked back or regretted that decision, in fact I listen to my instincts and my gut even more so now, I have learned to trust myself. Although I have had an amazing 14 months in the museum and I balled like a baby last Thursday, I know it is time to move on. I have learned quite a lot in such a short space of time but I need a new challenge, and what is more challenging then delivering a tour while shouting " ROAR AT THE COFFEE CELTS!!!!" while trying to drown out the noise of the busy traffic? Since I started in the museum, I knew that I wanted to join the crazy Viking Crew, so I went after it and earlier this year I was offered the job! Although I am excited for the next chapter, I have by no means reached my final destination on my career path. I have a plan which will require a lot more studying, hard work and determination but become a viking is the first step to this plan. Considering this time last year I was afraid of my own shadow and didn't like talking to anyone, I would say I have made some progress, what you reckon? My whole point is this: no matter what your age, your current situation, your current job, your previous studies etc., if you want something and you know you will be good at it well then go and get it. The only thing that is stopping you from achieving your dreams and goals, is you. Don't let what other people think and say get in your head. There was a time when I would ignore my feelings and dreams just to make someone else happy, when all it did was make me unhappy. You don't have to be a professor or a nurse or a scientist to have a career, although all of those things are amazing, each person is different and I believe as long as you are working hard, earning a living and benefiting from your work personally, well then that's a career and a win win! So that's where I am at the minute! Listen to yourself, don't let anyone burst your bubble and remember believe in yourself! Love as always, Em x
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This is where I share parts of lifestyle which I feel help or hinder my mental health. Archives
January 2018
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