In the time I spent in the workforce, which was over four decades, I travelled many roads both here in Australia and overseas. It has been both exhilarating and exhausting, but one thing about travel, it certainly broadens the mind.
Working in London as a ‘temp’ I had the opportunity to experience a life in the ‘big smoke’. My lifeline was the ‘underground’ transport system, it enabled me to get to places quickly and cost effectively, a boon to someone earning a basic wage.
My other overseas experience was many years later when a contract came up in New Zealand for the company my husband had been working with, which saw the family relocate to Whangarei in the North Island for an 18 month period. It was wonderful to be able to immerse ourselves in the ‘kiwi’ culture and visit some of the beauty spots of the North Island. The Bay of Islands in the late 80s was a pristine paradise, and Rotorua was quite an experience.
I was also asked to work for the company at their head office, so it kept me busy throughout the contract.
Over time, my career has been built through working in a plethora of industries, in various states across Australia. Upon returning to Adelaide I have enjoyed many positions, within many companies, temping and then gaining permanent employment (a few times), culminating in gaining a position with the SA Government which covered the last 15 years of my career.
It just goes to show that any career will have opportunities present themselves from time to time and it is up to the individual to take advantage of what is possible. Enriching a career through experience is priceless, as it encourages both personal and professional growth, which may just be the ingredient that a future (or present) employer is looking for. It makes you, as a talented individual, stand out from the crowd.