33 applications, 3 interviews and 1 trial shift...
As the sun sets on this Monday 18th August, I reflect on my life since graduating Oxford Brookes two months ago...
'We'll never get everything in that car', claimed my boyfriend, shaking his head and waving his pointed finger at me. I confidently stuffed the last pillow in the car, quickly slammed the boot, and grinned proudly like a cheshire cat when everything stayed in place. We waved bye to family and the journey began from South Shields to Edinburgh to start our new life together.
After a mandatory trip to IKEA, we chilled on the couch and devoured a yummy curry and celebratory drink.
The next day, my boyfriend headed off to work and I began to tackle the enormous case of deciding what to do with my life. I remember feeling an overpowering sense of worry and total confusion. Which jobs shall I apply for? What is the best route for me? How can I choose which career path to take? ‘Only time will tell and everything will fall into place’, I kept telling myself.
Around the middle of July, I had started a temporary receptionist position but soon realised that I craved something bigger. I needed a more stable job that would allow me to use my skills, education and passions to develop a career. This was clearly no easy task as I over-analysed each possibility and changed my mind so frequently.
‘It’s not always what you want to do, but what you can do’, said my boyfriend repeatedly. And I’m a stickler for being indecisive and not knowing what I want! Therefore, this golden piece of advice pushed me to apply for many different jobs outside of what I’d done before, and out of my comfort zone.
So, after 33 applications, 3 interviews, and 1 trial shift- I got offered an incredible job. The whole process was mega challenging, tedious and frustrating therefore I felt relieved and ecstatic!
Though there was no hesitation and no doubt in my mind when saying that magical YES, I did however look back on my life and ask myself some questions first.
What am I good at? Customer service.
Where have a worked before? Receptionist at a Luxury Boutique Hotel.
What did I study? Hospitality/ Tourism.
What are my passions? People, hospitality, travel, design, technology, writing.
This was to really get a feel for whether or not the position would be a good fit for me. I soon realised my answers mostly matched the role I’d been offered. YAY!
The hotel is phenomenal and I feel extremely lucky to be part of such a strong, friendly and passionate team. I’m so excited to start my career here and I’ll continue to write as one of my much-loved hobbies.
Good luck with your endeavours and thanks for continuing to read!
Lola
Photos: My own, laterals.com and visitscotland.com
0 comments :