Experiments in public
This is Ian testing what happens when you upload a post with a 1 x 1 pixel image. Will the CSS stretch it sideways AND lengthways? Will it look terrible on the blog homepage as a result?
Watch this space.
The anticipation....
Watch this space.
The anticipation....
Well choughed
Land of Choughs
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| South Stack Lighthouse |
In August I went to Anglesey. As well as seeing the rather fine South Stack lighthouse pictured above (I want to live in a lighthouse but for the moment, that is for another day), porpoises, seals and the wonderful Welshness of the place, I got to spend time watching choughs. My absolute, all-time, got the badge to prove it favourite bird.
I love choughs!
Not many people in England get to see choughs. A few of them live in Cornwall, in fact their original name was Cornish Choughs and they are on the Cornish coat of arms. But if Cornwall is the English county of choughs, Wales is definitely the land of choughs.
My all time favourite holiday place is West Hook Farm campsite in Pembrokeshire. Partly because of the beautiful views across St Bride's Bay, partly the amazing Atlantic sunsets - also the bluebells in May, the swooping swallows nesting in the barn and the fact that you can just step off the campsite straight onto the Pembrokeshire coastal path (the only national park in Britain designated because of its spectacular coastline).
But really I love West Hook because of the chattering gangs of choughs that fly past seeking out their insect-food on cliff ledges. And they are proper gangs who look out for one another as any bird of prey who gets too close quickly finds out.
In Britain it is illegal to kill them or even to deliberately disturb them during the nesting season (spring and early summer). When walking near their nesting sites you often see signs asking people to keep their dogs on a lead. Please please please follow this advice because no matter how lovely and friendly your dog is, it will scare choughs if it gets too close and even make them abandon their nest.
Be nice to choughs
They are quite wary of people - no doubt with good reason, although one Cornish legend says that King Arthur didn't die but instead turned into a chough and so killing a one brings bad luck. Sadly, not everyone believes that.In Britain it is illegal to kill them or even to deliberately disturb them during the nesting season (spring and early summer). When walking near their nesting sites you often see signs asking people to keep their dogs on a lead. Please please please follow this advice because no matter how lovely and friendly your dog is, it will scare choughs if it gets too close and even make them abandon their nest.
Top 4 inspirational videos if you're feeling lost about your career
Finding a job you're passionate about is possible, but it can be challenging for us Graduates.
We're equipped with an education everyone promised us would be super valuable in building a successful career. So now more than one year down the line since Graduating, why is it that I feel things should have progressed further than they have?
Are you, or have you been, in the same boat?
Firstly, let's be clear - my degree means the absolute world to me and it's a major achievement. So I know the amount of time spent studying, researching, reading, writing, listening and learning must be good for something, right? It's sometimes challenging to connect education with the workplace, and how everything we learned can be transferred into real-life business.
But luckily, I continue to find that studying has provided me with strong foundations I need to succeed each day at work.
For example:
- Communicating in diverse teams
- Crafting an effective argument
- How to communicate with many different people verbally/written/body language
- Creating and managing projects and meeting deadlines
These are valuable saught-after everyday skills, and this has helped me recognise that I'm actively using what I know each day without realising! I bet you're doing the same too in some shape or form!
But, there's more.
I feel I have way more to offer than I'm currently able to give, and imagine I'm not the only one. I've always been super creative and have bags of ideas I'd love to see come to life. At present, I keep telling myself that the opportunity to use more of what I know will arise when the time is right. I've just go to keep working hard and someday it will pay off. However, that's easier said than done. I need to know that what I'm doing means something and is going somewhere.
So what's the solution?
Honestly, I don't have a direct answer for that. I'm in the process of discovering this one out for myself, which isn't easy. But what I can say is when I do find out, I will share this with you. Because I believe you've got to write your own story, and this is one chapter I'm still writing.
In the meantime, I've discovered heaps of helpful advice out there waiting to be found. Speeches, blogs, videos, and tips from experienced people from all walks of life dedicated to guiding us lost souls. So whether you are a graduate looking for career advice, an established worker wanting to change career, or a current student unsure of your next steps - these are my most inspirational videos to help keep you motivated and put you back on track with your career.
So enjoy, and thank-you for continuing to share this journey with me!
1) How to find and do work you love (Scott Dinsmore)
2) The Pursuit Of Happiness
3) Steve Jobs Motivational Speech
4) Dream Motivational Video
9 lessons life as a graduate has taught me (7-9)
7. Remember Why You Chose to Study/Work
Obviously there's a downside to every industry, but whenever I feel this way, I remember why I initially chose it -
- People: Making people happy is my absolute passion. Being part of a team that provides superior customer service is why I get up each day. People are the beating heart of of every business and I see huge value in learning from each other, and working super hard to take care of each and every customer.
- Diversity: Every day is different, so I never get bored! A good balance of variety and change ensures I’m constantly being challenged. This keeps me on my toes and helps build valuable transferable skills (e.g. communication, problem-solving, learning quickly from mistakes, stress-management, attention to detail), which can be applied to many job roles.
- Growth: Hospitality and Tourism are large, ever-growing, powerful, diverse and exciting industries; so the opportunities are endless! Marketing, Technology, Education, Finance, and Retail are are linked - how great is that?
Though I'm happy with what I do at present, it's good to know that the skills I'm building here will allow me to explore other career paths too. Good stuff right!
#LIFETIP: Remember why you chose to do what you're doing
8. Realise The Difference Between a Job And a Career
I’ve always had a job whilst studying, but my reasoning for this was different therefore my focus was too. Although I learned a lot, my previous jobs were taken ultimately to make money to support my myself as a student. However, I don’t see my current position as just a job anymore - it’s a career, so my attitude to everything I do, and my motivation, has adapted drastically.
My advice - remember what you want to achieve whilst you are there. This should help distinguish between a job and a career.
- To do my job to the best of my abilities and beyond
- To work hard
- To learn more about the industry, people and management
- To build skills/knowledge/experience
- To use what I know and showcase it at every opportunity
- To help the business grow and improve
- To build a sucessful career
There's something else I realised after just a few weeks in my current job...
I was (and still am), physically and mentally unable to go into work and do a basic job, earn money, and go home. Even now, something continues to tell me that I want to work hard, keep a positive professional attitude always, and be part of the company's growth and success. This is what makes me so passionate about any work I do and reminds me why I’m doing it.
9. Be Who You Are, But Keep a Positive And Professional Attitude
I have struggled in the past to fit-in whilst maintaining my personality and beliefs - as well as remaining positive and professional when times get tough. This takes time, practice and experience. But I've learned to do what's best for all stakeholders (triple bottom line), not to focus on negatives of a job, and keep a positive attitude at all times - no matter what.
And remember - you don’t have to adapt too much - your instinct will usually tell you what's right/wrong when changing to fit your new job. I truly believe your core values (e.g. honesty, determination, creativeness) cannot be ignored, changed or removed - nor do I want them to be. Quite bluntly, I have promised myself something: the moment I feel my passion, values or skills are being unused, neglected, or disrespected, is the moment I will focus my energies elsewhere.
Though my career means a lot, I think we all must remember not to lose ourselves too much in the process!
Though my career means a lot, I think we all must remember not to lose ourselves too much in the process!
So everyone, I hope these 9 graduate lessons are taken with the spirit that it was intended, and appreciate you taking the time to read my journey. I wish you good luck whilst you all embark on your own awesomely unique journeys into Graduate life!
9 lessons life as a graduate has taught me (4-6)
Living With Your Partner Ain’t All Flowers And Rainbows
After being in a long distance relationship with the love of my life, it was exciting to finally be living together in our first little flat. However, we clashed from day one. I wanted to recycle, he point blank refused. He wanted to buy expensive olives, I was happy with Asda’s own brand. And we both still fight over who should do the dishes.
Sound familiar?
#LIFETIP: both learn to accept each other habits, but improve your own too. This is the biggest challenge of living together, but after almost a year the pros are definitely weighing out the cons! He makes me ridiculously happy, and that's all that counts in the grand scheme of things right?
5. Don’t Stop Until You Find What You Love To Do
Don’t give up - being a Graduate in the real world can be tough, but it’s character building. If it was easy, everybody would do it.
#LIFETIP Keep fighting to find what you love and nail it. You may be spending most of your time working, so make sure you are passionate about it.
#LIFETIP Keep fighting to find what you love and nail it. You may be spending most of your time working, so make sure you are passionate about it.
See Steve Jobs incredibly motivational speech!
6. Know Your Worth
This has been a very valuable life lesson I’ve discovered recently. How can you expect others to know what you're worth, if you don’t know this yourself?
This last year, I've honestly felt like a lost sheep - a small fish in a big pond. I’ve always felt like there was something missing, like I didn’t realise why things were going wrong in my life/job. I expect many Graduates feel this way, but I think knowing your worth is a good first step to improving your happiness, success and future. The reason this may get overlooked is because you never really know the true value of your education or life experiences until a situation to showcase them arises.
This last year, I've honestly felt like a lost sheep - a small fish in a big pond. I’ve always felt like there was something missing, like I didn’t realise why things were going wrong in my life/job. I expect many Graduates feel this way, but I think knowing your worth is a good first step to improving your happiness, success and future. The reason this may get overlooked is because you never really know the true value of your education or life experiences until a situation to showcase them arises.
#LIFETIP: Keep grabbing every opportunity to show what you're made of and how valuable you are. Keep putting your all into every task, keep changing and improving yourself, and never settle for less than you're worth. The sooner you realiser this, the stronger and happier you will be, and the more respect you will get from others!
9 lessons life as a graduate has taught me (1-3)
So you're fresh out of Uni. Good times! But have you ever thought about what life after Graduation is really like?
Leaving that awesome Student lifestyle is a big change. Good-bye clubbing, red bull and coursework - hello gym, vegetables and Council Tax bills. Yippee! Things are obviously not this black and white, but it can be tricky to know what life's like down the line.
So, as I sit here sipping on my beloved cup of green tea, I'll tell you the lessons I've learned since graduating last year.
So, as I sit here sipping on my beloved cup of green tea, I'll tell you the lessons I've learned since graduating last year.
1. Finding The Right Job Can Be a Challenge.
Job hunting was a way bigger mission than I thought. The time, effort and dedication needed exceeded my expectations. Looking back, I felt lost and confused. 'So what now?'
Google became my new best friend. I toyed with the idea of Graduate Schemes, Air Hostess jobs, and pretty much analysed every single possibility out there. Now I’m working for a 5* Hotel - just named one of the world’s top 100 - which is an incredible experience (not short of challenges, yet super rewarding).
But now I realise something. Even though I didn't know, it was a good thing as because I learned to say yes and trust my instincts. You never know where an opportunity will take you unless you just go for it. And guess what? The reality is, that perfect job may not just fall at your doorstep - you've got to go out there and find it. Hunt it down and fight for it. And even when you think you have, nothing is what it seems.
But now I realise something. Even though I didn't know, it was a good thing as because I learned to say yes and trust my instincts. You never know where an opportunity will take you unless you just go for it. And guess what? The reality is, that perfect job may not just fall at your doorstep - you've got to go out there and find it. Hunt it down and fight for it. And even when you think you have, nothing is what it seems.
I learned that at least 4-6+ months into anything new will help decipher whether it’s right for you. This is because you and your work environment will change over time. You will become more confident and slowly integrate better into the business's culture. So just remember to say yes to every opportunity to learn something new, even if it scares you!
#LIFETIP: Find the elements you love the most about a job and focus on nailing these. And the boring/ weaker parts - find a way to make them interesting/ better, or ask for help.
2. Money Can Be Tight, So Make Every Penny Count.
When I was a student, I couldn’t wait to get a full-time job and earn ‘real’ money. I thought I would be fine as I’ve had plenty of experience working and paying the bills. But reality is, paying rent, food, gas, water, electricity, student debts, phone bills, credit cards, etc. on even a higher than average wage is a challenge.
But don’t fear - this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I’m just trying to be as honest as I can to prepare you! So, my advice is make every penny count and cut back where possible - e.g, that £1.50 bus, £5 top from Primark, or Friday night G&T. All of these contribute towards your financial situation. Whilst I’m still battling with this as we speak, I find it therapeutic to say it out loud and admit it!
#LIFETIP: Don’t just make changes, measure them so you can see their value and if they work or not.
Example
1) Identify issue (e.g. spending too much money)
2) Write it down (income/outgoings/spending habits)
3) Implement one change (walk instead of getting bus)
4) Experiment with options/alternatives to see what is best (bike, walk, get a bus pass)
5) Measure the change (no bus for one month 8 x £1.50= £12 saved, and also fitter/healthier!)
6) Why, why, why? (Because you want to save for a house)
This is super helpful for me, and the sweet thing is, it can also be applied to any area that needs improving - not just money! Give it a try.
3. Patience Is Golden.
#LIFETIP: Give it time.
It may seem easy for me sit here one year ahead of graduating and share with you all I’ve learned. But I know what I know now because I was patient. Everyone is different, and things may come easier for some, but time can change a lot really. And I continue to find that you can never know what something is truly like until you're experiencing it.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride! Learning to be a successful graduate slowly, gradually, repetitively, over time is the best way to embrace such a big change. I'm still going through this process but all you need is effort, belief and of course - time!
Click here for lessons 4-6!
10 things I wish I'd known 10 years ago
As I sit here in my cosy leapord-print dressing-gown, sipping on a green tea, and looking out to the bright blue sunny skies of Edinburgh... I finally feel as though things are starting to fall into place.
Life so far has been one rocky roller coaster, and the ride is far from over yet (and I don't think it ever will be!). But I continue to learn things along the way, which I’d like to share with you.
Note: You may have heard this all before, and it may not work for you, but read along!SLEEP
Sleep well and indulge in a siesta once in a while.
After three years at Uni and a year working in a luxury boutique hotel in Canada, I’ve discovered that staying up late and pulling ‘all-nighters’ are ultimately ineffective. Sleep is clearly imperative to overall daily performance and without it, I can’t function properly and make stupid mistakes easily. At least eight hours is key remaining focused and productive every day, particularly the older you get!
BREAK
I used to think doing the same thing uninterrupted would help me focus. However, going for a walk in the fresh air or listening to my favourite song really help. I look at these like a little treat after a chunk of work is complete, which helps sustain energy throughout a busy day.
LEARN
Break things down and learn gradually
I learnt at Brookes that cramming did not work at all for for me. I learn better when the information is placed into my brain repetitively, over a steady period of time. Therefore, I´ve found the best way to build and retain knowledge is by learning a little bit every day.
I also used to think that studying in a busy library with electro music blasting in my ears was a good way to study. But it wasn’t until my friend Roza in final year encouraged me to study in complete silence with limited distractions, and it really worked for me! A BIG thanks to her.
FUEL
Treat your body with good food and drink.
I remember in 1st year living off multiple red bulls, haribos and chocolate to get through long shifts at work or study marathons in the library. Yes of course, they tasted awesome, but the sugar rush didn’t last and ended up giving me headaches.
Anyone that knows me will say I swear by two phenomenal items I can’t go one day without: green tea and bananas. They’re packed with energy and make me feel great; I honestly couldn’t live without these goodies now. Lot’s of water each day is also super vital to keeping your body and mind hydrated and fresh.
MOVE
Dance, walk, skip wherever and whenever possible.
In my final year, I discovered the power of exercise. Going to the gym not only helps me switch-off, but gives me an incredible boost of energy afterwards. Although I don't always feel like it, I try to push myself and 'just do it', as my boyfriend keeps saying. I remember how amazing that ‘high’ after-gym feeling is! Exercising also helps me sleep like a baby each night.
PREPARE
I was always the type of person who thought I could just ‘wing-it’ and everything would be ok. I’d leave things until the last minute, cram information in my brain, and then try to get away with it. However, this technique didn’t last as the work got more challenging and demanding throughout Uni. Therefore I now see that success is built on preparation, which leads to the next step...
ORGANISE
Dot those i’s and cross those t’s
I swear by lists. Writing everything down keeps me on track, and it feels good to tick off each task one by one! There are many techniques to keeping better organised, which has taken me years of failures to realise, but it feels awesome when everything is under control.
SMILE
Laughter is the best medicine
Don’t forget to have some 'me' time, hang out with friends, and enjoy your student social life while you can! Mine went by in a flash and I miss it every day. I also realised that my mood can influence my productivity levels, and those around me. Happiness is contagious, so don’t forget to do what makes you smile often. Smile and the whole world smiles with you.
TALK
I have a bad habit of blocking everyone out when I’m trying to focus. If I’m busy, stressed, or studying, I rarely talk to family, friends or my boyfriend. I feel like I don’t want to bother them with my problems, or get distracted from my goal. While I find this works for a while, I realise this breaks down the connection/bond I have with them even more. I now see that even just a little text or five minute conversation picks me up and gives me motivation. So, talk more and try not seclude yourself in a little bubble!
BELIEVE
I went through quite a few phases where I doubted my abilities (and still do sometimes to be honest). I think I get scared of a challenge - the uncertainty, the pressure, the work-load - and therefore tell myself I can’t do it.
At the beginning of my final year, I had a harsh reality check. I realised I’d spent tonnes of money and time on my degree, but never really gave my all. After talking with my friends, family, boyfriend and Head of Department, I did everything in my power to work hard and achieve my goals.
Remember - there is always time to turn things around. It’s never too late to make that change and believe you can do anything you set your mind to.
Remember - there is always time to turn things around. It’s never too late to make that change and believe you can do anything you set your mind to.
So, there you have it - my 10 things I wish I’d known 10 years ago. These may seem a little cliched, and different things work for different people, but I continuously try to follow these whenever I feel I’m going off-track.
Thanks for reading, and don't stop fighting for what you want!
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