Even though I’ve mentioned that I’ve got a new job on social media, I haven’t really filled you in properly. It’s mainly due to me being a self-effacing, private person. I’ve never been one to rave about my achievements. Ridiculous really, because I work hard enough! I guess I’m always worried about being “full of myself.”
A new challenge
However, I’m pleased to say that I’ll be starting as a Press Officer at Swansea University very soon. I wasn’t actively looking for a new job but when I came across this one, I knew I had to apply! I’ve always wanted to work in media but jobs in Wales are few and far between. The idea of living in London doesn’t appeal to me anymore. It’s just too expensive! The thought of paying £750 to rent a room is very off-putting. Especially when I’m keen to buy a house in the near future. And to be honest, I like being near my family.
So, landing a media-related job where I live is pretty much a dream come true. It’s also made me truly grateful for sacrifices I’ve made in the past, including getting a degree, training to be a journalist and gaining over ten years of work experience in newspapers, magazines, TV and digital.
Getting there
It hasn’t been an easy journey, by any means. At one point, I even questioned myself whether it was all worth it! I can’t explain the time, effort and commitment it’s taken to come this far. Not forgetting the expense! Unpaid work experience, internships, running a blog and education all add up. I saved up the tuition fees myself for journalism school and commuted 2 hours every day for a year.
Sometimes, I wished that I was interested in a type of career that’s more straightforward to get into, such as teaching, nursing or law. But I always stuck with media. It’s an industry which I’ve been passionate about since I was young. I mean, I wanted to be a journalist since I was 5 and started writing my own magazine! I still have the copies in my portfolio!
Despite my love for the media, I’ve worked in local authority for the past three and a half years. I don’t regret it at all – it’s given me invaluable life experience, a good pension and a respectable addition to my CV. During that time, I also concentrated on blogging, networking and working with as many brands as possible.
But its time to finish my current chapter and start a new one. I’m elated to be working for Swansea University and I haven’t even started yet! Bring on new challenges, new experiences and new achievements.