Taking Stock: When I grow up... (Chapter 10)

Recently I discussed having some downtime from the world of work, or as I put it, to 'take stock' of things while I embark on some professional development, and see what opportunities are out there for me. I figured now at the age of 40 would be a good time to reflect on my journey so far, where i've been, and how I arrived at this cross-road in life.

Reflecting on my career has brought back many memories, some of which I haven't thought about in years. To truly understand where I am today, it's necessary to rewind to some of my earliest memories, and even fill in a few gaps with roles that never quite made it on my CV. They might not have seemed like much at the time, but each one played a part in shaping who I am today.

When I was just four years old, if anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reply “a train driver" or "an artist.” These were commendable aspirations for a young child, especially given my love for Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, and my enjoyment of splashing paint all over sheets of paper. Little did I know then that my dreams of becoming a train driver would be derailed. Later in life, I discovered that I was partially colour blind, a condition that would have disqualified me from being able to sight signals correctly at a distance - a critical requirement for train drivers.

As for my dream of becoming an artist, that aspiration did find a way to manifest itself in my life. I went on to establish myself as a designer for much of my career, channeling my creativity into the digital and visual arts. In a way, I achieved my childhood dreams, even if my career took me in directions that my younger self could never have imagined. Although I have now somewhat retired from that line of work, the essence of being an artist and creator has stayed with me, influencing everything I do and the way I think.

Before my career in design and beyond, I started with a few humble jobs that, while not glamorous, taught me the value of hard work and responsibility. My very first job was as a paperboy, delivering the North Wales Pioneer in my hometown. I remember the heavy bag filled with newspapers, but there was a sense of pride in earning my own money, no matter how small the amount.

At the age of 15, I moved on to a job as a kitchen porter in a local hotel, earning a modest wage of just ￡2 per hour and averaging around 25 hours per week while still in school! It was with this job that I saved up enough money to buy my first mobile phone, a symbol of independence and the rewards of my hard work.

At 16, I took on a role as a retail assistant at Famous Army Stores. This experience exposed me to customer service and the fast-paced nature of retail work. It was here that I began to understand the importance of communication and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life - skills that would prove invaluable in my future career.

Between the ages of 17 and 18, I found myself working as a waiter in a small hotel. This job was perhaps one of the most formative roles in my early career. Working in hospitality and serving guests, managing orders, and handling complaints with a smile became second nature. These skills not only served me well in hospitality but also laid a foundation for my interpersonal and problem-solving skills that would benefit me throughout my career.

Looking back on these early jobs, it’s clear that each one played a role in shaping my work ethic and approach to my professional life. From my first job as a paperboy to my work as a kitchen porter, retail assistant, and waiter, each role taught me valuable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and the importance of providing excellent service. These experiences may not have made it onto my CV, but they were instrumental in shaping my character and work ethic.

Although my childhood dream of becoming a train driver was never realised, I reflect on my career today, looking back at it's early beginnings. I'm grateful for all the experiences (both big and small) that have helped shape me into the person I am today.

Stay tuned for another chapter of 'Taking Stock' here on my LinkedIn page.