Jobs and Career

I'm 27 years old, and yet I am still unsure of where I want to go career-wise.

When I was a child, I wanted to be a Journalist, because of my love for writing. I wanted to be an author when I was old and retired. I wanted to write Judy Blume style books, these are focus at young people with stories of adolescent love, life and dramas. I use to spend my Summer holidays, unlike my friends who were out, locked in my bedroom typing away at my computer.

Just before I finished school, I got involved with a local newspaper as a Journalist. However, the task I was given was to write a piece on fashion, with a one week deadline. Whether it was the topic or the deadline (bearing in mind that I was also revising for my final year exams), it totally threw me off Journalism. In conjunction with a meeting that I later had with my student guidance counsellor, who told me that I was too quiet to be a Journalist, and she suggested, I became a TV Researcher instead. I did lots of "research" on this job role, and figured, actually, I do enjoy finding things out. So much so that, all my chosen subjects had been theory based rather than practical. Wow, getting paid to do something that I actually loved doing anyway seemed a blast!

So, onto University with the idea that, I would go into television after. I chose a BA in Media Arts. Media Arts over Media Studies, for the degree offered opportunity to expand in the practical side of the Media. And, over the next three years, as well as learning about semantics (what the *!*?), popular culture, cultural institution, writing for media and representation of ethnicity in the media. I also developed skills in photography, writing for a radio station, vox-pop, sound engineering and film-making. I realised that, as much as I did enjoy the theories, I had a great passion for the hands-on approach also. And, this kind of made me sway away from becoming a TV Researcher. However, by reeling away from that career, it left me with too, too many options!!!!

Left University with a degree in Media Arts, and returned home. I wanted to give something back, so, I became a voluntary youth worker where I taught young people English and Maths in weekend clubs. And, I also assisted in organizing local carnivals and activities for under-privileged kids. I had the most amazing time ....EVER!!!! But, sad to say this, but I didn't feel fully satisfied. Whether it was because I was not being paid, or, because my parents were pressuring me to find a "proper" job. I just couldn't enjoy the moment and be HAPPY. So, after less than a year, I left.

I joined a prestigious Government department as an Administrator, later becoming a Secretary. However, I detested it. Too many protocols and a very gradist environment. It just didn't fit my personality. I stayed there for three years though for it enabled me to develop my office skills.... plus, it gave me enough cash to be out wih my friends at the weekend. And guess what, when I eventually left, because I had worked in a government department, I was offered a PA role in a similar organization. Foolishly, I accepted ... but left after less than a week!!!! I became a Police Officer after, and left that shortly after also.....

So, this is where I am now. Contemplating my next move. But as a firm believer in solutions over problems, I know this will be answered. I've narrowed it down to:

• Working in an organisation that helps young people, ie., UNICEF



• Working with a charitable organisation ie., OXFAM

To do this I may have to start at a junior/secretarial level. However, I want to get more involve in shaping/changing policies. In order to do this, I will have to gain a Masters degree, perhaps in Social Policy and Administration. Yet, I am very interested in Psychology also.

Ok ... I am going to get ready for Church now. That's another blog entry for tomorrow....!!!!

Namaste.