Learning new skills can be a class act
IT all began on a date night la last year, when Liz said to me: “Y “You’ve sold over a million co copies of your book … what’s ne next?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking a lo lot about that,” I said. “And I th think I’d like to go to … TA TAFE.”
Liz stared at me blankly. “I’d like to study for a di diploma of (non-profit) fin financial counselling,” I co continued.
“So”, she replied warily,
“th “this will be a correspondence course you’ll do at night … after the kids are in bed, right?”
“Well … not exactly. I’m thinking I’ll head back to class … just like my old uni days.”
At this point, Liz began chewing her food very slowly, and then raised her eyebrows.
“But you’re a married man with a full-time business and three children under the age of six!” she protested. “Precisely!” I said.
So this year I’ve been one of those super-annoying mature-age students.
It’s been a lot of fun … I’ve sent selfies to my staff as I enjoyed a lazy beer on the lawn on a Thursday arvo while they worked (losers!) … but
I’ve also learnt a hell of a lot.
I have the finance part covered, obviously. Yet learning the art of counselling people who are, in many cases, suffering severe stress and trauma — they may have fled a family violence situation, lost their home, or fallen gravely ill — is both challenging and rewarding.
Helping people who can never repay you is a real honour.
And now, a year on, I can happily say that I made it through my lectures (both in class and when I arrived home late … where my new-found counselling skills have come in handy).
There’s just one thing left for me to do before I graduate.
The course has a practical component that I’m still completing: I’m required to spend 220 hours volunteering in the trenches … more on that next week.
Tread Your Own Path!
No help needed! I just wanted to thank you.
I work for Lifeline
Australia and I talk to countless people who want to end their lives because of the financial trouble they have got themselves in.
I cannot wait to be able to refer your non-profit service to people in their time of crisis. You will change many more lives, just like you have changed mine.
Thanks for your kind words. Australia may be the second wealthiest country on earth (behind Switzerland), but we also have some of the highest rates of household debt in the world.
Financial stress tears families apart and causes a lot of misery.
Lifeline plays an important role in helping these vulnerable people. Thank you for the work you do.