Cheryl dives into new part-time role
Q&A with Cheryl Turnbull, 59, swimming teacher, JUMP! Swim Schools
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?
I teach children from three months old to around 10 years old and I’m in the pool generally from 7.30–11.30am, then back again from 3–5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND?
I’d been a hairdresser since I was 15. I owned salons until I was 40.
Then I did my full real estate licence and set up a small business with my husband showing young women how to invest in property.
WHAT INSPIRED THE NEW CAREER?
My eldest daughter had fallen pregnant with her third child but she had landed her dream job so I took 12 months off to look after their baby so they could continue their careers and that’s how I came across swimming. I did the course, including 20 hours of volunteering. I love what I do.
WHY GO PART-TIME BEFORE RETIRING?
It’s about looking after yourself. You might have spent time looking after babies and grandchildren and putting husbands or wives first. But you still need the financial income for the holidays to the Greek Isles and Bali.
As you get older, you can get caught up in your own age group. At work, I am engaging with much younger people in their 30s and 40s. It’s good to hear young people’s mindsets, it keeps you stimulated.
Physically, I’m also keeping myself active but not in the high capacity of more than 20 hours a week.