YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WHAT IS – OR WAS – YOUR DREAM JOB?

EXPERIENCED DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

When I was younger my dream job was to become a marine biologist. I have always been fascinated by animals and in particular the creatures of the ocean. My childhood idea of what the job involved and the actual reality were however different; I imagined working all day every day out in the ocean with animals, which isn’t the reality. Another factor in my decision not to pursue this career was the lack of marine biology courses in my region at that time. Instead, I entered the workforce and have pursued a career where I can help people to be all they can be.

MID-CAREER SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS

The one job that has stayed with me forever – and I keep reflecting back on it – is teaching. I think it’s in my blood, as both of my parents were employed as teachers, as were many others in my extended family. I have had the great pleasure of training a lot of staff over my years working in the recruitment industry and so I have somehow managed to blend my love of recruitment with my interest in teaching. So maybe I have the best of both worlds for now!

UP & COMING JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

My dream job was to be an artist. Drawing and painting is my passion and after doing very well in art during school, decisions had to be made and reality set in. University wasn’t an option and the idea of hoping for recognition based on my talent alone – competing with people far more talented than me – didn’t appeal, as I didn’t want to “starve in a garret to pursue my passion”. I opted for a corporate career instead, however, the creative fire still burns so perhaps when I’m retired, and if I can still hold a pencil steady, I will chase the dream.

THE EXPERT DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Growing up, my dream job was to be a paediatrician. Unfortunately, my inability to dissect a frog in Year 11 biology class showed me I didn’t have the stomach for a medical degree. I believe in synchronicity and in things happening for a reason, and couldn’t be happier with the path I followed. Being a corporate psychologist has proven to be an extremely rewarding and enjoyable career. If not doing this, my dream job would be as a sommelier. How wonderful it would be to get paid for your knowledge of wine! V1 - CCPE01Z01MA