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4040 Experience

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25.01.2022 What was your first paid job? Mine was an after school job at Venture department store. During my 3 hour shift I had to unpack boxes of clothing and put them on hangers, straighten and evenly space clothes on racks, point customers in the right direction and neaten displays after closing. Two of my best friends landed the job with me, so working with them (and getting paid) was the best part! The worst time was when we were yelled at by the big boss one day for talking too m...uch. Oh and the time I dropped my uniform skirt into the toilet while I was getting changed and had to wear it wet for the whole shift. It was a learning experience to say the least!! This article offers some handy advice for my 13 year old daughter and other teens who may be getting ready for their first jobs. Have you got a memorable story from your first job? Pop it in the comments section below

25.01.2022 I love this story as its an example of how starting at the bottom in a job, being enthusiastic, and working hard can lead to incredible opportunities. It reminds me a lot of Lisa Wilkinsons story. Earlier this year I heard her speak at a Business Chicks event about how she kick started her career in media. After two years working as a secretary/editorial assistant at Dolly magazine and giving that role everything she had, Lisa became their youngest editor at the age of 21. Shes now known as one of Australias best journalists and television presenters. Amazing!

24.01.2022 I did it!! What a fantastic feeling it is to have finished such an amazing adventure, just over a year after I started it. I turned up to 40 new jobs throughout the year, worked with 40 different teams of people that Im so lucky to have met and learned from, and had a long list of unforgettable experiences along the way. I couldnt have done any of it without the unwavering support of my family and friends who cheered me on from the sidelines each week, or without the incredible people who offered me a work experience role and became a part of my adventure. Im so very grateful to all of you .

24.01.2022 Work Experience Job #40 (yes you read that right!!): Speaker This morning I was a guest speaker at a local Primary School, and shared with the Year 6 students some of the amazing experiences Ive had over the past year. The formatting of my PowerPoint presentation changed for some reason but thankfully no one seemed to mind. In fact, I got nothing but encouragement from this gorgeous group of kids. I hope they left feeling a little bit inspired to try new things, do their ...best, look for adventure and be brave! My 40th work experience job will wrap up next Friday, when I speak at a fundraising event for my new friends at the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in Lismore. I havent spoken to a group of adults since uni 20 years ago and am feeling very nervous about it, but its for a fantastic cause so Im happy to give it a go. Not to mention, if I want to encourage kids to try new things and be brave, I really need to do that myself . See more

24.01.2022 "Instead of worrying about finding a career that youre passionate about, ask yourself whether your career choice: - energises and interests you; - is sustainable (meaning someone will pay you to do it); - is one youll be good at. A well-informed career decision will also take into account work environment preferences, lifestyle and most importantly, values."

23.01.2022 Flashback to Work Experience Job 22 as a Chef . It was so exciting to put on an apron and get a glimpse into life in the kitchen of one of Brisbanes best restaurants. Below is the intro to a blog I wrote about my time at Urbane Restaurant. To read more about what I did and learnt while I was there, click on the link in the comments. . I worked at a restaurant once. For one night. And Im pretty sure I cried. The owner (who was also the chef) arrived late and drunk, the ...kitchen was in utter chaos and the customers were cranky about delays. Who could blame them? It was such a horrible experience for everyone. Needless to say, the restaurant closed down shortly after. I was scared off from working in the hospitality industry forever Id thought, until I was recently presented with the amazing opportunity to do work experience at multi award-winning, three-hatted Brisbane restaurant Urbane. I literally went from one extreme to the other. From one of Australias dodgiest to one of the countrys most acclaimed dining destinations.

22.01.2022 I was doing a lot of googling too before realising it wasnt getting me any closer to figuring out my whats next. The best way to investigate career options is to talk to real people about their roles, and if possible to get in and experience it with them. Its incredible how much insight can be gained in such a short period of time.

21.01.2022 This is the first blog post I wrote on July 30th last year, about taking the plunge into my 40 40 Experience adventure. I was really nervous about starting, but am so glad I did! I only had 5 work experience jobs lined up when I committed to the project, and had to trust that Id be able to line up 35 others along the way. I had no idea that Id walk a baby camel, learn to use breathing apparatus and sit in a fire, style a bookcase, stuff a bird, pour my first pint, help X...-ray a horse, build my own laundry cabinet, attend physio, OT and dentist appointments, make tortellini in a fine dining restaurant, speak on the radio, see a few couples tie the knot, ride on a John Deere mower, contribute during production meetings at the Today Show, or sing and dance while dressed up as a frog when I wrote this last year. It really has been the adventure of a lifetime. See more

21.01.2022 The big red @tedxbrisbane. Thought Id wear red to blend in .

21.01.2022 Flashback to Job 13 exactly one year ago, when I worked for acreage property maintenance business On The Ball Property Maintenance . I mowed, weeded, mulched, hedge trimmed, whipper-snipped, blower vacd and raked for two full days...and loved it! Maybe I could start my own property maintenance business, Id thought, but woke up on day three barely able to move so changed my mind (Id definitely need more weights training to do it full-time ). This work experience job was ...especially worthwhile, as I had the chance to sit down for a chat with business owner Peter beforehand. Hed started On the Ball four years earlier after building a successful career in IT. What an awesome career change! Pete shared with me how he went about starting the business, the ins and outs of its operation, changes hed made as the business grew, and what hed learnt along the way. I gained such amazing insight into small business from that one conversation. There are so many benefits to work experience. Learning about a job while youre immersed in the job is a big one! But having the opportunity to meet people you perhaps wouldnt have met otherwise, asking them questions and having a conversation about their job is just as valuable...maybe even more!

20.01.2022 I love this story! What an amazing lady

20.01.2022 Camel selfies! . I put on my work boots to do some gardening today, and was reminded of why I bought them in the first place...to work at Summerland Camel Farm for Work Experience Job #3 as a Farmhand! . I had so much fun working on the farm, especially as I had no idea beforehand that camels were so cool! And they love posing for a good selfie . Their kisses (attempts to eat my hair perhaps?) were SO ticklish I nearly dropped my phone .... . In the second photo, Im hanging out with 6 week old baby camel Tali, whod sadly been orphaned at birth. Lucky for her she was getting lots of attention and affection from everyone on the farm. What a cutie . See more

18.01.2022 Spending time with family, paid work, health and fitness, working on a business or side-hustle, networking, education and training, socialising, helping the kids with homework, taking them to extra-curricular activities, housework, home improvements, playing with the dog...not to mention sleep and (gasp!) relaxationthe list of ways to spend time can (and does) go on and on. When you have a lot on your plate, whats the first thing to go? And what are your non-negotiables? If... youre anything like me its the things you enjoy for yourself that can easily find themselves at the very bottom of your To Do list thats if theyre on there at all. An example for me in recent months has been regular exercise. Ive always loved being active and fit, but have felt like I dont have time or Im too tired for it. I know I feel better physically and mentally when I exercise though, so Ive really missed my daily dose. Ive come to realise that I cant do it all (can anyone??) but I can certainly manage my time better to fit some of the little but important things back in. A couple of sessions at the gym with friends (two birds, one stone ), a Sunday bike ride and some short early morning walks with my dog will find their way back in to my weekly timetable for a start. I suspect itll help me to be more productive with the rest of my time too. Win win! Got any juggling tips to share? Id love to hear what works for you.

17.01.2022 One last read through of my notes before Fridays Chopper Chics talk. I was actually feeling more relaxed just before kick-off than Id been for a week or two leading up to the event. I think because there was no more preparation I could do, I had my notes for backup, and Id gulped down a glass of bubbly upon arrival . Thanks to my friend Mel who was not only a fantastic support to me on the day, but also generously volunteered to photograph the event for the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter team.

17.01.2022 I recently chatted with journalist Matt Collins about my year of work experience for his Coffee Chats with Matt Collins podcast. If you fancy a listen the link is in the comments, or you can find it on Spotify or other podcast apps. Matt has interviewed hundreds of people from all walks of life, so be sure to check out some of the other interesting conversations hes had while youre there. Mine is episode 362, so there are plenty to choose from!

16.01.2022 What do you want to be when you grow up? Most of us would remember being asked this when we were young children, undoubtedly for the amusement of adults (Im guilty of asking my kids when they were little and once even had dog as a response - too cute! ) Its a question that becomes much more important to figure out the answer to as we progress through high school and need to make decisions about which subjects to take, and which career to pursue after school. Or even whe...n looking at a career change later in life as many of us do. Is it ok to have more than one answer? I first saw this TED talk by Emilie Wapnick on the big screen at TEDxBrisbane last year. Emilie suggests that some people dont have just one true calling, and that they may instead be multipotentialites. Can you relate? https://www.ted.com//emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_h

15.01.2022 Im off to TEDxBrisbane tomorrow - I cant wait!! - and its got me wondering, do you have a favourite TED talk? This one by Mel Robbins is one of mine (and 16 million other peoples apparently). Every time I watch it I feel inspired to get off my butt and get into action!! Please feel free to share your favourite TED talk in the comments. Ill add it to my watch list! https://youtu.be/Lp7E973zozc

14.01.2022 "Instead of worrying about finding a career that you're passionate about, ask yourself whether your career choice: - energises and interests you; - is sustainable (meaning someone will pay you to do it); - is one you'll be good at. A well-informed career decision will also take into account work environment preferences, lifestyle and most importantly, values."

14.01.2022 Looking forward to a couple of days on the tools for work experience job 39. I love that this job came with with a detailed outline too! Thanks @damionfauser. . . #4040experience #workexperience #woodworking #newskills

13.01.2022 If you could take a mid-career gap year, where would you go and what would you do with your time? This article shares the adventures of a few people who did exactly that, and it sounds like the experience was incredibly worthwhile for all of them. https://www.abc.net.au//taking-a-career-break-for-/9938100

12.01.2022 I just came across this page in my 40 40 diary. I wrote this list when Id just locked in my 20th job, and remember being so excited about making it to the half way point. Even though Id come a long way I still had so far to go, and had no idea what the final 20 jobs would be at the time. One of the most challenging parts of my whole adventure was finding and securing 40 work experience jobs, and I had to search far and wide for them. Some jobs were through friends, or frien...ds of friends, but I also did a shout-out in my local community newspaper, put my feelers out in a couple of Facebook groups, emailed or called businesses directly, and used any opportunity when my story was shared to mention I was on the job hunt. Sometimes it led to jobs and sometimes it didnt. I came so close to securing a couple of interesting work experience opportunities but the timing didnt work out and they fell through. There were occasions when I didnt even have a job lined up for the following week. Sometimes I managed to pull something together at the last minute. Sometimes I didnt. In the end though, I got there! Seeing this page in my diary today has reminded me what a huge and incredible adventure I just had. I almost cant believe I did it!

12.01.2022 Dear school holidays, the kids have been back at school for a few days and I miss you already! Although I am looking forward to getting back into a routine and getting stuff done . First job on my list - finishing off my final 4040 job blogs. Lucky I took detailed notes!

12.01.2022 Reflections on what really was the adventure of a lifetime, and continues to be. Thanks so much to Mamamia for sharing my story when I was just a few jobs in, and again now that Ive finished. Especially exciting as this time around I wrote it!

11.01.2022 Job 39: Woodworker Look what I made!! I learned how to use a band saw, thickness planer, wood glue, clamps, scraper, jointer, panel saw, handheld router, table router and orbital sander in the process of making this beautiful (and very heavy) chopping board over the last two days. I love all of the different coloured timbers and patterns in the woodgrain and couldnt pick a favourite, so decided to use them all! . .... @damionfauser #4040experience #workexperience #careerchange #careers #brisbanewoodworker #woodworkingskills #woodworkingmachines #handmadebyme #brisbaneworkshop #newskills #lifeisanadventure See more

11.01.2022 Have you studied full-time at uni as a mature age student and parent and survived to tell the tale? Whats it really like? And what are your tips for making it work (other than the obvious one...coffee )? https://gradaustralia.com.au//how-to-survive-uni-as-a-matu

10.01.2022 Learning how to use a band saw to cut lengths of wood for a little project Im working on over the next couple of days with @damionfauser. I came home with all of my fingers intact so Id say that was a success. Yay! . . #4040experience #workexperience #careerchange #careers #brisbanesmallbusiness #woodworkingskills #workshop #bandsaw #newskills #lifeisanadventure

09.01.2022 Not a bad backdrop for a talk, at the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter headquarters in Lismore. I did it!! . . #4040experience @nrhrs #rescueday #careerchange #careers #guestspeaker #rescuehelicopter

08.01.2022 This time last year an interview I did with the Today Show aired as part of a segment they were doing on career change. It was filmed on location at Ripley Fire Station, where Id been learning the ropes as part of my Firefighter work experience job. Ive talked about how getting out of my comfort zone was such a big part of my 40 40 project, and this was definitely one of those times. Id never been on tv before and was so nervous I had to run a couple of laps of the statio...n before filming started But I did it! The best part was filming a funny little scene where we were called to a fake fire. I had to put on my uniform, jump in the truck, pretend to put a fire out and make a rescue. The team of firefighters at Ripley Fire Station were such good sports, and it was definitely an experience Ill never forget. Im sharing this again as the clip will expire on January 12, so if you want to check it out now is the time to do it. Link is in the comments. See more

08.01.2022 Woohoo!! After stepping away from my laptop for a far-longer-than-anticipated period of time, Im back on the blog! I could seriously do a happy dance right now Last year I had a brilliant opportunity to see what lifes like at the other end of the dentists drill, spending time with Dr Karyn Nankivell at Eileen St Dental Practice. Click on the link to see what I did and learned while I was there.

07.01.2022 The lady in this Humans of New York story says that her job is not her passion, and it got me thinking...are you passionate about your job? Or is your passion something that your job gives you the freedom (and funds) to pursue outside of work hours? Over the course of 40 work experience jobs I was able to work side-by-side with a number of people who were clearly passionate about their jobs - physiotherapist Fiona, occupational therapist Michelle and timber furniture craftsman Damion to name a few. For others, their jobs gave them purpose and fulfilment without necessarily being their passion. Thats got to be more than enough dont you think?

06.01.2022 Work Experience Job 41: Journalist/Radio Announcer I know I was supposed to stop at 40 jobs, and I did last year, but I still feel like theres so much more for me to learn so why not sneak in an extra one?? Job 41! This week I headed out along the scenic country roads from Brisbane to Kingaroy to join Matt Collins, full-time journalist at the South Burnett Times and part-time radio announcer at Crow FM. Matt interviewed me for his Coffee Chats with Matt Collins podcast back ...in January, and I wanted to pick his brain a bit about all things journalism, interviewing and podcasting. Little did I know Id be handed a notepad and pen to scribe quotes during live and telephone interviews, asked to turn those quotes into articles (they werent printed of course but were a brilliant lesson in writing under pressure), and co-hosting a two-hour radio show. Being thrown in the deep end is extremely challenging, but Ive learnt so much more in those situations than if I was taking it all in passively. Ive found work experience to be invaluable when it comes to learning about a career. Would you consider trying it? If so, whats a job youd love to experience?

05.01.2022 Recently I chatted with the lovely Susanna from @nordicmumpodcast about my work experience adventure, and today its gone live. For the full interview, check out Nordic Mum Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher. Im going to listen later when Im feeling braver .

05.01.2022 One year ago today I was at the Qld Combined Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane for work experience Job 11 as a Firefighter . It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life! I learned how to assemble and use breathing apparatus, tried to find my way out of a smoke-filled double storey house (but was so disorientated I needed help), and even sat in a shipping container watching the equivalent of a 2-seater sofa catch fire and spread to the roof above me. What an incredible thing to see and feel. Click the link in the comments to read more about my work experience as a firefighter. To gain even more insight into the job, theres a link at the bottom of my blog to an interview with experienced firefighter Randall Appleby. Thanks again to the @qldfire firies for the amazing work they do in our community.

03.01.2022 I had an interview with the Daily Mail last week, and only just stumbled across the article which was published last Friday. Ha!!

03.01.2022 I loved being a part of the Today Show production team for a few days, learning a bit about what goes in to producing a live television program. What an interesting experience!

03.01.2022 My interest in learning more about the role of an Occupational Therapist before committing to studying it at uni sparked my thinking about how beneficial work experience would be. Funny how that tiny spark set me off on this incredible adventure, which Im so close to finishing. I loved watching Occupational Therapist Michelle Maclean in action in the job shes so passionate about, and was thrilled to get a glimpse into life as an OT for Job 31.

02.01.2022 My team mate in life . Its not often were in a photo together, so I had to share this one which was taken on the weekend. Thanks Tim for your support from the moment I shared my career change idea with you, and for doing everything you could to help make it happen. And while Im at it, thanks for (literally) pushing me up the hills during Sundays bike ride . ... Im so glad I get to share lifes adventures with you. See more

01.01.2022 The magic is in starting the journey to uncover your soul value no matter how small you start or accepting that work is work and knowing you can get your full cup outside of it.

01.01.2022 Are you in the wrong career? Heres how to find out: