Matt's job log: 5

Matt Atkins works part time in the NHS while he considers his future.

Sparks of ambition

If I’ve learnt a lesson this week it’s that there’s nothing as motivating as the success of your friends. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for my mate who’s recently landed a thirty-five grand per year job with very impressive travel prospects, but I can’t say that I’m not just a little jealous. He didn’t actively look for the job, he was approached by the management. He beat Professors and PhDs to the position. He is an utter jammy, talented swine.

But honestly, seeing my friends begin to get on in life has definitely done something to re-ignite the dying embers of my own ambition. While those around me are beginning to do well for themselves it can’t be long before the finger of fate points in my direction. Or at least that’s what I’m hoping. Obviously it’s not the best idea to sit around waiting for chance to smile upon me, and with this in mind I have, over the past couple of weeks, managed to crawl from my pit of lethargy and begin, once again, the search for a fulfilling career.

The perfect job, again

Having managed to find a sneaky way around most of the internet filters at work (I really am a massive geek) my job-search has begun again in earnest. For about the hundredth time, I think I may have found an ideal job. This one is as a researcher and writer for a financial firm. It’s based, again, in London, but the job can be done from home, which is pretty tempting. Thankfully no previous knowledge is required, just solid research and writing abilities, which I’m pretty confident I can offer. This position definitely seems to appeal to my strengths. I’ve always been good, even if I do say so myself, at quickly learning the basics of a subject and being able to explain them in writing.

I think the official term for this is blagging, but this method of study was one which saved me on innumerable occasions at university. In truth, I’m not really a master in any field and can remember little of what I actually learned while studying though the fact that I wasn’t a regular face in the lecture theatre probably contributed to this. What I found while I was studying was that I’m good at absorbing large amounts of information for just enough time to be able to form a convincing written argument.

Provisional goal

While I evaluate my skill and weaknesses, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about the journalism gig. After talking to a few people over the past couple of weeks, I’ve come to realise that if I take on a job, I don’t necessarily have to turn it into a lifelong career. I’m not entirely sure why I’ve only just stumbled upon this notion because it’s one that really seems to make sense. I now know of three teachers who don’t intend to say in the profession for longer than they really have to, they’re just doing work that they find worthwhile, while still considering their future ambitions.

So perhaps I should give journalism a go and just see what happens? If I find I don’t enjoy the work, there’s really little stopping me from choosing something new. I still feel that I’ll end up back at university at some point of my life, but perhaps the best time for this would be in a few years, once I have some real life experience under my belt.

A plan

I think that, in a way, I’ve become too wrapped up in the search for the ‘dream’ job. I’ve definitely passed up on some opportunities which I didn’t feel fit into my life plan, but perhaps this is the wrong way to tackle the issue. While single mindedly looking for the perfect career, I’m probably missing out on a number of fulfilling and worthwhile experiences.

So from now on, my tactics are changing, and I now feel I have a real plan. The part-time work has got to stay because I need money to live. The freelance writing is going to continue because it’s an excellent way of getting experience and helps make ends meet, but I think that now I’m finally going to take the plunge and look for a job as a full-time journalist. I’ve got nothing to lose and I may find myself in a career I love.

Read Matt's previous job logs:

Matt's job log 4 - Waiting in vain

Matt's job log 3 - Pub log

Matt's job log 2 - Habit reforming

Matt's job log 1 - Off the settee

Suggestions to editorial@prospects.ac.uk