Starting a New Career in a New World…
So, for the weekly watchers of Rick’s Blog……he is on holiday for his Birthday, therefore, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Lewis, I also work at Global Pathways as a recruiter.
When Rick messaged me last week asking if I wanted to write his blog while he was away, I said “yes of course!” This was shortly followed by a flood of anxiety because, if I’m being honest, I had no clue what on earth I would actually write.
Lo and behold, we are here.
Today’s blog is about starting a career in a new place which is something I’ve recently experienced myself. I know, I know a recruiter telling you about jobs but wait…..before I started this wild ride my previous career was as a signed artist. I toured the world, have millions of streams on Spotify and a bucket load of experience in the music industry. Why the move? TIME was a big reason. After spending 10 years in music, you see the world differently from when you started out.
100% musicophile
What I LOVE about music is that any song by any artist could be someone’s (or a lot of people’s) favourite song. It could be their lifeline, their link to a favourite memory or as Rick is probably doing right now on holiday - the song that they dance on tables to in nightclubs.
Now in the new world of streaming, I can continue my passion for music and keep making these songs people can connect with. I also know that many elements of my skillset are transferable - you can see in this blog that I love a blabber! I also love connecting with people and I’m able to tell and hear stories.
When I told my friends I wanted to branch out in life, they automatically told me I should do something where I continue to help people.
I opened my LinkedIn and searched for roles for days / weeks / months like most of us do when facing an existential crisis. Who is Lewis? What does he want to be? I reached out to my friend Fern, a recruiter because she’s lovely and great at chatting to people. I thought she might be able to help me, maybe?
Fern did indeed help, “You should do my job,” she said. I thought nothing of it until I applied for a few jobs and the response was so positive. Interviews and offers came but the company that stole my heart is where I am now. The reason? I could tell that Rick, whilst wanting to make money like all businesses need to, really believed in helping people.
New niche
In the last 6 months, I’ve listened to so many who work in finance but are looking to move internationally. They have amazing skillsets but want to work in a different country. We talk, we laugh, we share stories and it’s amazing - I love it!
The best feeling is giving someone a call and telling them they’ve got an interview or an offer and hearing how happy they are.
If you asked me 5 years ago what I thought my job would be I would NEVER have said ‘Recruiter’ and I certainly wouldn’t have predicted that I’d absolutely love it.
With that said, I want to end this blog with a question or 3…
Did you imagine you would be where you are right now?
Do you give yourself enough credit for what you’ve achieved?
Lastly, if you feel unhappy, a little stuck or need a change in country or career much like I did, what can you do to change that?
Lewis Mokler