I've spent my entire career, 33+ years, working in a variety of public affairs, corporate and public relations roles.
In that time, I have been fortunate enough to meet some very high profile politicians, public figures, celebrities and well-known people. I have travelled to and have been to some incredible places. Standing next to the Big Ben bell striking twelve, at the top of Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben) is one of my favourite memories of that time. I was even handed to hold, Leo Blair (baby son of the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair) by Cheri Blair at a No. 10 reception. That was a very nervous 10 minutes!
In my later career, I worked for a UK Government Corporation, who regulate communications. Again, I had some incredible opportunities. I even met one of my all-time music heroes, Feargal Sharkey.
But, looking back at those times. I don't think I was truly ever happy. On reflection, many of those so-called high profile people were actually FULL OF SHIT! Incredibly up their own arses and not OF THE PEOPLE.
In May 2013, I was made redundant, laid-off, from my Communications Manager position. After 18 months off sick with a mental breakdown, due mostly to work pressure, I was sent to the land of the unemployed!
The devastating blow to my ego lasted one month. I then got my arse in gear and went out to find a new job. After sending out tons of CV's and dozens of job applications. I stumbled upon the greatest job I have ever had.
On 8 July 2013, I started work as a Passenger Assistant for my local authority. Essentially, the job entails me, in my lovely blue uniform, sitting on a 12 seat ambulance and watching out for our clients as my driver takes them to their day care centres.
Ninety-nine percent of the Elderly clients have Alzheimer's or Dementia. The other clients are all adults with learning disabilities.
I've met some really incredible people. Once you break that awkwardness of chatting to an elderly person who can often only just remember what they had for breakfast, you get to learn a lot about life. I've chatted to a man, who had never spoken to other PA's, about his career as a scientist with a secret MOD laboratory. To an old lady who escaped Nazi persecution. To ex-soldiers who served this nation. To women who brought up their children in tough times. Each person with a life of knowledge and experiences to share.
Learning disabled adults who can barely speak or who communicate by other means. Telling you about their experiences, their wants, their loves, their desires. Their knowledge on a variety of subjects is incredible. People, for whom society has written off, but have so much to give.
The job is low paid. The prospects are nil. And, the chances of promotion are non-existent. But, I love it!
I now wake up every working day without that fear. Without that commute. Without that day of bullshit to come.
In bed on Sunday night, I know that the next morning I'll be back doing the best job I've ever had!
