Читать книгу Reaching for the Stars - Lola Jaye - Страница 9
ОглавлениеThere may be times when it feels like no one believes in you or what you are capable of doing. So it’s important that you believe in yourself at all times. I’ve had times when I have doubted myself. I think we all do, especially when life gets too hard. But it’s a belief in your own abilities and what you are capable of that will carry you further.
Justina Ifayemi, 28, from Milton Keynes, was really passionate about getting a job after being unemployed for some time. But with a young son and having been out of the workforce for some time, she found it hard. ‘I didn’t want to be on the dole anymore and wanted more for me and my son. I was looking for restaurant or shop work, anything. But I suppose the employers were looking for someone with something more recent on their CV and with more experience. But if no one gives you a chance – you can’t get the experience! But I wasn’t going to give up. I had to believe that I could get a job.’ Justina’s self-belief and patience soon paid off. She joined an employment agency and got a job – her first since having her son – as a care assistant in a care home, and hasn’t looked back. ‘It’s hard work and I have to get up at 5.30 every day. But it’s giving me valuable experience in the workplace and adding to my CV. Plus, I’m really enjoying it whilst knowing it’s one step towards reaching my dream which is to provide a better future for me and my son!’
As well as student debts, I had day-to-day bills to take care of. Working part time didn’t help that much, but it did mean I had time to write. However, I had to make another decision as I soon realized there was just not enough money coming in. I would have to apply for full-time work – which would mean no time for writing.
When I eventually got a full-time job as a Stop Smoking counsellor, a part of me was thrilled. I had got my first paid job helping people face to face and putting my psychotherapy skills into practice. But my new fear was that I would not have enough time to write. However, my dream of becoming a writer remained as strong as ever. So, eventually, and with a little bit of planning, I found a way to fit my writing around my job. I drew up a schedule (yes, I know, another list!) and stuck to it (most days).
Monday to Friday:
Work 9.00-5.00
6.30-7.30 dinner
8.00-9.00 write
9.00-10.00 watch TV
11.00 p.m. – bed!
Donna Douglas, 34, from London had always dreamed of becoming a pastry chef. She knew that just having the qualifications without any experience would make it harder for her to find work, so she did a spot of planning too.
‘During my third year at catering college, I got a job working in a kitchen. I had to arrange with my employers to have two days off a week so that I could continue with my catering course. It meant not having a break, but that was a sacrifice I was willing to make to reach my dream!’ Another thing; self-belief must not be confused with arrogance.
Many of us have watched audition shows like The X Factor and seen some people argue with the judges when they are told that they just can’t sing. Of course there are some who may go on to improve then come back. But there are also those who cannot see that perhaps singing is not for them. I sound like a cat with a toothache when I sing so, I know. But a couple of these contestants are what I like to call deluded and a bit arrogant. They truly believe they are as good as Whitney, Celine and Mariah. No amount of advice can change their minds.
So, be realistic about your dream.
