Goals – they may change and/or pivot

“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive.”  Walt Disney

This week’s discussion is around goals and the importance of goal setting to enable achievement in life – both professionally and personally.  I would also like to add a proviso to this and at times we also need to be flexible to take up other options or to put the brakes on, when necessary, due to external and internal issues.  Let me provide an example of this.

I knew in secondary school that university was not an option for myself and my family; distance and resources were big barriers.  Due to this, I obtained work and left school in year eleven.  I initially began working in small office and then was encouraged to join a Bank locally for more stability.  I continued working as a johnny whilst relocating to different regions.  I continued in this role until the first of our children were born and did not return from maternity leave and then worked in a small business casually as the family grew. 

Relocating to the region (then with three children), I once again sought part-time work to fit in with school hours.  I stayed in this role for many years and then was seeking alternative employment and decided that a degree would enhance my opportunities. 

I applied and commenced a Bachelor of Business as this tied in with my previous employment and was provided some subjects as recognised prior learning.  I studied part-time, combining casual work with family duties. 

Some years later, a local organisation approached the university seeking a suitable student for a pilot project that had been offered to them.  My name came up and we began speaking about this opportunity.  I was successfully recruited and my pathway was altered.  Within six months, I realised that a financial counsellor was not business related, but more aligned with social work.  I then altered my degree using the credits towards the social work degree.  Ironically with the transition, my marks improved significantly and I completed the third and fourth year of social work.

Making the decision to enter university as a mature aged student was groundbreaking for me, especially after a seventeen-year absence from studying.  It was a difficult transition but one that I did enjoy.  Ironically pivoting to social work opened more doors for me, especially given the lack of numbers locally at the time.  The degree in social work was offered in a more flexible way they taught in blocks.  This worked better for both my learning style and the family unit. 

In a nutshell, my life led me to begin one university degree, and life presented a pivot into another pathway.  I commenced the educational journey and then began another exciting career with different turns along the way.