It started with his girlfriend’s mum

One of the things I love about telling people about Work Sync is how quickly they share their own career stories.

Paul’s story was an another interesting one.

He told me his first girlfriend’s mum helped him find his way into technology, back when tech jobs weren’t on most people’s radar. She worked in the area and introduced him to a path he says he’d never have discovered himself. It suited him to a tee.

He’s done very well and, all these years later, wants to find her and say thank you.

I hope he does.

Imagine learning that your help is remembered so warmly years later.

These stories take me back to my own decisions as a student. The advice I got? Look at the school subjects you enjoy for clues, one I still hear happens today.

OK, well, I enjoyed economics and geography. What could I do with those? Become a high school teacher, because at sixteen, that was the only work I’d seen connected with those subjects.

What about an economist? Didn’t know that was a thing. And did girls do jobs like that? (Yes, it was back in those times!)

A hydrologist or urban planner? Umm, what do they do?

As my friend Margie, a career guidance guru says, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” That was certainly true of me.

So, teaching it was. But I could only get a scholarship for primary teaching. A long way from the social sciences that interested me.

Having an answer felt like a relief. I had something to say when people asked that dreaded question, “so what are you doing to do?”

But did I want to spend my days doing the things teachers do? I don’t think I ever considered that. I’d found a job title I could attach myself to, and that felt like having a plan.

Three months into the course, I realised it wasn’t for me. I left feeling like a failure and stumbled into the office admin jobs I’d been determined to avoid.

Parents tell me their teenagers still feel that pressure and confusion. My interests gave me clues, but I didn’t know how to make sense of them or where they could lead.

Eventually, I found my way into organisational and vocational psychology, combining those ideas with technology to design systems that solve human problems.

Work I love. I just took the scenic (and often frustrating!) route getting there.

That’s a big part of why I created Work Sync. I wanted young people to see more possibilities and discover what interests them earlier, including work nobody around them happens to know much about.

Our short videos show different work activities. Young people respond to what appeals – and what doesn’t – then explore connected occupations in Wayfinder.

I wish it had been around when I was making my choices. I’m very happy to share with you now.

And you? How did you find your way into the work you do? I’d love to hear.

Find out more: https://worksync.com.au/