I have decided that I definitely need a change of career. I have been doing library work for nearly 10 years now and for the last 6 have realised that it isn’t what I want long-term. I don’t want to move from one clerical job to another (unless the area in which I’m working REALLY interests me) so I know I have to somehow retrain without spending too long studying and not working; My partner and I would like to retire (or at least semi-retire) to a smaller, more remote BC city/town in about 15 years time and taking time out to study jeopardises that because of how much it will cost for me not to work. However, if it means I have to work full-time for a year or two longer it will be worth it just because I will be doing something I enjoy.

I have had a long hard think over the last couple of years about what I would like from a job, which industry I would like to work in, what I would be good at and how it will fit into our future plans. I have finally come to the decision that I want to work in the field of tourism. Environmental stewardship/conservation/park rangering and journalism also appeal to me, but I love love LOVE working with, helping and serving people so at the moment working primarily with things/animals/natural resources doesn’t appeal to me as much.

The 3-year plan:

1. Continue in my current job for the next 3 years and save, save, save (I figure I need $35,000)
2. During these 3 years I need to really utilize my free time, concentrating on:

• getting fit
• trying as many outdoor pursuits as possible
• volunteering in the tourism and conservation sectors
• travelling BC
• writing (either on my own or doing a creative writing course)

Phase Two:

1. In Late Summer 2011 I will apply to the Tourism Management Co-op Program at Capilano College for January 2012 entry if I have reached my savings target, otherwise I’ll apply for the September 2012 entry.
2. Course lasts for 16 months full-time, with a 4.5-month paid practicum

Outcome:

By May 2013 I will have my diploma and be well-qualified to work in the tourism industry. I will also have 4 month’s proper work experience plus substantial volunteering experience in the industry.

We can either stay in Vancouver as currently planned, or move to elsewhere in BC if we want to, so long as my partner can find a good job in his field. At the moment I think my ideal job would be something in eco-tourism – maybe working at a wilderness lodge, planning and organizing adventure itineraries or overseeing working holidays in conservation, but I realise I might not be able to do that in Vancouver. Maybe I could start by working in a normal hotel to get better experience in hospitality. Or maybe after doing the Diploma I’ll have found a different interest.

If I follow through with my plan to take a writing course then that will also open up the possibility of travel writing. If I follow through with my plan to get myself fit and try as many outdoor pursuits as possible, as well as giving me the experience to best suit my clients needs in the adventure/eco-tourism industry, that will open up the possibility of a career in outdoor recreation if I take further courses in guiding.

The diploma can be converted into a degree with 2 years more study, if I want to really get into the senior management side of things eventually. Not that I can afford the time or money to do that straight after taking the diploma.