Extreme Leaps For Work
If there is one thing about me you should know is that I like taking risks when it comes to work and I have done this a number of times.
Hello, my name is Holly and I am a Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer, who loves choosing music for edits. I love hearing a song for the first time and then i can visualise an edit for it.
On more than one occasion I have taken a chance and moved my life to a brand new area for a job. No family, no friends, just me in a city where I have no roots.
That can be a really scary thought for some people - but not for me. I like the challenge and the adventure. It also allows you to grow as a person and develop, there are a few things I have also learnt on the way.
New York City
I lived in New York City for three months - it was the biggest move I have ever done and it was also living in a different country altogether. It was an incredibly scary thing. It was also the first time that I had even been to America.
I was working at a summer day camp for teaching children how to do web design and animation. This meant that I was lucky enough to get my accommodation for free as I stayed at the University campus of Fordham - on the edge of the Bronx.
When I wasn’t working, I was out exploring the Big Apple. It was so strange having all that freedom and was weird being so far from home. I did so much walking, spoke to so many strangers ( a political author I randomly asked for directions in Washington DC ended up giving me a personalised tour!) and saw a lot.
I think everyone should travel abroad by themselves at least once in their life. You learn so much about yourself and gain a lot more knowledge about the culture as you have to devolve into the world around you and adapt.
The hardest part was not being able to speak to my family as much as I normally would. It was pretty difficult and homesickness made it incredibly hard at times.
From a work perspective, it was interesting because I learnt how different America and the English world were and it taught me to adapt quickly to my environment. Especially teaching children 7-17 you had to be on the ball and understanding.
Newcastle
The furthest I have moved away in the United Kingdom was Newcastle when I lived in London. This was my first venture in the North and due to the contract only being a year I dived straight in and fully embraced it.
When I was not working I would jump on a random train or bus to explore as much as the North East as was humanly possible.
I learnt more about the area and it’s history the further I travelled. It also allowed me to understand more about the North East and realise I love it a lot compared to London as it is a different way of life.
I find just these experiences alone have been great to have as it is always important to broaden your knowledge as it helps you think more about target audiences and the fact everyone approaches work differently. It takes you out of your comfort zone and helps you learn new skills and things about yourself.