How COVID lockdowns launched a career shift to sustainable tourism
Rosanagh has completed her Masters of Sustainable Tourism Management and works in sustainable tourism.
‘My lockdown reflections showed me three things. Firstly, I was no longer overly aligned to corporate life. Secondly, I wasn’t using my skillset fully, especially my skills around promoting sustainability. Finally, thanks to the rigours of COVID confinement, my passion for travel grew and grew.’
What sparked your career change?
I’d felt unsure about my current role and career trajectory for a while. But the key impetus for change came courtesy of the COVID lockdowns in Sydney - a silver lining, actually. Because finally, I had time to really reassess and reevaluate where my career was going.
What work were you doing previously?
I have a background in agency recruitment. Over the last few years, I transitioned into financial services. I moved from recruitment to being an executive assistant. Then I took on a role that focused on workplace culture and engagement and raising awareness of our business’s key sustainability initiatives.
What are you doing now?
I’m studying full-time for my Masters of Sustainable Tourism Management and doing freelance social media work whilst I study.
After the long solitary lockdowns, I was ready for adventure. So, I’m currently spending some time working and studying in Bali. Besides being amazing and giving me a bit more financial freedom, I get to immerse myself in a culture and economy, coming to terms with post-COVID opportunities to recalibrate their relationship with tourism.
I’m leaning towards applying my established skillset to a career in destination management, which involves managing all the ways tourism can positively impact local communities and the environment. Although this plan may change as my studies progress.
Why did you change?
My lockdown reflections showed me three things. Firstly, I was no longer overly aligned to corporate life. Secondly, I wasn’t using my skillset fully, especially my skills around promoting sustainability. Finally, thanks to the rigours of COVID confinement, my passion for travel grew and grew.
Moving into sustainable tourism will allow me to mesh my long-term love of travel with my growing passion for supporting sustainability.
What process did you go through to decide to change?
I had researched a few careers and spoken to a few friends. Then I decided that if I was going to do this, I should do it properly. During lockdown, I researched Career Change Coaches in Sydney. I chose Jo because her values around doing fulfilling work that makes a difference and gives back, aligned with mine.
What was the hardest part of changing careers?
Challenging limiting beliefs around being a ‘career changer’ in my 30s. Fortunately, as I spoke to loads of people and worked with Jo, I realised that change might be a bit or a lot scary, but it’s a normal, healthy, commonplace part of almost everyone’s career journey.
How did you go about making the shift?
Jo and I explored a few different career options and the prospect of further study. Was it essential, or would a lateral career move be just as effective?
Ultimately, I opted for doing my master’s to bridge my knowledge gaps and give me crystal clarity around which path to take. Studying turned out to be a great choice, and I’m already gaining the confidence and skills to jump right in next year.
What help did you get?
The key help came from Jo. Her encouragement and support gave me the confidence and structure to pursue the change. I’m also fortunate to have a strong and supportive network of friends and family who have also been part of the journey.
What have you learnt in the process?
It's far too easy to stay with what you’re doing because it's unfulfilling but ‘easy’. And it's never too late (or too scary) to swap what you’re doing for something more meaningful for you.
Pretty much everyone (including strangers) loves a chat and is ready to help. I’ve been lucky to speak to some incredibly inspiring people.
Career Coaching teaches you some excellent skills and techniques for starting career conversations, building your network, using LinkedIn more efficiently and applying your transferable skills. These are techniques you’ll use long after you’ve finished your sessions.
Are you happy with the change?
I couldn’t be happier. I’m en route to putting my serious travel bug to work in the service of protecting destinations, communities and environments and ensuring I’m giving something back.
My studies are fascinating, and it’s empowering to be learning again. Furthermore, I’m part of a network of like-minded people keen to make a positive difference via sustainable tourism.
What do you miss, and what don't you miss?
I worked with an inspiring, intelligent, and dedicated team, and I miss them. However, I don’t miss constantly questioning whether I was in the right role in the right place and on the right path.
What do you enjoy most about your new career?
Preparing to work in a field I’m truly passionate about is super motivating. In the short time I’ve been studying for my master’s, I’ve already learned so much and seen so many inspiring, exciting possibilities on the horizon.
What do you wish you'd done differently?
I wish I’d acted sooner. Although now I am here, I can also see how my recent sustainability experience and enduring love for travel have come together at the right time and in the right space.
What 3 tips would you give others in the same situation?
Take the time to deep dive into all the possibilities. Don’t get hung up on where you think you ‘should’ land - the journey is part of the process with career change coaching.
Speak to anyone and everyone to build your network and learn loads about the many different roles out there.
If you’re in a place you’re not entirely happy with, it’s exciting and empowering to explore a different direction. Trust the career change process and be proud of yourself for looking at a change in the first place!
Update in 2024
How did your Masters in Sustainable Tourism Management go? What were the highlights?
It went really well! By giving myself the opportunity to study full-time and work part-time, I was able to really focus and excel in the degree. The biggest highlight was going to a field school in Fiji, where we saw firsthand the impacts of tourism and how communities and the environment can be managed sustainably to benefit both locals and visitors. It was an eye-opening and inspiring experience that deepened my understanding and passion for sustainable tourism.
You have finished the Masters now, what work are you doing?
I am currently working at Tourism Whitsundays, the organisation responsible for promoting and driving visitation to The Whitsundays. My role involves managing social media and PR for the region.
What are you enjoying about your current job?
I love the opportunity to showcase such an incredible destination and connect with people who share my enthusiasm for tourism. I hope to dive deeper into tourism development and planning, so I can fully utilise the knowledge and skills I gained during my degree.
How does your new career feel compared to your previous one?
It feels amazing to be working in an industry I’m genuinely passionate about and every day really does feel exciting. I've always been into tourism and travel and experiencing new things, so it just feels like the right fit.
What reflections do you have looking back on making a change?
It’s never too late to make a change that aligns with your passion. While it was daunting at times, the decision to pursue a career I love has been incredibly rewarding and a journey I’m proud to have gone on.
If you could talk to younger Rosanagh at the start of her career change journey, what would you tell her?
I’d tell her not to worry so much and to trust the process. While it was daunting to embark on a career change in my 30s, looking back, I only wish I’d done it sooner. The challenges were worth it, and the rewards have been pretty life-changing so far.
By Jo Green, Career Change Coach
I know that when you find what you love, heart and soul, your life changes. I work every day with people who are reshaping their current careers, starting new enterprises or searching for a new direction. Basically I help people who don’t like their job to figure out what to do instead!
As a Careershifters and Firework Advanced Certified Coach and experienced career changer myself, I can help you figure out what fulfilling work looks like for you.
Drop me a note to organise a free 20 minute consultation to chat about your career change and how coaching could help.
