2 minute read
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
I loved being there when people needed help.
By Jackie Rankin Photos: Joel Goodman
THE LONG AND
WINDING ROAD
Careers ambassador Gayle Wells tells young people why the path to a dream role may not be straight, but the twists and turns are part of the journey.
Mersey Carer career ambassador and accountant Gayle Wells (pictured with son Lewis) supports young people to choose careers.
My own experience has told me that a career doesn’t always follow a direct path, but with guidance you can find the right one for you.
I was never great at maths – I thought accountants were men in grey suits.
I was very aware of the public sector from a young age and I admired my teachers’ ability to inspire young people. I wanted to be like them, so
I studied English with Education.
By the time I graduated I’d realised teaching wasn’t for me. I felt lost.
After graduating I worked as a carer. I loved being there when people needed help, but seeing people in challenging situations was hard. We visited a lady who became distraught when we tried to clear the hundreds of toilet rolls and butter tubs she’d hoarded. She was holding on to them in case someone needed them, so I rang some local schools. They were delighted and she was happy to let the loo rolls go! The turning point in my career came when the care home owner asked me to do office work and accounts. I started night school doing basic accountancy qualifications. I was still struggling to see how I’d use them until the local health authority advertised for accountants at my level. I was unwell when I went for the interview, but amazingly I got the job! One of my most rewarding posts has been as a Value Maker, helping demystify finance for non-finance and clinical staff. I support on programmes to help us understand each others’ perspective so we can work together better. I may be an accountant, but when I talk to young people I say I’m someone who finds ways to get the best out of people. I hope telling them my career story might inspire them, and my own kids, to know there are many ways to reach their goal.
