Student Stories
Michael Willis - Certificate III in Individual Support
I worked in hospitality for 18 years, managing pubs and hotels. Working a 70 hour week was normal and I was over it.
After moving from Toowoomba to the Byron Shire for love, I gave myself a year of unofficial long service leave. My plan was to relax in paradise. I did that for six months before my partner decided to do the Certificate III in Individual Support and suggested I do it too. Why not?!
It was a massive career change, a whole 180.
Starting the course felt daunting as I’d been out of study for so long; I left high school three weeks into Year 12. I expected it to be like school but it’s totally not like that. It’s so much more relaxed and easy going. I’m amazed at how seamless starting studying again turned out to be.
Ninety percent of the class were there for a total career change, just like me. I thought people would be ‘head down, bum up’, just doing their own thing but we formed an instant camaraderie and became like a big family. I’ve made some really good friends, which was a real bonus as I’d left my entire life, family and friends in Queensland.
I wanted a challenge and something totally different. I got that. There were skills that transferred from my previous work; having so much experience with the public helped with some aspects of the course.
I was planning on focussing only on aged care but one of the tutors changed my mind and I am so pleased as I now work in disability care. I do direct work and office management for Caring Carers, a local organisation. I love it. I have clients in New Brighton and Ballina who I help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like shopping, cooking and doctor’s appointments, as well as helping them pursue their interests and exercise.
To anyone considering a career change but are unsure where to start, I say come on in to the College. Have a chat and grab a brochure. Everyone is friendly and they’ll help you think things through. Some in the class had doubts that they were too old to make a career change but no-one thought that by the end.
I now work 30 hours a week and don’t do any evening or night work. Do I wish I’d got out of hospitality sooner? Yes!
