Greer Noack - a career transition story
A mutual friend introduced me to Greer, over a long coffee. I was so intrigued by her story, her journey and how she has invested in self discovery and taken that time to really get to know herself, honour her interests and continue to learn throughout the whole process.
Greer’s story is one that you need to get yourself a cuppa for, put your feet up, get comfy and take in all her lessons. Her advice is one worth noting down.
Tell me, what did you want to do at the very early stages of your career? What was your big career goals then?
When I was younger and travelling overseas with my parents, I was charmed by the Flight Attendants and from then on had a real desire to be one when I grew up. When I left school, I initially worked in office administration, however, I did start applying for airlines like Virgin. I was initially unsuccessful, but I had determination and my main goal was to become a Flight Attendant with one of the major airlines.
Can you tell me how you started your career and what you could see was your career trajectory?
Funnily enough I started my career with an Emirates Airline interview at the Hilton Hotel on a whim never thinking I’d actually be successful! I was practicing for a future go with Virgin Airlines. After a gruelling 8-hour interview I was told my name would be put on a wait list because I was too young to join Emirates at 20. I was actually lucky they let me complete the interview process given my age. Finally, after several months I received a phone call from Emirates and began work as one of their Cabin Crew a week after my 21st Birthday. It was a very exciting flight to Dubai, moving overseas to set up my new life and living my dream job at the tender young age of 21!
What are you doing now?
I am working at Educators SA as an Event Coordinator. My role includes
- Organising and creating event registrations for our team and also being a key contact for our members when they have an event that requires organisation.
- Since Covid 19 started I have been creating online video content including voice over content to help our members navigate technology through this time.
- We are a key provider for the Responding to Abuse and Neglect Training for educators and I assist in the post care and after care of that training.
I am also studying and at the moment and have almost completed a Diploma in Counselling. I am working towards a role as a counsellor/educator in schools. My main focus is to educate young people on the topics of relationships/dating in the modern era to empower them in the ever-changing dating landscape when they leave school.
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to change your career direction? Or what made you decide to change your career?
The main reason I decided to change careers was the Burn Out I experienced due to the nature of my role as a flight attendant. Jet Lag and the influx of hormonal changes from being in different time zones became too much and I decided that it wasn’t the right fit for me anymore. It was a great experience but not something I could see myself doing forever. I had lost a bit of passion for the role which may have also contributed to the burnout.
Do you know it was what you wanted to do, or did you have to do some exploring to find your passion?
I did have to do some exploring, I knew one of my main passions was being of service, helping and assisting people and that’s what lead me to flight attending in the first place apart from the glamorous uniform! So, when I left the airline, I definitely knew that I wanted to be in a job where I could help and assist others but just in a different way. There were a few twists and turns in my attempts to think about and try different roles and it was difficult finding one that would hit the mark.
- I worked in a gym and thought about being a PT or Yoga Instructor.
- I worked in a health food store where I thought I might want to go down the nutritionist pathway.
- I wrote blog posts for a while for a few holistic health brands.
- I worked in top Engineering Companies as an Admin Assistant, thinking I wanted to work up to Executive Assistant.
- I created a little online business where I sold jewellery for a while.
And that’s just to name a few avenues on my road to career satisfaction
Each idea and place I worked had elements of what I wanted to do but they didn’t fully resonate with me. I didn’t feel entirely satisfied with any of those choices.
Surely enough two new passions emerged, one for counselling and another for being creative with content and photography/video. So slowly I built up the courage to pursue a counselling course and then gained some self-taught basic experience with photography and video making. My passion for these things grew and I tended to them while still working in an administration role. (temp work at the time)
Were there any key steps you took to help navigate you towards your new direction?
- I took pressure off myself to know exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
- I let myself dabble in different areas and try and few new different roles. (temping was fantastic for this). I recommend temping to anyone who would like to explore different industries and pick up new skills.
- I had a mindset that every role I do provides me with new skills and those skills will help me on the path to finding the perfect career for me.
- I hired a coach/mentor in that area to help understand where my true passion lies and to learn skills on how to build confidence to pursue that path.
- I took small steps in the direction of my passions i.e. with counselling study, I initially read a lot of books on counselling and I did a lot of research before I decided to begin the course.
- Understanding that my path may look different to others and that is more than okay. Reminding myself that I am on my own unique journey.
What has changed for you since transitioning your career (feelings, well-being, life in general) - and what do you see yourself doing for the next 5 years / career goals now?
My life is a lot more settled and I feel a lot more content. Flying around the world was great for my younger self but I crave more stability, grounding and purpose as I move into my 30’s. I see myself finishing the counselling course and pursuing work in education field. I also imagine I will dabble in photography/video creation on the side. Again, a path I will slowly transition into, but it feels great to be already be halfway there!
What advice would you give someone who is deciding to move through a career transition?
Be super kind to yourself through this period
Especially if you’re not exactly sure what it is you want to do for the rest of your life. This can bring up self-doubt, worry and possibly some old belief patterns you might need to work through. Being open to a new way of seeing and relating to yourself and learning the “art of trusting in your own unfolding” works wonders. Baby steps, always baby steps.
Keep Learning
There were a few different pathways that lead me to where I am today, and I had trust in them all because I knew the skills each position provided would benefit me in the long run. I use those skills in my current role, and I am constantly learning new skills, whether it be with technology or people focused communication skills.
Investing in mentors
Investing in mentors to help you feel confident in moving forward toward your goals and to get where you want to be career wise, especially if you feel some resistance in that area. Support and a cheerleader by your side is very beneficial!
There is No Rush
A big one for me is learning that “there is no rush”. I think sometimes we put a big rush on finding the right career straight away. It can be a scary encounter to change or go in a different direction but again be super kind to yourself with the process. Let yourself explore other avenues by doing little things that can bring you closer to what you want to do and it will eventually all add up.
Anything else you would like to share or mentioned that I may have not asked you?
I wish anyone luck and bravery along the path of changing careers it’s not an easy feat but a beneficial soul satisfying ride.
Thanks so much for having me Claire.
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Loved that. The honestly and rawness of her story really shines through. No doubt you would have got so much from her story.
You can find Greer on her Insta - - here
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