It’s apt that on the day I planned to write my first post for this new adventure that I also learned I’ve been accepted into the Master of Writing and Publishing at a university here in Melbourne. It’s an amazing feeling – one of genuine excitement, and of utter nervousness. It’s surreal to think that next year will now take me on a different course, one that is mercifully away from my current career in Finance (hence the title of this blog). My passion has never been in the numbers – it’s always been in the story behind the numbers. Finance was a part of my life because I allowed it to be. It was comfortable, and I could do it reasonably well. It also helped that it was a well-remunerated field, but that’s probably a topic for another post.
I don’t think I was ready to embrace the prospect of a career in a creative field – one in an unfamiliar area, where I allowed the thoughts of others to influence my thoughts. How could I possibly make a career out of something like writing? Those doubting voices have been vocal for far too many years, and I’m glad that I finally ignored those voices and made the decision to apply for this Masters course. I don’t know where this will take me, but I’m reasonably sure that it will be a more fulfilling path than the one I was on. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least I’m giving it a shot. I already have one or two regrets in life, and I’m not prepared to start adding to that list.
The last few months have provided some significant change in my life, both in personal and professional circumstances. I decided to book an overseas trip (my first in five years!) as I needed something to look forward to. I also need to get away for a period of time and reflect. What better way than travelling alone on the other side of the world? I will document my experiences on this blog while I am away, and hopefully I will figure out how to upload some pictures on here too. I don’t want this to simply be a verbal journey – the visual always helps too.
So, this blog will hopefully become my place to reflect, and to grow. This is only the beginning of my writing journey, and I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity that is now before me. I will get to work on my writing technique and learn from the best. I will also get to learn the art of editing – something I feel I lack at this point. It’s an added bonus that a particular focus of this course is also on publishing and that I will have the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded passionate creative minds. It’s a far cry from the world of spreadsheets and monthly reports, and that is exactly what I need.
Words Not Numbers 