I Love My Job
I remember that feeling when I left university, wondering what I should do for a living. I wasn't drawn to anything in particular at that point (the inspiration came much later) and I wish someone had sat me down and said "take your time, it's a big decision, and don't let money be your only guide." In this podcast, we listen to people who have embarked on a career that means something to them. Not just a job, but a vocation. Some have known all along it was what they wanted to do, and others have changed direction mid-career. What is life like when your job feels like a part of who you are?
I Love My Job
John - pianist
Today I’m talking to John Flinders, who is a classically-trained pianist who graduated from York University and then the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He was drawn to the idea of being on stage with other musicians, working together, more so than playing as a solo concert pianist. That took him down the path of becoming an accompanist, which means he plays for soloists such as clarinet players or singers who are performing at a concert or for a music competition or exam.
His life as an accompanist sounds very rewarding because he is always working side by side with another musician and, as John says, he can work on a piece of music with one musician, then work on the same piece with someone else a week later and it will be an entirely different experience.
John is a great example of what happens when as you leave school, you give yourself the time and space to acknowledge what you are really drawn to doing and you let your career evolve from there.
