TOURISMKEEPSHEATHERINBELOVEDLAKE DISTRICT
TOURISMKEEPSHEATHERINBELOVEDLAKE DISTRICT
A career in tourism has been the answer for one
rural youngster who decided against farming but
wanted to stay in the Lake District
FOOT-AND-MOUTH has confirmed it was the right decision not to go into an agriculturally based job, says Heather Grisedale.
The 22-year-old has spent the last four years working in tourist information centres in Cumbria. "Its a really good job if you enjoy mixing with different people and tackling a variety of tasks," she says.
It is, she says, an office job in so far as shes in an office. "But I dont class it as an office job because every day is so different. Theres so much variety, so many different things you get asked.
"I always knew I didnt want to be sat on my bum watching a computer screen."
Local knowledge
Answering inquiries occupies much of her time. "A lot of it is local knowledge – youve got to know the area. You cant learn all that in a week," says Heather, whos always lived in the Lake District.
"A lot of people are proud to be from Cumbria – I certainly know I am. I couldnt imagine moving to Birmingham or London."
Other key assets needed for the job include being a good listener. Every inquiry is different and part of the skill is asking the right questions and finding out what people really need to know.
"If youve done your job well, people will have a better holiday as a result."
Having a clear and concise phone manner is also vital, as is a plentiful supply of enthusiasm. Every phone call has to be treated as if was the first on that subject. "You cant treat a 5pm call any different to a 9am call.
"The main thing is to have a sense of humour – otherwise youd be in tears half the time."
Now is a relatively quiet time of year at the Windermere office where Heather works – but with the February half-term on its way and an early Easter this year, itll soon become much busier.
She gets Wednesdays and Thursdays off, though has to work weekends – but shes got used to that. "You forget what weekends are like."
Having grown up on a farm, Heather did once want to go into farming. "That changed when I realised Id be unable to earn a decent wage in agriculture.
"You cant make a living out of farming. Its such hard work, with nothing in return. You get job satisfaction – but you cant live on job satisfaction."
The pay in her current job is less than it would be for doing a similar job in a big city. "But its better than farming – obviously."
Heather blames much of farmings problems on the government. She says lessons should have been learnt from the 1967 outbreak – which it seems government chose to ignore. "Incompetence and ignorance," she calls it.
Suffering
"Although tourism has suffered in this area during F&M, it is nothing compared to farming – the government just wants rid of all farms and farming."
Anyone considering a career in tourism, meanwhile, should aim to get good English, Maths and Science qualifications, she advises.
A language is also helpful. "An advantage but not essential. I can say hello and goodbye in Japanese – but thats about it."
Heather took a GNVQ in Leisure and Tourism and recommends anyone intent on a similar career to her gets as much work experience – whether in school holidays or at weekends – as possible. "Whether its on a farm or in a computer shop, its the best way to find out what you like. You can put it on your CV and get a reference from your boss."
Enjoying job
And remember the importance of doing a job you enjoy. "Theres no point working for 40 years and being miserable. There are enough miserable people in the world without adding to them."
Becoming a member of a Young Farmers Club is another good move, she says. "Joining was one of the best things Ive ever done. You mix with so many people. I used to be quite shy. I dont think I would have got this job if I hadnt."
And as for what Heather finds the most satisfying part of her job, thats easy. Its when someone shes helped sends a nice thank-you letter. "It makes you think: I am doing something worthwhile. Its a really nice feeling."
Some of the inquiries, however, can seem a little peculiar at times. "Someone rang up the office recently asking where they could hire reindeer."