My first job as a tennis coach was a dream come true.
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I was participating in a job I was passionate about and a sport in which I excelled.
This enabled me to gain independence, and learn some valuable life skills.
The tennis club was one of the largest in Wollongong, and one that I had been part of since the age of eight.
The shifts were flexible and it became my second home.
I had a variety tasks from handling fees, restringing racquets, organising events, coaching and mentoring upcoming stars.
Coaching occurred outside of school hours, meaning early starts and late nights.
My career as a geologist is a world apart from being a tennis player, however there are some similarities.
Plenty of domestic jet setting, although instead of Hamilton Island, it was Dingo, Moura and Wandoan – to name few.
When I look back at coaching, it was life changing. It gave me confidence as a young adult.
I learnt how to be a better communicator, time manager and self-motivator.
“When I look back at coaching, it was life changing. It gave me confidence as a young adult.”
– Joshua Reid
Most of all it was learning to lead, which I think in a team atmosphere such as mining is the most important as it allows you to work together and achieve goals more effectively as a team.
- Joshua Reid is now an environmental coordinator for Hume Coal.
- What was your first job? Was it delivering newspapers or serving cappuccinos? Whether it was glamorous or tedious, tell us all about it (in 350 words) by going to www.southernhighlandsnews.com/community, and click on ‘Send us your news’, then ‘Got a story to tell?’.