My RHA
A flexible employer
16th December 2022 | posted in News
Many people decide to go got a job after being tipped off about it by a friend - but it's not usually one over 10,000 miles away.
But that's what Nicola Bainbridge did when a friend in Australia casually mentioned in a phone call there was a vacancy on reception.
“It was a bit of a whim really, but I thought, “why not?” a chance to earn some money whilst seeing a new country,” said Nicola. “I stayed there for a year, touring Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Gold Coast then visited China, Thailand and Barcelona on the way back.”
Nicola now works as a Finance Assistant with Railway Housing Association having returned to her native Darlington.
After leaving school Nicola studied English Literature and Business at University before departing for her year abroad. After travelling she studied for her AAT accounting qualifications and that helped her secure a job doing accounts for a gas plant in the UK for almost seven years.
She decided to switch jobs because she felt her time would be better spent working for a charity.
“I have always donated part of my wages to charity, and I wanted to do something with my working life that, in my opinion, was worthwhile,” said Nicola. “Working for an Association that helps people find a home of their own helps me do that.”
Nicola also found the flexibility around hours appealing.
“In my previous job with the gas plant there was no flexibility, it was 8.30am to 5pm, five days a week and that was it. At Railway Housing Association I appreciate the fact they try to create a work-life balance that works for the individual.”
Though Nicola’s life has changed she still hasn’t given up the travel bug.
“I can’t fly off to Australia on a whim any longer, but I did go on holiday to Egypt with my partner and twins and we are going to Kos in the Autumn next year.”
