By Annabelle Tooby, Account Executive
What’s your career background, in brief?
Having only just graduated last summer, it’s safe to say I’ve had a real assortment of jobs alongside my studies or over the summer break. From care worker to receptionist, the most interesting would probably be assisting the Grazia editorial team in Dubai and being published, which as a journalism student I was over the moon by.
What’s the most challenging job you’ve ever had?
Without a doubt, it has to be working as a care worker. It is hard to describe to someone that’s never done it before, but I’ve been locked out in the garden, spat on, had to dash after countless clients with dementia that decided to go walkabouts, the list goes on. It must be said on the flip side it was majorly rewarding to hear the stories of and look after such an amazing bunch of people – and I was never short of a brew or a biscuit.
What apps, technology items and gadgets can’t you live without?
I hate the sound of silence, so I don’t think I could live without Spotify. Whether just for background noise or blaring at full volume, I always have music or a podcast playing – especially whilst having a shower, which is a compulsory music zone in my opinion.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Probably from both my Grandma’s, who were women of many wise words, but the condensed version would be: “Always try your best, surround yourself with positive people, eat well and keep a comb, pen and packet of tissues in your handbag at all times.”
Name one thing about your job that gives you a sense of satisfaction or makes you leave the office smiling…
As a chronic list-maker, in a weird way, crossing off the to-do-list quicker than the tasks stack up gives me a sense of satisfaction. Also being able to lessen the workload and make a real difference within my team.
Do you personalise your workspace?
My workspace is probably best described as organised chaos, due to the excessive number of post-it notes and notebooks I use. I think I had a little desk plant and cute pen pot at one point, but they’re now probably buried under the cascade of memos…
What’s the first thing you do in the office in the morning?
I would make a beeline for the coffee machine, stopping only to set down my bag and check if the team would also like a caffeine fix. Followed by a quick chin wag to whoever will listen by the coffee machine before sitting down at my desk to start the working day.
What are you reading, watching or listening to at the moment?
I’ve been having a bit of a TV sabbatical, pausing only briefly to watch Line of Duty (yes I only started season one last month, get over it).
Other than that, I’m re-reading a lot of Bill Bryson at the moment and I’m on African Diary currently. Wishful thinking for a summer holiday probably, so if we have another lockdown I will continue to live vicariously through Bill on his many exciting travels.
