Anne’s story: A dream job can be something you didn’t even originally dream of
My disappointment was deep. My second application had not resulted in a place for classroom teacher training. Instead, I ended up studying for a bachelor's degree in social services.
Starting studies at a university of applied sciences proved to be an eye-opening experience. For the first time in my life, I was among people that felt I belonged with. Although I later graduated with a master’s degree in social sciences, the bachelor level studies are what lay the foundation for my thinking. I view and study the world from a social pedagogy viewpoint.
Involuntary childlessness provided direction
Another turning point in my career was the moment I joined an involuntary childlessness peer support group for the first time. It was as if I had come home. Again, I was surrounded by people who were in a similar situation and understood me. Before long, I started working as a group facilitator and in other volunteer roles. Later on, I wrote my master’s dissertation on the importance of volunteering for the childless. Getting familiar with the activities of the association gave new direction to my ongoing studies in social policy and I decided to aim for a career in a non-governmental organisation.
My first association level, non-governmental organisation job was in a student union. A few years later, I started as the first executive director of Simpukka, Association for the Childless. Being chosen for the position was the sum of many factors. I believe that both my volunteering experience and having personal understanding of the topic played a role. Something good had emerged from one of the toughest experiences of my life.
I enjoyed ten great years at Simpukka. For the first few years, I was the only employee of this nationwide association. Gradually, our operations expanded and the number of employees increased to five. My time at Simpukka was a real school for non-governmental leadership. I did learn the hard way that no matter how excited a person may be, there is only so much work they can do. I felt privileged to be able to do my dream job. However, there came a point when I realised it was time for me to move on. Simpukka deserved a new leader who would bring a fresh perspective, and I wanted to join a bigger organisation. Now I am the executive director of the Pirkanmaa Cancer Association. I also chair the foundation that manages the palliative care hospice. It is wonderful to be part of a large community of cancer organisations and to lead a 70-year-old association. This topic is important and touches many people. However, every now and then I miss my national level association work and think fondly of my time at Simpukka.
Non-governmental leadership as a career and as a subject of research
Many people sort of end up as organisational leaders without necessarily aiming for that role, but for me the direction and goal has always been clear. I have supplemented my competence through management studies. First, I completed a specialist vocational degree in organisational leadership, then an executive MBA in social and health management. Developing organisational leadership and enabling well-being at work is a matter of the heart for me. For years, I have been discussing issues related to working life and management in my blog Pelasta maailma (Save the world).
Last autumn I suddenly found myself again in the midst of doctoral studies, even though after the previous long graduation process, I had vowed never to return to university. I am now doing a social science dissertation on a topic that has interested me for years. I examine whether non-governmental leadership has specific qualities or whether it is similar to leadership in other sectors. I research this through career interviews, asking interviewees how to become an organisational leader. That’s why it was great to be able to tell my own career story as well.
In the research interviews, I have noticed that many people are shy about using the word career. It is somehow perceived as flamboyant. A career is assumed to be straightforward and planned. However, a career can also be perceived as a road or a route, a so-called career path. A career may also be considered to include things other than study or work.
The lesson from my own career story is that dream job can be something you didn’t even originally dream of. Difficult life situations can lead to something good. Activities outside the workplace, such as volunteering experience, can help you progress in your career. When recruiting new employees, I don’t just look for a specific education or work experience, but I consider all of their background, which can include hobbies, interests, motivations, and personal qualities. Often those bends or even ‘ditches’ in their career path are the reason to be chosen for the role.
Anne Lindfors