When your dream job isn’t quite what you expected

For years, I’d spend Monday to Friday dreaming of the weekend when I could get outdoors, camping, climbing, and walking in the mountains. Many of my friends back then worked for organisations like the Environment Agency, and they all seemed to have like-minded work colleagues. Others were self-employed and could take a random day off when the conditions were perfect for an afternoon at the crag. Meanwhile, I was stuck at my desk in an air conditioned office, wondering how I could change my career to give me more time outdoors while still earning a good income.

I’d always had a hankering to work for myself. And I devoured outdoor magazines (in the days when we still bought them over reading articles online). So, when I had the opportunity to begin freelance writing for the outdoors, it seemed like the stars had aligned.

My dream job was to write inspiring and fun stories about outdoor adventures.

Getting started as an outdoor writer

Being completely new to the world of outdoor writing, I had no idea where to start. But, as luck would have it, the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild had an event about the future of outdoor publishing.

It was full of well-known names in the world of outdoor writing, both magazine writers and guidebook authors. Kinda like the who’s who of the outdoor writing world. Some of the biggest magazine and guidebook publishers were also speaking at the event, so I booked a ticket and went along.

In terms of the prognosis for the future of outdoor publishing, the news wasn’t good. But the event gave me some great connections, many of whom I’m still in touch with today. I decided that there was still a corner of the market for me and pursued my dream. I also joined the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild, even spending a year or two on the committee.

During my quest to become established as an outdoor writer, I was featured in TGO magazine (The Great Outdoors), became a published author (researching and writing my own walking guidebook), and worked with another writer to co-author an update for an AA walking guidebook. I also worked on outdoor content a tourism arm of Sheffield City Council, and wrote for outdoor related organisations.

And I had my own outdoor blog which was steadily growing in reader numbers.

My dream job wasn’t quite what I’d expected

To all intents and purposes, I was living my dream life and had my dream job.

But, over time, my passion for the outdoors dwindled. The outdoors used to be the way I switched off from work and gave me balance in life. But now it just felt like I was working 24/7.

Every time I went climbing, walking, or biking, I had a running commentary in my mind. Would this make a good magazine article? Who can I pitch it to? Should I be writing about it on my outdoor blog? Maybe I need to make some direction notes. And more…

I stuck with it for a while but became less and less passionate about my dream.

Tweaking my dream job to make it work

Around the same time, I realised that I was missing the world of business.

Who’d have thought it! I'd walked away from corporate life to spend more time outdoors, fully expecting to stay away.

I took another look at my skills and experience, and tweaked a few things. I made the decision to work more with other businesses, only this time on my own terms.

Now I get to work for myself and use my experience to support other organisations with their marketing strategies. I still get to write, and I specialise in outdoor, purpose-driven, and eco brands. And, when I get to spend my free time outdoors, I’m no longer thinking about article angles and publishing contracts.

This now feels like my dream job.

But I do still have a hankering to write those outdoor adventure stories from time to time.

Writing for the outdoor brand Alpkit

So, when the well-known outdoor clothing and equipment brand, Alpkit, approached me to write a ‘treasured moment’ article for their website, I leapt at the opportunity.

It was a fun piece to write and is all about our Hebridean bike packing adventure. Specifically about finding the best beach in the world.

Click here to read my Alpkit treasured moment, and learn more about the location.

I’d love to get involved in writing more articles like these. Feel free to get in touch if that’s something you, or someone you know, would be interested in.

The best beach in the world?