More often than not, returning home to the UK means telling friends and family what I've actually been doing for the last however many months. And when I tell them I've been working in marine conservation in the Philippines I usually get a soft “tut”, a roll of the eyes and a comment about how they wish they could swim with turtles for a living! Sadly that is not my job description…
The view from Malapascua Island lighthouse
…My job is much, much better! And here's why:
I work for a charity. (So instant feel good selflessness points.)
I help a small team of exceptional individuals run an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme. (So…I pretty much work for the UN!)
I help the booming diving and snorkelling industry of South East Asia protect the environment rather than exploit it. (Helping save the World one tiny coral at a time)
I have to travel…lots!
I help bridge the communications gap between the private sector and the Government. (I help the people with problems connect with the people who can provide practical solutions.)
I meet and work with passionate individuals from all over the World.
I SCUBA dive!
I’m constantly pushed to think and grow. (The nature of the job is almost obscenely dynamic and diverse!)
And finally, I get to do all of this standing beside the 1 person in the World whom simultaneously makes me feel completely content, yet inspires me to achieve the impossible.
Don’t get me wrong. There are still difficult days. Hell, there are difficult months! There are seemingly endless hours stuck in front of a computer, questioning whether something is even possible!
But the difficulties and the frustrations never outweigh the positives. The take home feeling is always one of satisfaction...of achievement...of passion for my job - for my life!
And that is why I cannot wait for my internship with The Reef-World Foundation to end…and for my job with them to begin!
The Reef-World Team, from left to right: Me, Chloe, JJ, Sam, Jula and Alan