Nicola has a keen interest and amazing intuition in helping people fit together all the pieces of their puzzle to find meaningful and satisfying work. She has a Masters Degree and continues to embark on other graduate studies in counselling. She has written papers entitled “Mid-life and dissatisfied with work” and “Factors affecting job loss”. Other than coaching she continues to facilitate career workshops and on her days off, she does play dates with her 2 young daughters, visits art galleries, and enjoys community living.
Complete this sentence. "If only I could ... I'd be the happiest person alive"
I think you should try to be happy in the moment, rather than thinking if only I could have this/that before I’d be happy. However, saying that a nice cottage by the lake would be nice. Oh; but I live in Calgary!
Top 5 favorite movies?
Beaches, Bridges of Madison County, Ghandi, Waking Ned Diving, Leap Year, and Shirley Valentine – one where I can laugh or cry, or one that has an inspirational character.
If you could be a character from Star Wars, who would you be and why?
Never watched it!
What's your favorite thing to do on a hot summer day?
Find some water, air conditioning or shade. I am Irish so I do better in lower temperatures.
What's your most endearing quality?
My husband would probably say my cooking, baking and skill at entertaining others in our home. Friends would say my sense of humour and interesting opinions.
What's one of the most daring things you've done?
I travelled to Australia by myself via Bangkok when I was 22. I had never travelled by myself, and thought spending a few nights in Bangkok without arranging accommodation would be an adventure. The flight crew at the airport were concerned and suggested I take a direct flight without the Bangkok stop over. I wish I had taken their advice; I learned a valuable lesson in life – adventures are good, as long as you do some planning.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to teach and do cooking demonstrations for TV. Funny how these child ideas play out in later life. I did the teaching; I love cooking, but haven’t made it to TV yet – maybe shortly!
What's your biggest pet peeve?
I like people to be authentic, and just be themselves.
Under what conditions would you shave your head bald?
For a good cause - like cancer
What's your idea of a great vacation?
Before kids, I’d say a cultural vacation, probably volunteering, living, eating and socializing with the locals. I especially like going to the local markets and supermarkets. With kids, it would probably be camping with a camp trailer.
What's the strangest thing you've ever had for breakfast?
I love breakfast; it is my favourite and often my largest meal of the day. I would have to say that I find it strange eating what I would consider supper for breakfast. In India I had lentils and rice, while in Costa Rica I had fried rice and beans. Mind you when I think about it, I eat potatoes (hash browns) for breakfast.
What's your favorite unhealthy snack?
Chocolate – I haven’t had any for nearly 2 years though, after a man asked me when the baby was due, and I was not pregnant.
Your career is the greatest investment you can make in yourself. When you are happy in your job, you see positive results in everything around you, from finances to relationships to personal health. So why stay stuck in the current situation if it doesn't completely suit who you are inside? Get started
So I am the new ""Acting Manager of Service & Operations"". I have the helpdesk and sysadmins reporting to me - a team of seven.I am happy - it is about 65% of the responsibility I was bucking forbut it is probably the the right size for me to be biting off right now with my experience level.
Thanks for your help! I am sure I will be coming back to you ... definitely if they decide to do a formal interview process for the awarding of the final position. But I definitely have the inside track thanks to CareerJoy.
Easy to use to identify your key strengths and find the right career for you!