Vicki McGowan’s Post

As I reflect on my life now, I often think about a dream that could have changed everything. When I was younger, I had one big dream—to become a flight attendant. Airplanes, travel, new countries... All of it inspired me. I dreamed of seeing the world from above, waking up in different cities, learning about new cultures, and meeting people from all over the globe. And then the moment came when I decided to try. I remember applying, going through all the selections, and almost having the contract in my hands. But something held me back... The terms of the contract weren’t exactly what I had envisioned. I found myself at a crossroads: to follow the dream or leave it behind. What would have happened if I had said yes? Perhaps, right now, I’d be living in the Emirates, constantly flying, watching sunrises from the airplane cabin. But also, I might have been out of work during the pandemic, feeling anxious about the uncertainty and trying to find myself in something new. Maybe I would have started learning a new profession or discovered a new passion. Now, I look at this as one of the possible scenarios of my life, like a parallel universe where everything turned out differently. Instead, I chose another path—the path in business. I gained knowledge, experience, and a perspective that I would never have had if I had pursued that dream. But who knows, maybe in that other life, I would have gained something else, something just as valuable. This story reminds me that our lives are made up of choices, and each choice leads us to new experiences. What dreams and plans did you have that didn’t come true? Share your stories in the comments; I’d love to hear them! #dreams #choices #lifepath #careerjourney #lifeexperience #inspiration #travel #paralleluniverse #lifeStories #myThoughts #reflection #careerGrowth

You won't find hiking seven mountains in one day on my resume Experiences, like life itself, are always magnified through sharing. So last weekend, my wife and I decided to hike the South Glen Shiel Ridge. It’s an end-to-end mountain traverse that’s technical and spectacular. On a whim, we packed up, drove four hours north, and booked a campsite on the way. We had wanted to do it for a while, but logistics, work, life, and weather had interfered on several occasions. The forecast in the Scottish mountains is hard to predict. Saturday was to be cloudy in the morning, sunshine later in the day. We woke up to heavy rain. Low cloud. Not as expected. We resigned ourselves to a foggy day. But as we started, the rain stopped. The first signs of a blue sky. Sunshine peeked through. I’m in the middle of training for a big mountain race in Italy, in September, and I’d managed to convince my wife to attempt her longest mountain adventure to date. Together we tackled the seven “Munro’s” (Scottish mountains above 3000ft) in one day. Such a cool challenge. The steep terrain and technical ridge traverse was demanding, with sections of scrambling that were fun and exhilarating. The 360-degree views were outstanding and breathtaking, making us feel small compared to the vast mountain ranges, beautiful lochs, and sharp ridges that surrounded us. We brought lunch and ate while soaking in the serene and beautiful. Ironically, one of the biggest challenges of the day was returning to our van which was parked over an hour away. I was planning to run back. Until my wife started chatting with a kind stranger on the same route. He offered us a lift. A genuine act of kindness. This adventure reminds me of a few things: Sometimes, the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions. In business, being open to unplanned opportunities often leads to unexpected successes. Just as we enjoyed sharing this adventure, collaboration and mutual support in the workplace can help tackle challenging projects and achieve shared goals. Enjoying the process and the small moments along the way can be as fulfilling as reaching the end goal. This is true for both personal and professional pursuits. Facing and overcoming difficulties outside work, builds resilience and confidence to overcome challenges at work. Balancing work with personal passions will rejuvenate and inspire you. We drove home full of energy. My advice to other busy professionals or business owners is simple: find time, plan it, or make it happen last minute, just do the things that set your heart racing. Go let yourself smile. When was the last time you did something spontaneous and found joy in the unknown? 💡 Like 💬 Comment ♻️ Repost ➕ Follow me Kevin Banks

The Hidden Work Behind a Gap Year Adventure Taking a year off to travel sounds like a dream, right? A chance to “do nothing” and just enjoy life. But there’s so much more to this journey than meets the eye. Quitting a stable job and stepping out of my comfort zone was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. The fear of being out of the job market for too long is real. Add to that the constant need to stick to a budget and the effort it takes to organize life beyond the traditional 9 to 5, and you quickly realize that “doing nothing” actually means doing everything differently. But it’s all about perspective. For me, this gap year isn’t just about taking a break—it’s been an investment in myself. Every moment, every challenge, and even the surprises along the way have made this experience so much richer. Without realizing it, I’ve been drawing on everything I’ve learned over more than 8 years of study and 10+ years of work experience to help me handle the ups and downs. The skills I’ve developed, like adapting on the fly, staying resilient, and solving problems as they come, have been more useful than I ever expected. I’m not just gaining unforgettable life experiences—I’m growing in ways I never imagined. Managing uncertainty, staying focused on the big picture, and embracing new challenges along the way… it all feels like running a year-long project, but this time, the “office” is wherever I park my caravan. Sometimes, stepping away doesn’t mean falling behind. It’s about moving forward, just on a different road.

I’ve been wanting to post on LinkedIn for quite some time now, but I didn’t really know what to say. So I thought I’d start with who I am, where I’m at and what my journey has been looking like. Hi, I’m Danica! I’m in my 20’s and in the process of figuring out life.  I never thought I’d ever say that, as an ambitious, goal driven control freak I always had a plan and a good sense of direction of where I’m going and how I’m going to get there. However, in-between all of that came a sense of wonder and curiosity that really had me questioning life, my life in specific. The one question that often crossed my mind was: Dan, is this really your life? Is this really the life that you want to be living? There is so much out there, a whole world that needs to be traveled and explored. There it was, the moment the bug of curiosity bit me. I often question the magnitude of this because it changed my life completely! I was a Content Lead in a Digital Marketing Agency, where I got to build, grow and manage my very own department and I loved it, I loved every minute of it. I often think back on it, because I miss my team, I miss the people who gave me the opportunity to challenge myself each and every day. It often makes me think: “Did I make the right decision?” I was heading in the right direction according to my career trajectory but it still felt like something was missing. Although, I grew quickly as a professional, I was lacking personal growth and self fulfillment. So, I decided to apply for a job in a completely different industry and country. Unqualified, with no experience in the chosen industry, the odds were against me but I got the job. Shocked, in disbelief, fueled with excitement and filled with wonder for the adventure ahead I couldn't help but still question “Dan, what are you doing with your life?”, “Are you making the right decision?”. Doubt started to creep in but the itch from the bite of curiosity was deep and I needed to make a change. So, I took a leap of faith and on the 15th of December 2023, I got on an Airplane to Qatar to join Qatar Airways as a cabin crew. It was challenging adjusting to a new job, in a new industry, in a new country, away from my loved ones but I am so proud of myself for the decision I made, the challenges I have overcome and the personal growth that I have gained. I thought traveling would cure the bug of curiosity instead, it has led to an overwhelming amount of questions that I am yet to answer. I’ve made it a goal to post some of my questions in the hopes that it will spark curiosity in others and lead to a good intellectual conversation. Please hold me accountable and follow up if I don’t post again in a week or two!

A friend shared an interesting observation yesterday: When he was earning 6 LPA, he managed to take 3-4 vacations a year, including at least one international trip. Now, despite earning significantly more, he barely feels motivated to take even two trips. This is what happens when we get caught in the loop of earning more and saving more. We start trading joy for numbers. We lose the courage to break free from routine and challenge the monotony. Over time, we forget to prioritize experiences over accumulation, leaving us feeling unfulfilled in the long run. Earning more is good, but not losing touch with what truly adds value to our lives matters. #earning #saving #observation ******** Follow Kapil Batra for more content like this.

This week marks 1 whole year since I made Perth my home🤯   A year ago, it was hard for me to not focus on what I was leaving behind—amazing friends, family, and a dream career with a professional network I’d spent years building in a new country. Starting over is not something anyone wants to do in that position.   ➡️ Fast forward to today, and my life looks completely different. My days no longer revolve around travel or content creation. Instead, they are very structured and I’m in a role that continues to push me more each month. Trying to give 100% while navigating the early days without an apartment, car, or local support system wasn’t easy (highly recommend sorting that out first!), but we made it work. I couldn’t have done it without the patience and understanding of my colleagues, who’ve since become some of my closest friends. I’m very lucky to have landed within a company that prioritises family.   💭 Reflecting on this past year, it’s been a balancing act of hard work, adapting to a new city, and finding moments to explore my new home. It’s reminded and tested me on success being more than just about the grind—it's about making space for joy too.   Here’s to another year of working hard, and most importantly - playing hard. Because happy people produce their best work. For me, the magic of content creation has always been in capturing moments of joy. So here are a few from the last 365 days.

I love seeing LinkedIn posts from people who have been with a company for a decade or more. I relate to their dedication and can feel their commitment through their words. They’ve been in the trenches, truly building something, and can look back on their careers with pride, saying, "We did that. Look how far we've come." Some people job-hop for experience and advancement, while others dig in and dedicate their entire working lives to one company. I’m not saying one approach is better than the other, but I definitely fall into the latter group. I had a job like that. I started doing contract work for TripAdvisor's cruise site in 2003, which quickly became a full-time position. Before I knew it, I had been with the company for 17 years. Each year on my work anniversary, I sent an email to my boss, thanking her for the opportunity. I was always so grateful. During those 17 years, I had two kids who never had to go to daycare because I could work from home. I never missed a school play or spelling bee and was home every day when my husband got home. I will always be grateful for my time at TripAdvisor for allowing me to achieve a perfect work-life balance, making my kids' lives better. Unfortunately, I lost my job at TripAdvisor in 2020 due to COVID-19. Seventeen years of dedication were let go. It took me a few years to figure out who I was without that job because it had become such a big part of my identity. One of the hardest things was letting go of the history I had with the company. I knew where the "bodies were buried," remembered the managers who came and went, and recalled the decisions we made and the things we tried. I wore the battle scars of years of hard work. When I start my next job, my history with that company will begin on day one. I won't know anyone or have a rolodex of memories and experiences. I can only hope and pray that my first day will be the beginning of 20 or more years of building something incredible. #CareerJourney #Dedication #WorkLifeBalance #CareerGrowth #EmployeeLoyalty #LongTermCommitment #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerTransition #CompanyCulture #WorkFromHome #FlexibleWork #CareerMemories #Gratitude #NewBeginnings #BuildingTheFuture #Resilience #CareerChange #EmployeeExperience

What Comes Next After Life at Sea? Recently I’ve worked with quite a few crew members who find the transition to life onshore overwhelming. After years in yachting, with its great pay, travel, and adventure, it’s hard to figure out what’s next. Stepping out of the yachting bubble—where you’ve been living, breathing, and working around the clock—into “real life” can feel disorienting. But the key to a long-term career post-yachting is reconnecting with your values, passions, and strengths—ensuring they align with your next chapter. You’ve developed incredible skills in leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, and service, and these are highly transferable. However, to truly create a sustainable and fulfilling career, it’s about more than just those skills. It’s about staying true to your core values and finding work that aligns with who you are outside of the yachting bubble. For example, I worked with a Purser who became a Event Specialist: Another client, who had spent years managing operations as a Purser, realized that her core value was creativity and connection. She wanted a more people-focused role that allowed her to express her creative side. She transitioned into luxury event planning, combining her operational expertise with her passion for designing unique experiences. By aligning her next career with her values, she rediscovered a sense of purpose and fulfillment in her work. Building a Long-Term Career Post-Yachting The most successful career transitions happen when your work aligns with what matters most to you. Leadership, service excellence, and problem-solving are skills you’ve mastered at sea, but long-term success comes when those abilities are paired with roles that resonate with your personal values and passions. Coming back to “real life” after yachting isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about building a career that feels right for you. Whether you choose to stay in industries connected to yachting or transition away entirely, your next role should reflect who you are now. At the end of the day, it’s not just about finding your next job—it’s about creating a career that aligns with who you are now. Your time at sea has equipped you with invaluable skills, and the next step is finding a path that truly feels right for you as you transition back into “real life.” Goyazimmer@goya.solutions #CareerTransition #PostYachtingCareer #YachtingLife #HospitalityCareers #ProjectManagement #SustainabilityCareers #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ShoreBasedCareer #YachtingIndustry #CareerGrowth

How often do we pause and truly appreciate the life we've built? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but every now and then, I find it important to reflect on the journey. I remember the joy of landing my first job—a milestone that felt like the beginning of everything. The promotions that followed were not just rewards but reminders of growth, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. I’ve moved from sharing cabs to now choosing my favorite airline, a transition that might seem small but signifies how far I’ve come. I think back to the days when I would save up for a bigger mobile recharge, and today, I’m able to select my favorite mobile without hesitation. These moments, though they may seem minor, are powerful reminders of progress. We often measure success by the big milestones, but it’s in these everyday victories that true growth lies. Life is a series of steps, each one deserving of recognition. By appreciating these moments, we not only honor our past but also inspire our future. Let’s make it a habit to celebrate our journey and the progress we've made, no matter how small it may seem. #Weekendthoughts

A few days ago, during a busy day at work, a colleague asked me, "Why do you work so hard? We all get paid the same." I paused and replied, "Not everyone works just for money." For me, work is about duty, responsibility, and commitment. It's about prioritizing my tasks and striving for career growth. People have diverse motivations for working hard: personal fulfillment, passion for their work, a desire for growth, and a sense of purpose or contribution to society. While money is important, it isn't always the main reason for dedication. One of the key skills I've developed in my career is observance. I've noticed that those who push themselves, driven by internal motivation rather than external reminders, don't work solely for a paycheck. In my nearly three years in the hotel industry, across various roles in the F&B department of luxury hotels, I've seen a common trait among the hardest workers. They have dreams, they constantly want to learn something new and they have a strong desire to grow. It’s tough to see how many dedicated people face so many challenges early in their careers. They make sacrifices, go through hard times, and often don’t get noticed, but their passion, commitment, and professionalism set them apart. They show me that true dedication is about chasing dreams and seeking growth, not just earning money. In this short span, I’ve experienced a lot, including setbacks and rejections. But each challenge has been a lesson, teaching me the importance of resilience and perseverance. These experiences have shaped my belief in learning, growing, and never giving up. It’s this mindset that keeps me motivated to push myself further and pursue my goals with unwavering determination.