Less than two years’ ago, Alastair Dickson made a dramatic decision. Having built a successful career as a care worker, the dad of two needed a change. And he turned to a boyhood passion for inspiration.
Now 35, Alastair’s decision to become a lifeguard at his local pool has made him happier, healthier, and has opened up career opportunities he had never even considered.
“I was really active as a child and simply loved all sports, from football and rugby to running and sailing. But the thing I loved most was swimming, a fact which made me think it would be one of the best jobs in the world to be a lifeguard”, recalls Alastair.
But while working with the elderly in various care facilities was rewarding, and a job Alastair was very proud of, something began to change as Alastair entered his 30s.
It was then that Alastair saw an advert for a job as a lifeguard at his local Life Leisure centre, an advert which sparked that childhood memory.
Alastair’s passion shone though in his interview, and he was immediately offered the role. Having received specialist training and on-site mentoring with an existing lifeguard, Alastair starting taking his first solo shifts – initially at a Life Leisure facility in Hazel Grove.
“I knew right from the start that I’d made the right decision,” says Alastair. “And that brought out a confidence I hadn’t seen in myself since childhood – the confidence I had when I was doing what I loved. My manager could see it too and started helping me to take on more and more responsibilities around the centre, from opening up to team briefings.
With plans in the pipeline to take on more of the training options offered by Life Leisure and to qualify as an instructor, as well as building his management skills, the ‘dream job’ of Alastair’s youth become a productive reality for the 35-year-old.
“Being happy is what it is all about. Following that belief has led me to a career in leisure that I never thought possible. When I was younger I remember my father, who is a university lecturer, really hoped I would follow a more ‘traditional’ route; that I would be more academic and build a career around qualifications. By following my dream I’m now doing it the other way round and building qualifications around my career. My dad couldn’t be more proud.