Lipstick and chocolate the secret behind sound advice

What is work ?

Work is stimulating, exhausting, good fun, satisfying and frustrating. When I started work as a volunteer in the Citizens' Advice Bureau a whole new world opened up - TV programmes, articles in magazines and the newspapers all had a new completely different relevance. I had dealt with clients in similar circumstances, or who would be affected by some new piece of legislation. I had many vehement arguments with people on the TV. Those feelings haven't paled over the years. My job as a manager is different. Only the frustration is greater as we try to cope with an increasing demand and decreasing level of funding.

What was your first job?

First job was with the Standard Life Assurance Company. I lasted about a year, feeling like some little ant grafting away making no impact or contribution to the organisation.

What is your greatest difficulty at work ?

Saying no-probably trying to keep to the promises I have set myself. I'm constantly redrafting my 'to do' lists.

What do you excel at in work ?

I don't really think I excel at anything. I'm more of a jack of all trades. I do like dealing with people.

How do you stay motivated?

That's easy. Almost everyone I work with chooses to come to work. They bring their own enthusiasm and energy. If you're doing a job for nothing, you get to enjoy your work, your colleagues and get some satisfaction from what you do. That energy rubs off.

Is goalsetting important?

Yes. I had a clear vision when I started this job six years ago. I wanted to see us establishing working partnerships with other organisations and reach people who probably wouldn't cross our threshold. We've done that with the young homeless people campaign, the Bridges Project, Chest Heart Stroke Scotland and Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Hopefully there will others in the pipeline.

Are you a workaholic ?

Absolutely - despite the nagging from friends and family.

Do you perform well under pressure?

Every day brings different pressures but knowing there's a deadline means the work gets done.

Do you have a secretary/PA?

I don't but the bureau has a phenomenal and irreplaceable part- time administrator. I couldn't even contemplate the place without her. Jean processes about 70 letters a day.

Are you a good boss/ employee?

Good boss. I don't think of myself as a boss. I recognise my responsibilities, but the bureau wouldn't exist without its volunteers and my job wouldn't exist without them.

Do you e-mail/surf the net?

The bureaux are all linked by e-mail. Our bureau has its own website - but we're not ready for the next stage of answering users' queries, though that will come.

What are your favourite working clothes/working place ?

I don't think I have any - I would love anything that would make me look thin and svelte and gorgeous - fat chance. I've still to find a photographer with a thin spool in his camera!

What's in your briefcase?

Lipstick, penguin biscuits and a bar of chocolate. Various papers such as Welfare Rights Bulletin and other periodicals. The bus is a great place for reading.

What single change would you make to your working life?

To employ another me to do all the things I want to do and never have the time for. We're so desperately understaffed.

Have you ever been sacked?

No. But I was made redundant one. That was awful.

What would make you leave your job?

A win on the lottery, especially if the other me gets round to buying a ticket!

Do you think talent gets to the top in Scotland?

Yes. But it's necessary to seize every opportunity that arises.

Copyright 1999
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