We hear the same cliché all the time – ‘follow your passion to find your dream job.’ It seems like bad advice – an impossible goal that’s too good to be true.
For Brooke Byars, that seemingly unreachable dream became a reality when she turned her passion for tourism into a job in education.
Brooke’s career started out in the tourism industry, as you would expect, where her Bachelor of Business saw her leading the marketing, advertising and public relations strategy for some leading 5-star hotels.
You’re thinking
that's her dream job, right? It’s OK, Brooke thought that too, and for a while it was true. It wasn’t until she was working well into her evenings and weekends, with little downtime to relax or enjoy life, that she realised she needed a change.
‘I loved working in tourism, but it felt like I was constantly 'on' and I barely had any downtime,’ Brooke recalled.
‘That kind of job was OK in my 20s, but in my 30s, I knew I needed a change of pace.
I’ve always remembered 2 inspiring teachers I had at Wavell State High School (Business and Modern History teachers). Their enthusiasm and passion had always promoted the idea of teaching for me.
After more than 10 years in corporate marketing, I knew I had a skill set that I could pass on to a new generation of learners.
I felt passionate about teaching my knowledge and skills in Tourism, Business and Humanities.’
With an undergraduate business degree, Brooke was able to gain access to a Master of Education (Secondary) course to start her journey into teaching.
‘As soon as I enrolled, I knew I’d made the right decision,’ she said.
‘While I was studying, I volunteered my time at many schools in northern Queensland to figure out which schools I aligned with.
I completed an official prac through Woree State High School where I was offered permanency before I graduated.
I now get to teach Certificate II Tourism, Year 11 and 12 Social and Community Studies, and Junior Humanities, plus I’m the Year 7 Coordinator.
I am still passionate about the tourism industry, but now I get to ignite the same passion in my students as we explore beautiful Tropical North Queensland together.
My class recently spent a day on Fitzroy Island where we explored customer service, coral restoration, sustainability practices and cultural programs. I feel very lucky to live and work in this beautiful part of Queensland.’
An unbeatable work-life balance
Brooke said one of her favourite parts about teaching is the unbeatable work-life balance, which is something she wasn’t used to in the corporate world.
‘A busy lifestyle was the norm when I worked in Brisbane,’ she recalled.
‘Teaching in Cairns has offered my family and I a positive work-life balance where we enjoy a short commute to work and can take advantage of the beaches and rainforest on our doorstep.
My mornings are spent at the gym, walking my dog through the rainforest and getting to work within 5 minutes of leaving home, and my afternoons are on the esplanade or swimming.
I have more time at home now where I enjoy propagating my own tropical plants – I laugh at this because it’s something I never used to do.’
A home away from home
Brooke confessed she missed her family and friends back in Brisbane but has found a multitude of ways to keep up with them and has built some wonderful new relationships in Cairns.
‘Messenger and FaceTime have been great ways to stay in touch with my growing nephews and nieces back in Brisbane.
My friends and family have made many trips to Cairns and my house has become their home away from home.
Direct flights between Cairns and Brisbane allow me to fly home on weekends to be around for special occasions.
With no immediate family living in Cairns, I felt connected to Woree State High School through community and culture.
Our community looks out for each other and encourages everyone to improve practice and build relationships. It has allowed me to meet many new friends from different backgrounds.’
Explore a new career and region
Brooke’s recommendation to anyone considering a career change is to find your passion in teaching.
‘Leave your comfort zone and explore a new career and region,’ Brooke recommends.
‘You’ll gain new experiences and stories that I am sure your future students would love to hear!’
Want to turn your passion into teaching too? Find out how you can
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