Reinventing Your Career

Interview with  Elaine Palmer, the Manager ,Human Capital services at Exxaro  Coal Mining,she successfully reinvented  her career from  being a Tech- nician nuclear radiography to the Human Resource profession. She is saying with a firm voice  career  reinvention is possible.

A career is more than just  a way to make a living. A career is a calling. Its about adding value to those you serve and when this is done diligently there are great profits and rewards. Most importantly the career  path turns to be more fulfilling. For most people there is a time when their calling demands attention with a violent inner voice. At this  point it is time for Career  reinvention. Something that most people deem impossible or difficult  

 Was your reinvention by choice or dictated by circumstances ?

       It was by choice.

  What was the motivating factor for a change & choice of career? 

     Motivating factor was the opportunity to do what I love – working with people. I have reached the ceiling in my  previous career and was starting to get bored.

  Was the change overwhelming  if so how?  Yes, at first while I studied fulltime, I missed having my own income. I was newly married and had to rely on my  husband’s support. I assisted the university on a part time basis to get extra income.  With my Master theses I  took the opportunity to network with Black Managers in the mining companies around where I stayed. I offered          free services in exchange for experience. I actively looked for opportunities.

  Did you have a support system ?If yes. Who or what kind?

 I only had my husband & kids. Both our families were miles away and still are. I had to survive anyway.

  What are your values and unique strengths?   

Respect and Honesty are my strongest values. My unique strengths are: people skills, listening skills, compassion,  drive for results 

 Did you take them into consideration when doing career    change.? 
 

 I discovered my strengths over time. I only knew that I liked working with people and would like a career in Hu man Resource.

  Would you say that the work you do embodies the person you are?   

Yes,It does

 Can you now say you are in the right bus? (Company) 

Yes, I am. Exxaro Resources – Coal mining company

  Are you on the right seat within the bus ( position)?

 Yes, Manager Human Capital Services – working with HR Professionals

  Do you have any regrets?  

 No regrets, I will do it all over again. It was worth the while. Doing something that you truly love is great. 

 Are there situations you will deem impossible with regard to career change? 

 Anything is possible as long as there is a will .

  Are there any possibilities for future reinvention? 

 Yes, starting my own business. before I start my own business I would like to get into government  to see if I can  assist with their HR processes, in a way giving back to my country.