A referendum for the people

Just like a Festivus for the rest of us, I think it is time Australia held a referendum. Here are the things I am putting on the paper - because while we are all there in the polling booths, we may as well get a few divisive issues done and dusted at the same time. But first, a note. There are so many things that politicians are going to have a hard time coming out and supporting because everything now is so... well... political. Say the wrong thing, and it get's splashed over mainstream media, Twitter and Facebook - then the opinion polls flog you, and it's all downhill from there.

The funny thing with this is, many of these divisive issues are likely to receive support ... if put to the general public. You have to take religion out of it too. These are issues that ultimately, boil down to the happiness and health of people, and why shouldn't we have them? I'm not saying that once the vote is in, and assuming the vote is in the 'let's change' column, that everything changes as of that day, with no supporting legislation. But I do think that issues that contribute to our happiness ought to be put to the public. And many of these, if passed, would bring a boom to the economy.

These really are issues of public health - each and every one of them - and changes to them can impact a person's social, mental and physical health - even Euthanasia, where the ability to control one's method of dying can bring immense relief to sufferers of terminal illness.

Same Sex Marriage (P.S - Go Ireland!)

Euthanasia

Legalisation of (Or decriminalisation of) certain illicit drugs, eg Cannabis

Organ donation (Opt out instead of opt in)

Becoming a Republic (Which personally I do not support - I certainly understand the argument for it - it is a strong argument, but I love that we have some tiny ties to the fascinating history of the British Monarchy - but that is the point of a referendum - some of it you will be for, some against)

What would you add to this, internet? 

Guys... I got a job!

It's true! But this blog isn't going anywhere yet. The job, which is as a Research Assistant for a project being run by Deakin University, in collaboration with the City of Greater Bendigo, and funded by Vic Health, is only a casual/part time role, for 2 days a week for the next nine weeks. It's a really exciting project and I hope the small part in which I will be playing will contribute to better health for people all over the country!

Meanwhile:

• The hunt continues for a full time position.
• I am winning the Fitbit Challenge.
• I am about to undertake my own, not very scientific, research into Gambling ads on tv to bring you my next blog post.

Until next Monday internet!

What is is like to be looking for a job six months after finishing your degree?

Funny you should ask, because this is the situation I am in. 

Looking for a job six months after the completion of your degree doesn't do wonderful things for your self confidence. When people ask you about it, you feel trapped between talking about it and what you've been applying for in the hope of a bit of networking, and wanting to completely shut down the conversation out of shame. 

Today I got another rejection email.These are hard to read - they are so generic, and you feel like you poured your heart and soul into a personal application only to continue staring at a closed door.

Some days, landing a job seems as far off and as unlikely as living on the moon, and it feels like a situation that will never end. This is not a fun way to be thinking. Sometimes it feels like some sort of bizarre karma for excelling at university. You remind yourself that there are plenty of things that are not employment related worth looking forward to. Like holidays, celebrations, amazing friends and family, sleep-ins and big breakfasts. 

It would be easier (way easier) to give up, stay in retail, work my way back up the management chain. I know I can do it - I have before - and I know I am good at it. But I want more, and I want to make a difference in peoples lives and their health.

I don't have a quitters attitude, and I am made of strong stuff. I have a deep personal belief that working in Public Health/Health Promotion is what I should be doing, and I hear stories all-the-time about how long this can take to achieve. I figure someone has to get these jobs and why can't it be me?

Some days it feels like everything is starting to click into place - an awesome job advertisement, a lead from the blog, an email from a lecturer. I feel like I am getting closer now than I ever have. And I am proving that I can get knocked down, brush myself off, put my chin out and face the world head on.

How long did it take you to get a job in your chosen area of study? Was it worth the wait? How did you get employers to look at your application a little differently? I would love your comments! 

Q&A with... myself

So Sarah....why start a blog about your job hunting experience?
Well, I've been looking for a while, and I figured I would approach this the same way some people approach dating. Many people, instead of waiting for their perfect match to come along organically, put themselves out there online. While there is Linkedin (and I'm on it!) there isn't really a eHarmony or Tindr equivalent for job seekers! Swipe right on me employers! I also figured this might be an edge to put me ahead of the competition, and by combining the blog with a social media strategy including Twitter and Facebook, I am hoping to boost my exposure as a new candidate.

What sort of job are you looking for?
I want a job in an organisation which is doing good in the world, and in the community, by improving peoples health, be it physical, mental or social. I want to work at an organisation that matches my enthusiasm and energy and channels this into excellent health outcomes. Given there are SO many titles someone in public health can have, I'm most likely looking for a 'Project Worker/Officer' position.

What sort of employee are you?
A bloody good one. I work hard, efficiently and to a high standard - and I love a laugh. I treat my current position as an audition for a cooking show with many 'here's one I prepared earlier's, and usually have my fellow employees giggling while they work. I bring a lot of energy to any job I do, and can back it up with customer service know-how and a Bachelor degree to boot.

What makes you so passionate about public health?
I, like many people, have had a number of family members pass away from preventable diseases, and have seen first hand the toll this takes on the family member and those around them as they are cared for in their final stages. It's heartbreaking. I want to limit this happening to more people, but I feel like we are fighting an uphill battle, with very strong messages encouraging the population to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as consumption of high energy low nutrient foods, binge drinking, body-shaming, smoking, anti-immunisation etc etc etc. We need public health. And I can deliver it.

What is your porn star name?
Blackie Comadai...uh....yeah. Are you allowed to ask that in an interview?

Strengths? Weaknesses?
I am a very hard worker, and I do it all with a smile on my face. This also means I take work home with me and bore the people around me with details they simply don't care about, while I continue to stress out about it in my head. I also have a weakness for wizz fizz cones and cheese and bacon balls.

Tell us something embarrassing about yourself
How much time have you got? Every year, I host a Eurovision party because I LOVE IT. I also hosted a Bachelor final episode party where we wore Bachelor masks. I also wear Star Wars t-shirts out in public because I am a proud geek (Happy May the 4th y'all).

Do you have more questions for me, good people of the internet? Hit me up on the Contact Me button to find out more!