My graduate roles have been in marketing and communications, but I've always enjoyed writing what's on my mind. Whilst at university, I wrote for the arts & culture section of the student newspaper. I found it so nerve-wracking to have people read my opinion and perspective. What if they disagree with me? It was pushing me away from my safe seat 'on the fence'.
When you write, as part of a marketing and communications role, you are given an idea or specific audience to direct your words to. For me, to start with that felt safer. I was representing a company, so it wasn't my 'ideas' and 'personality' being scrutinised.
To help my mental health, I took a break from professional roles. I did a work experience placement at Bauer media, in the motoring marketing department, and volunteered with Magpas Air Ambulance. This break gave me a chance to reflect and 'sort' my relationship with my mental health.
It was at this point that I started writing poetry. It was the best way from me to show and process my emotions, and I loved it. Personally, I got more from poetry than I got from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. But that's just my experience!
Motivated to shed a light on mental health, I started writing journalism articles again. Music and theatre reviews with The Indiependent (a platform for journalism students or people looking to gain experience). The enjoyment I got from that made me realise that I loved writing arts and culture pieces!
So now, I work as a freelancer. I have a few publications I write for regularly, but I am always open to new challenges. Please get in touch if you know of anything! Annie x
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