No matter where you are in your career journey, there can be plenty of reasons to seek something more fulfilling. If you’re further along in your career with less time remaining in the workforce, making a later-in-life career change can seem daunting and feel especially challenging – but it doesn’t need to be!
We recently caught up with South West local Elise Parker, who took a leap of faith and started working as a tour guide after taking a break from her career as a Registered Nurse. Ten years later, Elise has immersed herself in the tourism industry and now hosts tours along the iconic Cape to Cape track with Walk into Luxury.
“I can confidently say this career shift has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made,” says Elise.
Read on to find out why Elise loves working in the industry – it might just be the motivation you need to start your next adventure in the WA tourism and hospitality sector.
Health and fitness
One of the surprising perks of being a tour guide is the positive impact it has on physical health. After 30 years of nursing, I developed significant back issues, however, my role as a tour guide requires me to stay active, walking up to 42km every second week. This level of physical activity has alleviated my back problems and helped me improve my health and fitness, which is an important factor as we age.
Maintaining confidence
Confidence can wane as we get older, but tour guiding offers a fantastic way to maintain and even boost confidence levels. My job involves interacting with diverse groups of people from all around the world, and I’m responsible for tasks like driving a 15-seater bus into busy city areas, which can be challenging yet rewarding. Pushing myself to tackle these challenges has shown me that I’m capable of more than I thought!
Engagement and communication
Tour guiding keeps me engaged with my local community, and I love the social element of my work (not to mention the location!) I’m constantly interacting with guests, team members and partners in the tourism industry. As a result, I’ve been able to fine-tune my communication skills and I’m more confident in public speaking.
Career advancement
As a mature age employee, there are still ample opportunities for career advancement in the tourism and hospitality industry. I started my journey as a guide and driver, and now I’m the Head Guide for the Walk into Luxury South West team!
My nursing experience and previous skills gained as an educator have been invaluable in this role and, surprisingly, were extremely transferable within the tourism industry. My previous work experience and knowledge have allowed me to contribute positively to the business, such as training and mentoring new staff as well as improving operations to ensure consistency across the business.
Care for others
Guiding allows me to continue nurturing and caring for others, which was a significant and fulfilling aspect of my nursing career. Whether it’s acknowledging special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, sharing experiences like Forest Bathing or Dadirri (an Australian Indigenous practice of deep listening), or simply baking for colleagues, this job provides numerous opportunities to care for and connect with people from all walks of life.
Lifelong learning
One of the most exciting aspects of being a tour guide is the continuous learning. Over the past decade, I’ve absorbed a wealth of knowledge about local history, flora, fauna and Indigenous culture. Learning from books, local experts and even my fellow tour guests has been an incredibly enriching and rewarding part of the job.
I’ve also completed certifications, such as the Eco Guide Certification through Savannah Guides to further develop my knowledge, skills and overall success as a guide.
Transition to retirement
Tour guiding offers an excellent transition to retirement. While I’m still working as a Registered Nurse, guiding has become my ‘fun job’ and a stepping stone towards full retirement. It’s a flexible, casual role that complements my retirement plans, and provides additional income without the commitment of a traditional 9-to-5 job.
Chill factor
Mature age workers often bring a relaxed and balanced perspective to their roles, which is incredibly beneficial for a potential employer and their business. Our life experiences, skills and extensive knowledge can enhance the team’s performance, positively influence the workplace culture and allow us to remain calm in a crisis or stressful situations.
My background in nursing has been particularly helpful in my role as a tour guide to navigate emergencies and understand what constitutes a real emergency. My calm demeanour not only benefits our guests but also contributes to a positive, stress-free work environment, which is a big benefit of employing mature-age workers.
Becoming a tour guide later in life has been a transformative experience for me. It’s a career that offers physical and mental health benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, and the chance to engage with and care for others. If you’re considering a career change or looking for meaningful work in retirement, I highly recommend exploring opportunities in tourism as a tour guide. You might just find it’s the perfect fit for you, as it has been for me!
Keen to start your adventure? Explore the current job opportunities here.