What inspired you to work for The Working Holiday Club?
My inspiration to work for The Working Holiday Club (TWHC) stems from my own transformative experiences with working holidays. Traveling and working abroad opened my eyes to the immense value of cultural exchange, personal growth, and the joy of exploring new places while building a meaningful career.
I wanted to create an organization that made these life-changing opportunities accessible to others, helping them navigate the challenges of finding reliable job placements and ensuring a supportive, enriching experience. The success stories of our participants and their gratitude for the unforgettable adventures we helped facilitate continuously fuel my passion and commitment to TWHC.
Describe a typical day at work.
am Meeting: We start the day with a team meeting to discuss ongoing projects, address any challenges, and set priorities for the day.
Participant Support: Mornings are often dedicated to responding to inquiries from potential participants. We provide detailed information about our programs and assist with the application process.
Partner Coordination: We liaise with our extensive network of partner employers across Canada, the UK, and Japan. This involves coordinating interviews, confirming job placements, and ensuring all documentation is in order.
Learned how to musher racing dogs, in Norway!
Why do you do what you do?
My passion for facilitating working holidays and travel experiences is deeply rooted in my own transformative adventures abroad. I have personally witnessed the profound impact that living and working in a different country can have on one's personal and professional growth. These experiences have shaped my worldview, broadened my horizons, and provided me with invaluable life skills.
I founded The Working Holiday Club (TWHC) to share this incredible opportunity with others. I believe in the power of cultural exchange to foster understanding, build global connections, and create lasting memories. By helping others navigate the complexities of securing reliable job placements and providing comprehensive support, I aim to make the process as seamless and enriching as possible.
Moreover, seeing the success stories of our participants—watching them grow, explore, and achieve their dreams—fuels my passion and commitment. Knowing that we are making a positive impact on people's lives and helping them embark on life-changing adventures is immensely rewarding. It is this sense of purpose and fulfillment that drives me to continue our work at TWHC, ensuring that more people can experience the joy and benefits of working holidays.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job at The Working Holiday Club (TWHC) is witnessing the transformative journeys of our participants. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing individuals step out of their comfort zones, embrace new cultures, and grow both personally and professionally through their working holiday experiences
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Since I am dyslexic, I was rejected from every university and college I applied to. I do not have a degree, but everyone that works for me does. What gave me an edge was what happened to me.
During my waitressing years, a gentleman named Doug spotted me and gave me a go at quality assurance. I loved it; I could see the broken patterns in production lines, and I learned how to apply quality assurance BSI 9002 to everyone. My dyslexia helped me put the other foot forward, and I never looked back.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
As the founder of The Working Holiday Club, I've had my fair share of online criticism, particularly regarding spelling errors and perceived unprofessionalism. It's never easy to handle negative comments, especially when you're passionate about your work and striving to provide the best service possible. However, I've learned a few valuable lessons through these experiences.
When faced with criticism, it's important to stay calm and take a moment to reflect. Assess whether the feedback is constructive and how you can use it to improve. Along with that idea, know everyone makes mistakes. Acknowledging and correcting errors not only shows professionalism but also a willingness to learn and grow.
I use criticism as a catalyst for improvement. Whether it's enhancing communication skills or double-checking work, there's always room to grow. ChatGPT has helped me improve my communication by providing quick and accurate spell-checking and grammar suggestions. This has significantly reduced the number of errors in my professional interactions.
On a wee island Called Loppa, taking magical shots of the Aurora Borealis.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Live Work Play Norway. The Working Holiday Club is offering a working holiday experience in Norway, open to all current and past UK & Canadian participants.
This is an experience like no other! It is the perfect opportunity for those who are ready for an adventure. Check out the link to learn more about it.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Learning the language and even a few basic phrases can make a big difference. It shows respect for the local culture and can help you navigate daily interactions more smoothly.
Keeping a journal or blog, and taking plenty of photos would’ve been great. These memories will be invaluable, and documenting your experiences can provide insights and reflections over time.
What makes your organization special?
The Working Holiday Club (TWHC) was founded with a mission to transform the working holiday experience. In the early days, many Australians found themselves working live-in pub jobs in London with little support or guidance. Recognizing the need for a structured and supportive program, I joined TWHC in 2010 and launched the groundbreaking Jumpstart London program.
Jumpstart London was a true disruptor in the industry. It provided comprehensive support and guaranteed job placements, ensuring a smooth transition for participants. Our program’s success led to an exclusive partnership with Flight Centre and made us the preferred service for students for nearly a decade, right up until the COVID-19 pandemic.
A key element that makes TWHC special is our team. We've been working together since 2010, and our shared passion for helping others succeed is what drives us. This isn't just a job for us—it's a way of life. Our team operates with a sense of harmony and mutual respect, without any hierarchical barriers. This strong internal bond translates into a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for our participants.
The love and camaraderie within our team extend to our customers. We treat each client with the same respect and care that we show each other. Our down-to-earth and low-key vibe creates a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. We pride ourselves on maintaining a culture of no hierarchy and no egos—just a commitment to helping our participants succeed.
Why should someone choose The Working Holiday Club over competitors?
Participants receive dedicated assistance tailored to their needs. We focus on a select group of top-notch partners, ensuring quality and close collaboration. This allows us to provide superior support and personalized job placements.
The Working Holiday Club excels through incredible staff providing personalized support, exclusive housing connections, premier partnerships with Canadian resorts, and a commitment to meaningful travel. Our focused, collaborative approach lets people know that every participant receives the best possible experience, making your working holiday not just a job, but a life-changing adventure.
Taking photos on the ice.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
Recently, I joined forces with Matt Cnester of Totally Travel to focus on meaningful travel. This collaboration emphasizes balancing working and volunteering, ensuring travelers have access to funds and opportunities for impactful experiences. I am hopeful that together, we can create a more balanced approach to gap year experiences, combining a bit of hard work with travel and volunteering.
My hopes for the future of The Working Holiday Club revolve around expanding and enhancing our programs, fostering sustainable and ethical travel, and maintaining the supportive community that defines us. Through our collaboration with Totally Travel and other partners, we strive to offer balanced, impactful gap year experiences that combine work, travel, and volunteering.
What makes TWHC easy to market to potential participants?
The Working Holiday Club (TWHC) has built a strong reputation and brand recognition over the years. Our name is synonymous with reliable job placements and exceptional travel experiences. Participants consistently report positive experiences, personal growth, and meaningful adventures via the excellent programs we provide through partnerships and relationships with reputable employers.
It’s easy to market because of our strong brand awareness, proven success of our programs, comprehensive support, exclusive partnerships, and commitment to creating balanced and meaningful travel experiences. Our supportive community, ethical practices, and personalised approach further enhance our appeal to potential participants.
What is TWHC's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to transform the traditional gap year into an enriching experience that balances work, travel, and volunteering. We are dedicated to providing young travelers with reliable job placements, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and comprehensive support.
Through our innovative programs and strong partnerships, we aim to foster personal growth, cultural exchange, and global citizenship. We strive to create a community of adventurers who embrace the world with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to making a positive impact wherever they go.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope by stepping out of their comfort zones and navigating new environments, participants build self-confidence and independence. Along with that idea, we want participants to enjoy the experiences of different cultures firsthand to develop a broader worldview and greater appreciation for diversity.
Most importantly, participants hopefully can embrace the unknown while they’re with us and take the time to explore new places which will result in a lifelong passion for travel and discovery.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad exposes individuals to new environments, challenging their preconceptions and broadening their perspectives. Practicing and partaking in this fosters greater self-awareness and personal growth. In addition, I believe that navigating unfamiliar territories and overcoming travel-related challenges boost self-confidence and resilience.
First to surf this beach at Loppa. Nicknamed ‘‘Hell's Gate,’ from the storms that came through the fjord.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Live within your means and get used to living with what you need, not what you want. This approach not only saves money but also encourages you to embrace a simpler, more flexible lifestyle. All of this will help you step out of your comfort zone!
Also, try to challenge yourself to try something new—this can lead to unexpected opportunities, new skills, and a more enriching experience. By expanding your bubble you can experience more and know more of what you want (like what place to visit next)!
It may seem daunting but by challenging yourself you can build resilience and keep you flexible! Sometimes the best experiences come from unplanned opportunities. A good idea to pair with this is to live within your means, have a realistic budget to stick to, and always have a plan B, like Jumpstart London (always willing to connect with travelers).
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is about breaking barriers, both physical and mental. It involves pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and exploring the world's farthest reaches.
For me, this has meant traveling to the furthest parts of the Arctic Circle to photograph huskies in -35°C conditions and being dropped off on a remote Norwegian island, 4 km by 7 km in size, with only five inhabitants. Living there through the darkest months from December to February, with no sun, has been a transformative experience. Each year, I return to witness the uninterrupted beauty of Miss Aurora, the Northern Lights, in all her glory.
For me, comfort is not the goal. Embracing the discomfort and overcoming challenges is where true growth happens. It’s in these moments of struggle and adaptation that I learn the most and return with a refreshed perspective.
Every time I return from these adventures, I come back with a different perspective. The experiences shape my worldview, enhance my appreciation for life, and deepen my understanding of different cultures and environments.
Meaningful travel provides the space for reflection and insight. It’s a time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters. The lessons learned and the perspectives gained during these travels are invaluable and have a lasting impact on my life.