EMPLOYMENT
A person's most valuable asset is 'the ability to earn an income'.
National Mutual Life Association
My First Permanent Job was with National Mutual
350 George Street, Sydney 1965 - 1969
After flying from London to Nairobi in August 1971, and travelling on a seven week Kimbla safari to Cape Town, I was lucky to score a six month job with National Mutual in Church Square, Cape Town.
National Mutual
Offices worked in
Sydney - 350 George Street
Canberra - Ainslie Avenue
London - Basinghall Avenue
Cape Town - Church Square
Sydney - 44 Market Street
Parramatta - Phillip Street & George Street
In January 1970 I was transferred to Canberra until resigning in June 1970 to travel overseas.
In late 1970, I was fortunate to land a seven month job with National Mutual in London. Austral House was within the City of London and across the road from Moorgate Underground Railway Station.
In 1974 I returned to London and worked for two years at Austral House.
After returning to Australia in 1976, I worked with National Mutual in the new offices at 44 Market Street, Sydney.
The travel bug was still with me when I took up a Tour Management role with American Express (refer to the 'Overseas Travel' pages of this website).
Eventually, I settled down and became a sales Representative with National Mutual based in Parramatta.
Taxi Driver/Operator
Being a Taxi Driver in Sydney was both challenging and rewarding.
Being a part time driver when I was in my 30's and 40's gave me a taste for having a full time go as a Driver/Operator.
So after purchasing a Ford Station wagon, I leased a plate through RSL Cabs for 3 years 2007/09. I did not employ another driver and it was great to have the freedom to drive when I felt like it.
You meet so many fascinating people. Only a handful were of concern.
Only once did a male passenger invite me to his place, and only once did a female passenger offer to pay me 'in another way'.
Stay Tuned
Waiting at the Airport Holding Area
Lined up to carry Veterans in an Anzac Day Parade in Sydney
Santa
A very rewarding job, however, wearing the red suit in the middle of summer had its challenges.
One Christmas I was asked to accompany the then Lord Mayor of Sydney, Lucy Turnbull, as she wandered along Glebe Point Road spreading Christmas cheer to shoppers and retailers - loved it.
Another year, together with Mother Claus and a couple of Elves, we arrived at the old Glenrose shopping centre on top of a Rural Fire Brigade Truck driven by the then Federal Minister for Health, who later became Prime Minister. He seemed to have as much fun as everyone else.
Whether it be a Toastmasters Christmas celebration or a private enterprise event, I loved the role and the joy Santa brought to young and old alike.
Other Employers at various times
Hall Australia (in Sydney)
AIB Financial Planning (in Perth)
Jacques Martin Hewitt (in Brisbane)
Association of New South Wales Credit Unions (ANSWCU) in Burwood NSW
Credit Union Services Corporation Australia Ltd (CUSCAL) (in Sydney)
Macquarie University (in North Ryde)
Forty Winks (in Crows Nest)
Beds and Dreams (in Belrose)
