What has your career journey been like so far?
I’ve been working in housing since 2015, when I joined Glasgow Housing Association, working in their contact centre. I was also working as cabin crew though, so during the summer months, I was flying all over, then in the Winter I would sign up to an agency and work for housing associations. After I left Glasgow, I worked for Wales & West Housing association in the repairs and alarm centre, then at Linc, before moving over to CCHA (Cardiff Community Housing Association) as a Customer Service Assistant working across housing and repairs.
I would always take agency jobs so that I could be flexible around my job as cabin crew, but when I had my children, the realities of travelling and family life started to take their toll.
I took a permanent position as a Neighbourhood Assistant with CCHA in April 2022, but my passion has always been in repairs, so when the role came up as Senior Repairs Coordinator in December 2022, I jumped at it.
What attracted you to working for a housing association?
I love being able to help people, and this is at the centre of working for a social landlord. Working for a housing association gives me the opportunity to do something I’m really passionate about.
Any career highlights you’d like to celebrate?
I’m really proud of where I am in my career now. After moving over to housing when I first took on a permanent role, I knew I wanted to get back to repairs. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am, and I’m proud of the fact that my passion showed when I applied for this job, and I was able to secure a position in an area I enjoy.
What do you enjoy most about working for CCHA?
I love the people, my teammates and colleagues. Out of all the housing associations I’ve worked in, this is the first one that attracted me to stay, despite permanent job offers elsewhere.
What does your day to day look like?
It varies so much it’s hard to describe the day to day. That’s the exciting thing about this job, you’re always thinking on your toes and having to prioritise different tasks. One minute you’re doing a reactive repair, the next you’re dealing with a property that’s had smoke damage. You never know what the day will bring you.
What career tips would you give to someone wanting to pursue a similar career?