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Jan Hellriegel

  • ABOUT JAN HELLRIEGEL
  • HOME /
  • Events /
  • Sportsman /
  • MEDIA & REVIEWS /
  • SHOP /
  • Words /
  • Videos /
  • Contact /

Thoughts bubbles on ordinary things πŸŒπŸ’­β€¦

Thought Bubble: Job Security, Youth and Age... πŸ’­πŸŽ“πŸ’Όβ³

I was talking to a local mum the other day. Our kids have grown up together, and she was telling me about once being a university dropout. I laughed along, telling her about my Bugger All (BA) πŸŽ“πŸ€£ ...which wasn't particularly useful for getting a job in the 80s, because there were no jobs! It feels a bit like that now.

I remember snagging a job interview at Radio New Zealand to be a copywriter... but I just didn't have enough confidence to pull it off, and I didn't get the job. 😬

And I wanted to be a musician anyway... 🎸🎢

So I did a lot of part-time work to get by.

"Delivered fish to restaurants, sold gold and bling and rings, I've cleaned a lot of hotel rooms, sold beer in dirty bars, packed records in cold warehouses and polished lots of cars" (From my song 'Love and Conviction' 🎡)

Here's the thing... it took me until I was 40 before I really knew what I wanted to do. And even though I felt like a bit of a loser at the time, all those part-time jobs helped me get to where I am now. And right now, I feel like I'm just getting started! πŸš€βœ¨

What I've figured out is that the hardest thing to come to terms with was not having a clear goal when I was young. I didn't think you could make a living out of music and art. 🎨 So that became my reality.

I spent a lot of my life wanting to be a musician and writer, but not having the courage to do what I think I was put here to do.

So, if you really want to do something, 'keep your eye on the prize', because in the end, you do get there. 🎯🌟

But if you have to sweep a lot of floors, kiss a lot of job frogs πŸΈπŸ’‹ and do jobs you don't particularly want to do in the meantime... it's OK!

If you have a clear idea about what you want to do, you'll find a way.

The hardest part is knowing what you want. After that, it's all about the zigzag until you achieve your goal. β†—οΈβ†˜οΈβ†—οΈ

And sometimes, along the way, you segue into something else that's even better. πŸ’«

As for me, my BA did come in useful in the end. πŸŽ“πŸ€£

And the university dropout has carved her own way into a job she loves now. ❀️

Never underestimate how well your dreams can carry you. βœ¨πŸ’«

And perhaps that's the thing about getting older... you realise that all those detours weren't necessarily detours after all... they were training wheels. 🌿❀️

#jobs #careers #goals #dreams

*photo - the making of my music video "Geraldine" - St Kevin's Arcade x

Thought Bubble: Job Security, Youth and Age... πŸ’­πŸŽ“πŸ’Όβ³

October 24, 2026

Thought Bubble: Job Security, Youth and Age... πŸ’­πŸŽ“πŸ’Όβ³

I was talking to a local mum the other day. Our kids have grown up together, and she was telling me about once being a university dropout. I laughed along, telling her about my Bugger All (BA) πŸŽ“πŸ€£ ...which wasn't particularly useful for getting a job in the 80s, because there were no jobs! It feels a bit like that now.

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In Social Post, Thought Piece, Positive Blogs Tags jobsecurity, careerchange, followyourdreams, creativejourney, ageism, findingyourpurpose, lifeafter40, careerreinvention, nevertoolate, newzealandmusic
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Jan Hellriegel

Jan Hellriegel is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends her roles as a musician, author, and philosopher. With a profound understanding of the human experience, she approaches life through the lens of a layman’s sociologist, sharing insights that resonate deeply. Jan embodies the principles of Stoicism, emphasising resilience and mindfulness in the chaotic world. Her expertise as a music rights specialist and copyright expert further underscores her commitment to artistic integrity and advocacy for fellow creators. Jan's unique perspective is enriched by a hint of the mystical, embracing the "woo woo" elements of life that spark curiosity and inspire creativity. In every endeavor, she invites listeners and readers alike to explore the interconnectedness of art, philosophy, and everyday life.

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