What made you choose Arbtech?
I’d been looking for a new role within the ecology industry for a while, and a friend of mine suggested I look into Arbtech.
I had heard so many good things about Arbtech, and having looked at employee reviews of the company, it seemed too good to be true.
With so many people talking about how much they love working for Arbtech, how could I not want to work here?
What do you love most about the company?
The flexibility.
Trying to find a reasonable work-life balance is incredibly hard, and at previous jobs, it has simply been impossible to achieve my own personal goals while also working full-time, so I have had to sacrifice the things I enjoy for the sake of a job.
With Arbtech, not only am I in a job that I love and working alongside such a supportive team, but I also have the freedom to manage my own time and my own workload however best suits me.
It has given me the freedom to pursue things outside of work that are important to me and take better care of myself. I can spend more time with my family and get stuck into hobbies that I have wanted to get back into for a long time without compromising my career.
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
Well, that really depends when you ask! I love trying new hobbies and I am always finding new things to do.
A few of my previous hobbies include kickboxing, every type of dance you can think of, climbing, skydiving, reading and DJing.
Currently, I attend a couple of aerial acrobatic classes weekly, I go to badminton every Sunday, and when I have time, I write my own songs using guitar or piano for accompaniment.
I am also currently learning German, though the longer I learn, the more I realise languages are not my strong suit!
On top of my hobbies, I also have a part-time job teaching musical theatre to children at the weekends, and I volunteer as a trustee for a children’s mental health charity. I never really stop, but there is still so much more I would love to try, so I certainly won’t be taking a break just yet!
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Start today.
There is never a perfect time to do anything, and it is so easy to make excuses.
I’m sure I’m not the only person who has decided I want to get fitter, so I promise myself I will start going to the gym…on Monday. But, of course, Monday comes around and I am just too tired, so I’ll rest this week and try again next Monday. But then I have a cold, I’m not feeling great, and I’ll try again the following Monday.
There is absolutely no reason to wait for these things. If you want to learn something new, if you want to change careers or if you want to start saving for a new car or a house, don’t wait for the perfect time because I promise it will never come.
Whatever it is, take the first step today. You’re already a step closer to your goal, and just getting started will motivate you to keep going.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
With my super busy schedule outside of Arbtech and having not been here very long, I’ve unfortunately not had the pleasure of joining an Arbtech social just yet.
I am, however, very excited about the Christmas party, and I can’t wait to meet some of the more northern staff in person.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I would absolutely love to spend a few weeks exploring New Zealand.
The landscape is just stunning, and I am definitely a warm-weather kind of person.
I am not a sit-and-read-by-the-pool holidaymaker – I need to get out and explore caves and waterfalls, and find every high-adrenaline activity they have to offer.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Ideally, I would love to progress my career here with Arbtech.
I’m always looking to learn, and in the world of ecology, there are so many paths you can go down and always more to learn.
I absolutely love animals, so I would love to focus my career on specialising in protected animals, particularly reptiles.
In my personal life, I would love to own my own house somewhere in the countryside but not too far from town.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
I want to complete the three peaks challenge to raise money for the charity I volunteer for.
I know it is going to be very difficult, but I am always up for a challenge, and I could use a goal to work towards to motivate me to keep fit.
Besides, you can’t beat the views you get at the very top of a mountain!
Ashleigh joined Arbtech in October 2024.
