What made you choose Arbtech?
A year or so ago, I stumbled across a video on social media of Rob highlighting the ongoing issue of fair pay within the environmental sector.
His video really resonated with me, as in my opinion, there are too many companies out there exploiting graduates by not paying a salary that is representative of the skills acquired from a degree and often justify paying less on the basis that employees will be gaining experience. Paying a fair wage promotes inclusivity. I feel that this is important, and I like that Arbtech does too.
Then, in 2022, I started working as a sub-contractor for the company carrying out BERS surveys. During this time, I met several Arbtech employees, and the one thing that stuck out for me was that everyone spoke highly of their roles, colleagues and the company structure.
For me, hearing such positive things directly from employees is the most valuable way of distinguishing between a company that puts its staff first and others that over-promise and under-deliver.
Since the survey season ended, I had been keeping a watchful eye on the careers page, and when the role of bat survey co-ordinator came up, I just had to apply!
What do you love most about the company?
A good work-life balance is important to me, and I’ve always preferred to work independently on projects, taking sole responsibility for tasks rather than being micromanaged.
I love that, at Arbtech, there is an emphasis on managing your own workload as and how you deem necessary, ultimately allowing you to maintain this balance.
I think it’s great that, while I am employed in an administrative role, there are shadowing opportunities for me to learn about other parts of the company from knowledgeable colleagues.
I also like the honest approach the company has and that employees are actively encouraged to share suggestions and ideas. This sounds simple, but in my opinion, it is often overlooked in larger corporate companies.
Finally, working from home is an added bonus too!
What do you do when you are not in Arbtech?
Being outdoors and immersed in nature helps me to relax.
So, my typical weekend consists of spending downtime with my partner going on woodland walks. However, I can be a little guilty of going into hibernation during wintertime, so in the summer, I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors camping, swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.
I enjoy anything that gets me in the water. For example, I love snorkelling and have been lucky enough to do it in some cool places, like Bali and the Great Barrier Reef.
Last summer, I braved the cold and snorkelled at Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset, which is considered one of the best places in England to do so. Disappointingly, I didn’t see any seahorses, so I plan to go back and try again this summer!
I do a lot of house and pet-sitting. Up until last year, I’d always owned a dog and, unfortunately, I am not in a position yet to get another, so pet sitting allows me to spend my time in beautiful houses surrounded by lots of wagging tails! The change of scenery also helps me to satisfy my need to break free from my essential yet often monotonous routine.
I also enjoy exercising at home and playing for a local netball team, as well as cooking and experimenting with new dishes; my favourite cuisines to cook are Turkish and Thai.
What is the biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
As a natural people pleaser, for years I said yes to things that I didn’t want to do, mainly out of fear of causing offence or disappointment to others, only to then dread executing the task or, for example, attending the social event.
A close friend helped me to shift my way of thinking and instilled in me the power of saying no. While this can create uncomfortable or awkward conversations initially, it is so much easier in the long run, and you’ll soon realise that it’s not as scary as you once thought!
As the saying goes, ‘honesty is the best policy’, and if you aren’t being honest with others, then you aren’t being honest with yourself.
Additionally, be kind to yourself.
Everyone experiences things differently. Success is merely a perception, so set realistic goals, or set short-term ones if you don’t have any long-term ones, but most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others. It’s okay to embrace the present, rather than focusing too much energy on improving your future self, for these are the moments when we are truly content.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I haven’t had the chance to attend any socials yet as I am a new employee at Arbtech, but I’ve heard great things about the company social events, so I’m certainly looking forward to joining in on the next one!
Where do you want to travel to next?
More than anything, I’d love to go back to Australia.
I’ve travelled to Australia a number of times and even lived out there for a year on a working holiday visa, which to date is the best thing I’ve ever done.
I love the diversity of the landscape and the unique wildlife the country has to offer. In fact, I have a bit of a fondness for species which aren’t conventionally considered likeable, such as bats and snakes. And, well, Australia has all the venomous snakes a girl could ever dream of!
I’ve been to all of the states in Australia apart from WA, so I’d love to explore there, particularly to snorkel on the Ningaloo Reef.
Closer to home, I would love to see more of Scotland. There is a tour company in Oban which provides the opportunity to swim in the sea with Basking Sharks (at a safe distance for the sharks), and this is on my bucket list.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
In five years, I’d love to be a homeowner.
The dream is to continue working remotely from a little cottage in Scotland, where red squirrels roam my garden and I spend lunchtimes tending to my vegetable patch, fulfilling my desire for a slower pace of life.
In terms of my career, I’d just like to continue to develop my interests and gain more knowledge in whatever I decide to progress in.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
- Obtain a level 1 bat licence by the end of 2023. I’m on track to do this by growing my surveying experience with Arbtech alongside assisting my local bat group on hibernation checks.
- Breaking out of my comfort zone more, as any time I do is often when I find the most rewarding experiences.
Lyric joined Arbtech in February 2023.
