What made you choose Arbtech?
After spending two years working for a marketing agency, I felt like I’d not only hit a wall but also missed being able to focus my time and energy towards the aims of a single brand. Despite interviewing for a selection of different roles, none of them were right for me. It was at this point that a recruiter approached me about Arbtech and told me about the seemingly endless list of perks.
In my interview, Rob spoke to me directly and in a relaxed setting, and I could instantly tell that both he and the company were completely different to anything I’d experienced previously.
It all felt far too good to be true, but after being told by family, friends and my gut instinct that it would be ridiculous to doubt that it was anything but genuine, I accepted the role with both hands.
Since then, I’ve been blown away by Rob and Arbtech every day. I adore my job, I am forever grateful for the opportunity, and I can’t seriously imagine being anywhere else.
What do you love most about the company?
Countless factors make Arbtech a more desirable option over competitors within the same industry and, frankly, other businesses full stop.
I’d say what stands out to me more than anything else is trust.
From past experiences, I’ve found it all too common for companies to assume the worst in their staff, and that feeling of universal cynicism only breeds resentment from employee to employer.
But at Arbtech, everyone is given the same starting point and the ability to get on with their work without agonising micromanagement.
I am able to work independently, manage my own schedule and operate without unrealistic deadlines or anyone intimidatingly breathing down my neck. I believe that working in this way benefits both my mental health and my productivity.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
Away from work, I enjoy having plans for evenings and the weekend, even if that simply consists of eating out somewhere interesting with my girlfriend or going to the pub with friends.
I am obsessed with football and films, so – during periods of free time – there’s a good chance that I’m either at a football match or watching a new film that I’ve recently added to my steelbook collection. I go to Liverpool matches as much as possible, but failing that, will happily attend matches of low-tier local teams. I also enjoy letting off steam by going to the gym, with a view to building muscle but with more of a focus on the mental and emotional benefits rather than the physical.
In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, as well as my rescue cat Otis and French bulldog Pepper. I am also really close with my family, so always make an effort to see them as much as possible, including a ritual I have of watching Liverpool matches with my mum and dad.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
I’m a massive believer in personal development, both in terms of tangible skills and mental well-being. I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs throughout my 20s, and I think the overriding lesson from it was to manage yourself properly.
I’ve spent a lot of time not enjoying myself, worrying or stressing too much, not living in the moment and simply not being happy and content. But while all of these factors need addressing, it all boils down to addressing things that negatively impact your mood and dealing with them accordingly.
You can’t change how you feel about certain things, but you can be aware of what affects you, be prepared for the outcome, learn to not be too hard on yourself for (what you regard as) reacting poorly, and then move forwards with a clean slate once it passes.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I adore the team at Arbtech, so even simply getting together for a meal or a few drinks are immensely enjoyable social events to me. My first social at Arbtech was probably my favourite so far – an afternoon and evening out in Manchester bowling and drinking.
It was amazing to spend so much time with such a wonderful group of people. At that moment, it really stood out just how much Rob focuses on solely hiring people with the right attitude, approach and personality for Arbtech.
Where do you want to travel to next?
I am more excited about travelling now than ever before, helped by my girlfriend being so eager to see more of the world.
We went to Poland for a few days over Christmas, and it was our first trip abroad together and since before COVID. It then led us to booking a few days in Amsterdam in March and a week in Greece for the relaxing summer holiday we’d always dreamed of having.
In addition to at least two trips abroad (but likely more) with my girlfriend this year, I am also in the planning stage of a few European trips away with friends to see football matches at iconic stadiums.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
My life five years ago is completely different to the life I have now, and despite being the happiest and most content I’ve ever been right now, five-year plans absolutely terrify me.
I’d definitely say that I’d hope to still be working for Arbtech in five years but likely in a larger marketing team based on the growth we’ve seen in my time here alone. It has always been my career aspiration to become a content manager, so I’d like to think the two may coincide.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
My main intention above all else is to be happy. For the first time ever, it feels like everything is in place, in terms of my relationship, friendships, job, house, car, pets and anything else I could possibly want or need.
As well as personal development, I am also developing my home in both big and small ways. From upgrading kitchen appliances and electronics to painting entire rooms and replacing significant components involving plumbing and wiring, it’s greatly rewarding to improve your own living and – in my case – working space.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve been altering my home, and while there has been a lot of trial and error, I do hope to eventually reach a point where I am completely happy with It.
Rob joined Arbtech in August 2021.
