With me not actively trying to secure more IT work and the fact that I was only volunteering at my local climbing wall, I thought it was probably a wise decision to start looking for a part-time job to help pay the bills. 

But what? From speaking to outdoor instructors, the majority said you need another source of income for the quieter, winter months. So, I didn’t want any job, it would hopefully be long-term, it had to be something I’d enjoy and get excited about. Otherwise, I might as well just stick to IT, however, just the thought of that made me an unhappy Charley.

Turns out, I didn’t have to look too far. Outside, the outdoor shop in Hathersage, the place that has been the central hub for my Peak climbing days, were looking for part-time staff. 

If you’re into the outdoors and have been to the Peak District, chances are you’ve paid a visit to Outside. It’s an independent family shop, first opened by Dick and Sally Turnbull in the 80’s, it’s now run by their two sons Rob and James. I can’t even begin to add up how many hours I’ve spent there over the years, or even worse, dare add up how much of my savings I’ve spent on gear. However, it’s one of my happy places. Even when the weather hasn’t played ball and scuppered the days climbing, a visit to Outside to look at gear I don’t really need (and can’t actually afford), chat to the staff and have a cup of tea in the café still makes the drive over worthwhile. 

I’d never worked in a shop before, absolute zero retail experience but I’d spent so many hours browsing around the shop that getting paid for the privilege seemed like a good idea. Plus, the timing was perfect.

Just the small matter of sending my CV in and going for an interview. Since leaving school at 12, I’ve only had one job interview and that was years ago. Everything else before and after, I’ve been self-employed. What on earth do you in an interview? What questions will I get asked?

As usual, I was overthinking. My ‘interview’ was on the shop floor, in-between James serving and talking to customers and basically went along the lines of “when can you start?”!! Well, that was easy. I stopped for a quick celebratory climb at Burbage North on my way home. Feeling lucky that I’ll get to work at my happy place and have the opportunity to drive past crags on my way home. 

You’ll most probably (and rightly so) judge me for this but as luck would have it, at the time I started working at the shop, within a week of each other, two full-time members of staff had climbing accidents. Small, little accidents (I’m not totally heartless) but resulting in one broken heel and one broken wrist between them, meant they were out of action for a few weeks. Now, where I really lucked out (try not to judge me too much, I have a very dry sense of humour) they both usually worked in the gear room. So not only were there plenty of shifts to cover, it also meant that I got lots of quality time working in the climbing room – my safe, familiar place. Where I get to talk about climbing all day, advise and sell people the best gear for their next adventures.

I’d admit that to some people, a 30 something-year-old working a part-time retail job on a zero-hour contract may not sound like the ideal career choice. There’s nothing wrong with that viewpoint, I can fully understand their way of thinking and priorities. My outlook on life is slightly different but far from atypical. I’m not the most ambitious person when it comes to work. My priorities have always been about health, happiness and family. I’ve learnt that life can be short and energy is precious so I need to try and make the most of good days and make those happy memories when you can.

Working at Outside over the past four months has been brilliant and so much fun. Shifts aren’t always available or overlap with other work so, isn’t always regular but I’m loving it. It’s such a friendly place to be. Somewhere where you’re made to feel appreciated and part of the family rather than a team. Sally (Rob & James’s mum) still works in the shop to help with busy periods. The first time I met her, she asked if I was enjoying the job and if I was coping with work and my illness. It took me by surprise at first, as it’s not my usual topic but obviously she must have found out from James. Which just showed me that she’s still very much involved in the business and how the family cares about their staff. I can still remember how genuinely interested she seemed to be in me and my wellbeing. Which meant so much. It’s really true, that if you look after your staff and treat them well, they’ll want to do their best for you and that’s definitely the case with Outside. Oh and the staff discount doesn’t do any harm either.