‍
I think I’m a really uninteresting person; 90% of the things that come out of my mouth are absolute rubbish, which is a wonder how I found myself in a client-facing role. Words seem to find me easily, although I hate talking about myself, but that’s beside the point.

Right, my journey. It’s not a ticket I’d buy willingly. That sounds really foreboding; it’s really not that bad.

I finished school not really knowing what my next step was. I thought, what was the subject that I disliked the least? I ended up with English. Even though I’m not a massive bookworm or lover of poetry, I love the analytical side of it and enjoy a bit of creative writing. That was my path set. I applied to university to do English Studies and somehow got an unconditional offer. Then I got to the university and realised why it was unconditional; the area was a dump and the university was very small. They needed everyone there they could get. Even so, I did enjoy my time there and the lecturers were brilliant! In hindsight, I would have done it differently but I came out with a degree… eventually.

The wonder that is Covid-19 hit in my third year. Before that, I contracted a parasite infection which caused me to just reject all food and lose 2 stones. I wouldn’t recommend it as a diet for weight loss, but it sure was effective. Once I’d recovered, I went back to uni for two weeks before we went into lockdown. That was fun.

A big thing I’m missing, and haven’t yet mentioned, that played a big part in my journey from school to university is my sexuality. I came out as gay at school when I was 15… which was fun. I’m not sure what schools are like now, but it wasn’t the easiest path. As I got older, the teasing died down. It was largely in primary school, but anyway, this isn’t a sob story. 

I’ve never really been one to blend in. I’m loud, goofy, sarcastic and as much as I object to it, rather flamboyant. You notice me when I walk into a room. It’s something I’ve come to own. I’m completely confident of the person I am and who I am. It doesn’t mean I’m not self-conscious of my sexuality. There’s a reason so many members of the LGBTQ+ community are so into their looks, because we’re all majorly self conscious. 

It’s not something that’s been easy to grow up with. You don’t see tons of people who are like you around (especially not in Essex anyway). Even on television or in the public eye; only in certain areas do you see people expressing themselves freely. It took a while to just think: ‘whatever, I’m me’.

Anyway, back to me. 

When I finally finished uni and the world was free to function in its weird and wonderful way, I had to try and find a job. Those who know me are aware of my spending habits (I spend a lot), so I needed a job to fund that. Everyone who finds out I have an English degree asks if I’m a teacher. Well, I’m not very patient so that wouldn’t suit me. I did consider it though. As I’ve mentioned, one thing I’m good at is talking. So, I went into hospitality. One thing people love (well, more women over a certain age) is a wonderfully camp boy who will chat the back legs off a donkey. Enter Henry.

I was rather good at my job if I do say so myself. But, I didn’t like working on the weekends, working late nights and getting messy. I always spilled coffee on me or got some form of food down my top. And I wasn’t always appropriately dressed to be running around as I’m quite into my fashion so my outfits were rather out there, and I’m rather clumsy. 

I suppose it was in this kind of environment that I really came into my own and got far more comfortable in my own skin. I felt this would originally come with being at uni, but because my uni was so small, it was just like being back in Essex. There weren’t that many ‘different’ people to relate to. 

Another factor that fed into my lack of, I supposed, uncertainty of my sexuality was sport. I’ve played field hockey since I could walk basically. I’ve competed in national competitions, regional and district, so I’ve been about the block a bit. Again, it’s not exactly a walk of life where you meet people who aren’t heterosexual men. So that was something I tried to combat as best I knew how. Which, for a long period of time, ended up with me just being quiet.

So, how did I end up at We Are Fred? Well, I’d had enough of working weekends. But there’s more to it than that. I get very bored very easily – which my colleagues have come to know. I wanted to challenge myself and utilise what little creativity I have. My creativity comes through in my expression and when I write. As a result, working for a creative marketing agency rather well. So when Fred met me, they thought: ‘Let's put him in front of clients’. Like I said earlier, I am never short of words. So I settled into that role, I’d like to think rather well. 

Because I don’t like being bored, I’m a bit of a multitasker. I’ve managed to dip my toe into loads of extra aspects of the job that I never would have been able to get exposed to elsewhere. And I’ve loved every minute of it. 

I’ve never had to apologise for who I am. And nobody has for that matter. Whether your race, sexuality or ethnicity differs from the majority, you’re who you are. And that’s a virtue of Fred that comes through as clear as day in the staff. We’re all different. We’re all so welcomed. And we’re all championed. 

‍That’s how I ended up at We Are Fred, as an Account Manager. This ticket, is one I’d buy.

‍