Eimer Peters
Hi everyone, I have a background in business and management consultancy and a passion for sustainability, adventure and people. I recently returned from volunteering for an eco-tourism project in Sierra Leone. My role there involved community development and lobbying the government on environmental topics including beach sand mining which could prove detrimental to the tourism potential of SL.
From secure, stuffy office to breath-taking beach office and beyond
As a kid I was always curious where all the suited up people were marching off to every morning, not because they looked so happy, simply out of curiosity. I wanted to know what went on behind the closed doors.After a few years consulting for IBM I gave it up to pursue a different type of life. I spent six months volunteering in Sierra Leone I'm ready to etch out my own future.
How I can help Esc members
I can help Esc members by connecting them with my network, taking through escape plans or even just meeting for a chat if were in the same part of the world.
Currently...
Right now I am in the Carribean with friends after finishing up a position with Tribewanted in Sierra Leone. I am looking for exciting new opportunities to throw myself into and researching a business venture that I would like to pursue.
Before I escaped...
I was working with IBM in the field of HR consulting, I was travelling a lot and picked up some great skills that I will take with me.
My moment of truth...
My moment of truth came after a tragic accident took the life of my sister's best friend and I realized that we have one short, precious life and I could no longer waste it doing something I didn't feel passionate about.Planning for it...
I had seen a position posted for a volunteer spot in Sierra Leone (a country I had recently visited and felt very passionately about) and just sent a very candid email to the founder expressing my interest. There and then my mind had been made up!I luckily had some savings there to support my new adventure.
The worst and best bits...
It has been very liberating to work my ass day and night off for no financial renumeration. In this consumer driven world we live it is freeing and refreshing to realize how little we need to be happy.It was terrifying to give up the security of a well paid job and walk unwittingly into the unknown. Although the flip side of the terror is that each time I go outside my comfort zone I actually expand its boundaries.
Best advice...
If it scares you, you should do it.I don't want to be ruled by fear and pretty much everything is scary until you try it, so this piece of advice has proved very useful in my decision making and even day to day life.
I would pass on the same advice to anyone willing to take it. If you feel that knot in your chest when you think about doing something, take a minute to explore what it is you are so afraid of, and do it anyway! Then take another few minutes to explore how you feel about conquering your fear. I am pretty sure this newly found confidence will serve you well...