If you love getting out there and knowing what’s what, guiding could be for you

Name: Nuala Young

Age: 54

Job Title: Guide/Lecturer

Top survival tip
Enjoy it and don’t be too pompous. I think it is important to appreciate where each group is coming from, both geographically and psychologically.

The day-to-day
I mainly show groups around Oxford, usually doing the tour in English, French or German. Increasingly, I am taking groups further afield now that my children have grown up. I have had the opportunity to guide people around Bruges, Edinburgh, Paris and Ireland.

The reaction from others
Sometimes confusion, sometimes curiosity and sometimes envy. Occasionally people show contempt for tourist groups and therefore my job

The past
When I first went to school, I wanted to be a teacher. When I was 14, I really thought I would like to be an architect or university lecturer. I suppose what I do now uses some of the same skills as a teacher.

Getting started
Because I was committed to the peace, anti-nuclear movement and my children I just took part-time teaching jobs. In fact, I had about eight different types of teaching jobs before I took up guiding. I was then given a contact number for the association of guides from a friend. This seems to be a typical scenario – people are more likely to be accepted if they know someone already doing guiding.

Skills and personality
Being sociable is an important skill – I love meeting new people and having interesting discussions. Also, having a passion for real history – not just laws and dates, but what people were thinking and how they were living – is a real bonus. Therefore imagination and communication are important. My enjoyment of the countryside and interesting or beautiful buildings makes my job much more fun too.

Freedom and control
I can choose which jobs to accept – this gives me a lot more flexibility in my work than many people have. On most tours I decide where (within certain parameters) I want to take people and the timing of the itinerary.

The hours
It varies. From March to the end of May, I work every weekday. Two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. From May until the middle of August I often work over the weekends as well. Since I am freelance my hours are up to me. During the winter I might only have two or three tours a week.

The cash
Under 20K. I am paid well for the time I do – usually around £45 for one and a half hours work. This is enough since my husband pays the main household bills. By choice I don’t do more tours.

There is no salary structure for freelance guiding. The national guidelines are £120 per day’s guiding once a person has successfully trained as a Blue Badge guide.

The gender split
I’d guess it’s six women to every man. This may be because this type of work lends itself to women – there is a certain amount of mothering involved in leading groups. I haven’t encountered any sexist attitudes from the company I work for but I do have to curb a few comments from the coach drivers.

The perks
Getting to see a lot of different places, staying in good hotels, nice meals, being respected within the tourist trade and also having free entrance to plays, museums and galleries.

The pits
Having to take tired, disinterested or arrogant groups around on a grey or rainy day. Fortunately, this type of group doesn’t come along too often.

Coping with stress
The best way to ward off stress or nerves is to have a relaxed breakfast. More important than that though – remember to smile.

Seeking inspiration
I read books, watch relevant TV programmes, go to lectures and talk to friends.

Favourite work gizmo
My tiny fax machine and my laptop – if it was working properly. My mobile phone is becoming quite crucial for work.

The future
In 10 years I hope to be retired completely in an idyllic house by the sea.

The verdict
It can be a very rewarding job. I’m not sure if I would keep going if I could afford not to. If I had to do it all over again I might have gone in to architecture. On the whole though, I think it does make good use of my skills without being too stressful.

What’s it like doing your job? If you want to share your day-to-day get in contact: Work&CareerChannel@email.ivillage.co.uk.