Mention career and country in the same breath to city-dwellers and chances are they'll think you're planning to buy a farm.
But despite this perception, many career-minded young people are finding there's plenty of opportunity for a wide range of professional employment in country areas.
Three Dalby professionals reveal their satisfaction with career pursuits and a country lifestyle.
Bronwyn Bartsch , 30, Marketing Services Officer for Queensland Cotton, grew up on a property in NSW and was determined to retain that contact with the land.
"When I left uni, I knew I didn't want to work in Sydney so when I was offered a job in Toowoomba in rural banking I took it."
Bronwyn's work later led her to Dalby and a rewarding career in the cotton industry.
"I look after the purchasing of cotton for my region and ensure grower satisfaction. I'm the person at the coalface of the company for my marketing division."
Last year, Bronwyn earned the title 'Young Merchant of the Year' and a trip to many parts of the United States studying the cotton industry.
Andrew Skerman , 35, joined the busy Myall Medical Practice after making the decision to establish his medical career close to family and old friends.
Raised on a Kaimkillenbun property, Andrew has an affinity with the bush and says being a doctor in a country practice offers plenty of opportunity for professional development.
"The work is interesting and varied. I might be treating tonsillitis one minute and doing a caesarean section the next."
Married with two sons, Andrew says he enjoys being part of a smaller community and believes the country is an excellent place to raise a family.
For Tessa Simmons , 25, a veterinarian with a passion for horse riding, the country seemed like the natural choice.
Her work at Total Care Veterinarians involves a broad mix of both rural and domestic animals providing plenty of opportunity to extend her veterinary skills.
"I've have great support from my colleagues at work and it's quite easy to get advice from specialists in Brisbane."
Tessa hails from Mt Isa and says she enjoys the space and freedom of rural living.
"It's easy to have a horse and a poddy-calf. I love having all sorts of different animals around me." |
