episode 21: VICKY BALFOUR, BIKE MECHANIC

27 May 2024

Photo credits go to Sarah Hewitt and Jay Waldon

I sat down with Vicky to talk about her transition from being a stay-at-home mom for 14 years to a bike mechanic. She opened up about her mental health and feelings of isolation that were the catalyst for her return to the workforce but not at any cost; the challenges she still faces to juggle it all which has made her re-evaluate what success is to her; and how today she and her daughter do advocacy work for disabled and inclusive cycling. And Vicky has some great advice for anyone considering re-entering the workforce after a lengthy hiatus and some gems of wisdom for those who want to attempt doing so in a completely new field.
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BEST PLACE TO FOLLOW VICKY AND LEARN MORE ABOUT HER:

www.vickybikes.co.uk

SHOWNOTES:

* Music by Olexy from Pixabay
* Featured in this podcast: Vicky Balfour

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/vickybikes

* Mentioned in this episode:

• Biketart: www.biketart.com
• Life Time ​Sea Otter Classic: www.seaotterclassic.com
• Megavalanche: www.ucc-sportevent.com/megavalanche-alpe-dhuez-2
• Tweed Valley: scottishmtbtourism.com/destinations/tweed-valley
• Mountain Biking UK: www.mbuk.com
• Sisters in the Wild: sistersinthewild.com
• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
• New Forest Off Road Club: www.thenewforestoffroadclub.com

* Support us making this independent podcast by becoming one of our Patreon Members

TRANSCRIPT

I'm Charlaine Jannerfeldt, and you're listening to About that outdoor job.


4:38

Thank you to Vicky for making the time in her supper busy schedule to talk with me. You can find her on Instagram at Vicky Bikes. Other resources are listed in our show notes.  

And a big thank you to you listeners. If you haven't already, follow us on your favourite listening platform and leave us a review cause that really helps our podcast be discovered by others.

And now you can also support this independently created and produced podcast by becoming one of our Patreon members. Being an independent podcast means there's no financial backing from a network or a brand. Any financial support we receive to produce the podcast, it comes from listeners like you, and it makes a huge difference. It helps us get the right equipment, sourcing the best guests, and affording the time to continue recording and editing regularly. You can learn about our three membership levels and what you get for your support on our Patreon page. The link is included in this episode's show notes, on our website, and on our Instagram page at About That Outdoor Job. Thank you for your continued support.  

​This episode was produced and hosted by me, Charlaine Jannerfeld. ​