The What Happened Podcast
JP Pienaar interviews people from many different professions to find out what they wanted to be when they were younger and what happened after that. We look at what career path(s) they went down and how they are doing in their current job. This podcast is meant to provide help to anyone of any age who is considering what career to pursue. This includes school students who are thinking about what to study at University, people who have been working for a few years and would like to change to another career that they actual enjoy and people who think it’s too late or that they are too old to change their current career situation. Each week we interview someone to find out what it is actually like to work in their profession. If you have ever considered making a move to a different profession then this podcast will help you to find out what that profession is actually like. Most people don’t pursue their true passion. They end up working a job that they hate, to pay the bills. This podcast highlights that we all experience the same kinds of road blocks when trying to pursue our true passion as a career. Those who are truly happy are those who break through these road blocks to pursue their passion. In the words of Tyler Durden: “What did you want to be ? !!!!”
Episodes
Alan joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of an Estate Agent is like. Alan works for Seeff properties in the Cape Town city bowl area and has been in the industry for 8 years. Alan studied at Stellenbosch University in International studies followed by Sports Science and finished with marketing and business management at UNISA. He opened Custom Level art during the Soccer World Cup 2010, selling wire beaded ...
Nick Pampallis joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a Coach is like. Nick coaches boxing, fitness and thinking and runs operations within The Coaching Centre and the Integral Africa Institute. Nick studied personal training and sports conditioning. He started working as a personal trainer but lost the love for it. Nick has run a business importing American Apparel as well as a business in Port Alfred. Ret...
“I have loved every job I have had as a social worker.”
“If you’re looking to become a social worker do it because you have empathy. Don’t do it just because you want a job. You need something inside you that really cares about other people. It has to be a profession you really want to do.”
Jane Payne joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a Social Worker is like. Jane’s most recent role was as Prog...
“Speak to people who are currently doing or have done what you want to do. It could be life altering.”
Ross Train joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a City Planner/Urban Designer is like. Growing up, Ross had an interest in Archaeology which continued on into the geographical field. Ross has completed a Bachelor of Social Science degree (obtaining a 1st in his 3rd year), followed by a 1 year ho...
Paul Simon joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of an Entrepreneur is like. Enrolling in a Clothing Production Management course at Cape Technicon, Paul completed 1 of the 3 years before working at GAP in the UK. Returning to South Africa he completed a fashion marketing course through IMM. While under fire at a family dinner, Paul formed the idea for YDE which he implemented with great success for 10 years ...
“I expected too much after doing 2 years of fine art, I expected to be earning well quickly.”
“It’s hard to earn enough money from art, unless you are extremely famous.”
“An artist who has to earn their living from painting has to be far more productive, they have to put in the hours and churn out paintings.”
Pat Munro joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of an artist as well as a Managing Director is...
“You have to be flexible enough to change as technology and your career opportunities change.”
"As much as we think we can plan our lives, often circumstances determine what is going to happen.”
“There is no one path that is right or wrong for somebody.”
“Life is about opportunities and what roads become open to you. It’s not too late.”
Dr. Peter Barron joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the l...
“If I could do the year of Business management and entrepreneurship at UCT again I would, it was a great course.”
Bjorn Train joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a Project Manager is like. During his 3rd year of BCom Chartered Accounting he decided to change over to Honours in Business management and entrepreneurship at UCT. Bjorn has been working as a Manager at the Clay Café in Hout Bay and wi...
“You can study theory but when you are in the classroom it is different. The positives of a teacher’s college is that they allow you to gain more practical experience.”
Julie Doolan joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a special needs teacher is like. Julie always knew that she’d like to be a teacher and studied a Bachelors of Education at Stellenbosch where she completed her honours. We take a l...
“You have to have a very thick skin to become an estate agent. You grow every year as you face new challenges.”
Gareth Doolan joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of an estate agent is like. In 2010 he became an estate agent in the southern suburbs area of Cape Town and has been highly successful in selling in this area as well as offering a wealth of information on his website: The Real Estate Guy....
“As you get older, the colours of the painting merge into something that they weren’t back then.”
Tim Lewis joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a trainee accountant is like. Passionate about soccer, Tim sustained a 3rd (or 4th) degree concussion during his final year of study. He pushed through hard times to complete his degree. We take a look at what happened.
“You cannot buy your health.”
Caron Train joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a buyer in the fashion retail industry is like. Caron left home at the age of 17 and from working reception at The Southern Sun has moved into a pivotal role at Queenspark. Also interested in Interior design, we take a look at what happened.
“I simply didn’t work hard enough in high school. You have to have the basics !”
Pieter Pienaar joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a teacher is like. Pieter wanted to become a radio presenter/sports commentator and was also interested in music and medicine but didn’t have the marks leaving high school. He was not sure what career path he wanted to pursue and teaching offered a bursary which he...
"Don’t be aggressive, rude or sarcastic, but be assertive."
Di Lewis joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a PA is like. With over 40 years of experience Di has seen it all, with some of her secretarial experience even covering driving for Avis as well as commercial diving. Di wanted to study Food technology and instead went into the secretarial field and enjoyed it equally as much. Many...
“I would tell 8 year old me to have more faith in myself and have the confidence to decide what I want to do and just go in that direction.”
Andy Knoop joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a Shopper Marketing Manager is like. Andy started her own events company and moved into Marketing after deciding not to become an anaesthetist. We take a look at what happened.
"Do things that are true to yourself, if you don’t like playing golf and cycling then don’t pretend to."
Justin Erasmus joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a tech entrepreneur is like. He takes us through what he has learnt on his journey so far. After completing a life coaching course, Justin also takes us through some of the bigger picture thinking that he has adopted. Justin Studied...
Justin Pienaar joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a biokineticist is like. After obtaining 27% for matric Afrikaans, Justin went on to become one of the top 12 Biokinetics students in South Africa. His journey started however, with journalism. Leaving matric Justin had not figured out what career he would like to pursue. We take a look at what happened.
"I'm happy as a teacher, I also wanted to be a musician or doctor."
Carol Pienaar joins us on the podcast for a look at what a day in the life of a SENCO at a private school is like. With over 40 years of teaching experience, this guest shares some insights into the world of teaching. Although Carol enjoys her role as a SENCO, she wanted to become a musician or a doctor. We take a look at what happened.
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