Peonie Gebbie | Clayton Utz
A typical work day for me is...
As a night owl, it starts with multiple alarms and a strong cup of coffee! Being in major projects and construction, my day-to-day is otherwise dictated by project timelines. Some days are spent deep in drafting, while others will involve client calls, industry interactives or, if I'm lucky, a site visit. Our clients are based throughout Australia, so a trip interstate is also not uncommon. Regardless of what I've had on, my non-negotiable is to finish the day with movement (shout out to KX and 1R!). This helps me to reset at the end of each day and function at my best in a high performing team.
The most rewarding part of my job is...
Seeing the projects you have worked on take life. Call me a construction dork (guilty), but I get such a thrill from walking past a completed structure that we've advised on. As we have a large government client base, I am also fortunate to work on projects that deliver life-changing infrastructure to the community, such as hospitals and housing. A close family member is a patient at one such hospital, and couldn't be happier with the treatment she receives there. Knowing that you have contributed in a tiny way to the betterment of someone's life is so rewarding.
The best advice I have received is…
We're only drafting, we're not saving lives. While this may sound somewhat contrary to my previous response, it is something I needed to hear when I was younger and struggling as a naturally anxious, Type A perfectionist. At the time, I felt a constant need to prove myself and internalised stress until it inevitably boiled over. Someone saying this to me made me realise that the success or failure of the project does not rest on me, the tiniest cog in the wheel. There is a difference between doing your best, and doing it all.
Outside of work I enjoy…
The sun and the ocean. Neither of which we are blessed with in Melbourne, unfortunately!
