Vivienne Vignettes: Olympia
Olympia’s story is the second in my ‘Vivienne Vignette’ series. Her story is of a brilliant woman who left her formal career behind to fulfil a creative calling with a vengeance!
I’ve always been drawn to work that involves people, learning, and contribution. My story, when I look back on it now, is one of community service, determination, and the unexpected joy I found when I finally chose to live life on my own terms.
From Classroom to Commonwealth
I began my career as a primary school teacher. I loved being in the classroom and watching my students learn, but over time I felt drawn to do something more. That curiosity led me to take a short Information Technology course at Victoria University.
Around that time, my cousin, who worked as a Professional Development Training officer in the Australian Public Service (APS), told me about their role. I was intrigued. It felt like an opportunity to use my skills in a different way, beyond the classroom, while connecting with new people. I sat the APS entry exam and soon found myself working in a large government department in Melbourne’s CBD.
Finding her Stride in IT and Education
My first day in the APS was memorable. The office was in the middle of introducing desktop computers as part of a major modernisation project. On that same day, I also met my future husband.
I felt comfortable in my role, but I’ve always had a strong desire to keep learning. I enrolled in Business Accounting classes in the evenings while working during the day. Although I didn’t complete the degree, the knowledge I gained gave me the confidence to expand my role.
Before long, I became known for hosting public education forums and facilitating IT information sessions. I realised I had a natural ability to present and translate complex information into something people could understand. It energised me and I wasn’t just capable, I genuinely loved it.
Creativity, Leadership and the Slow Squeeze
Public education and IT training became my sweet spot—a blend of teaching, technology, and client service that felt like a natural fit. When IT merged with corporate services, I welcomed the opportunity to take on new responsibilities while holding onto the parts of my work I loved.
I thrived in creating multimedia and eLearning products, collaborating with clients and stakeholders, and bringing creative ideas to life. Some of my work was even recognised with awards for excellence.
But alongside that growth, something more difficult emerged. I became the target of a bullying leader who excluded me from key meetings and attempted to undermine my presentations.
The Big Decision
Near the end of my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at Victoria University, I was invited to apply for a teaching role within the university. It felt like a breath of fresh air. I was surrounded by supportive colleagues and enthusiastic students, and I contributed to the development of teaching policies. I felt valued again.
Eventually, I returned to my permanent role back in the APS, joining a strong team with a great manager. But unfortunately my next move brought me back into an environment shaped by poor leadership and office politics.
Despite enjoying the work itself, I found myself once again constrained, this time by a manager who told me I “belonged” to him. After years of careful diplomacy and trying to navigate the system, I felt diminished. So when the long-awaited opportunity to leave finally came, I didn’t hesitate.
On my last day, I quite literally danced out of the building. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, like I had stepped out of something that had been holding me in place for far too long. Years later, I would describe that environment as feeling almost like a cult. Leaving it was liberating.
A New Life Built on Curiosity and Joy
After three decades of work, and raising a family alongside it, I entered a very different phase of life. For the first time, my days were no longer dictated by work or family schedules. Instead, they were shaped by curiosity.
I joined a book club, took watercolour classes with a respected artist, and became involved with the NGV and the Incinerator Gallery. That reconnection with art, creativity, innovation and community felt exciting.
At the gallery, I guided visitors, drew on my presentation skills, and even exhibited my own work. It reminded me that creativity had always been part of who I was.
The Quiet Power of Time that Belongs to You
Since childhood, I had carried a quiet dream. I used to write and illustrate stories for myself, and later for my children. Becoming a published author was something I dreamed of doing ‘one day’.
With time finally on my side, I enrolled in a Professional Writing and Editing course at Victoria University. I wanted to develop my skills and connect with others who shared that passion. Before long I entered and won short story competitions, published poems, and in 2021, I published my first book, Yiasou Yarraville, supported by a local council grant and a bank.
Today, I remain deeply involved in my community. I document local stories, contribute to projects lincluding Yiasou Yarraville and the Stories of Bradmill documentary. I serve on several committees, including the Footscray Historical Society, Maribyrnong Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee and the Healthy and Active Ageing Committee.
In 2026, I was honoured to become the inaugural Maidstone Community Centre Writer in Residence.
Stay Curious and Connected
Now in my sixties, I can finally choose my own path. I feel calmer, more curious, and more open to what lies ahead. I say yes to opportunities that delight me. After decades of work, study, and caring for others, my days are now filled with art, history, reading, conversation, and connection.
Looking back, my story is a powerful reminder that leaving a long corporate career does not have to be an end but can be a generous, creative, vivacious beginning.
