My journey / the search for meaning
Poosch Gilbert is my full name, and I was born in Salzburg. Even back then I was always simply “Gilli” – and I have kept it that way ever since. Several family moves later, I ended up in Ried im Innkreis.
After two glorious years at grammar school (BORG), I started an apprenticeship as an IT technician in 2005. Back then I was a devoted computer geek – my definition of exercise was operating a keyboard and a mouse. Over the years, however, my horizons broadened dramatically. When I finished my apprenticeship in 2009 and civilian service was around the corner, I already knew for certain that I would not grow old in that profession. I could not say what it was, but something was missing. Never mind – first nine months of civilian service, then we would see. In parallel I discovered the beauty of the mountains. At weekends I regularly climbed the peaks in the “nearby” area with friends. At some point we took a liking to running back down the mountain afterwards – a great feeling, but terrible for the knees! By that time, sport had become something I could no longer imagine living without. Mountain hiking, running, the gym …
For my civilian service I chose the Lebenshilfe workshop in Ried im Innkreis. There, for the first time, I experienced that my work could be useful, meaningful and human. I felt I had taken a step in the right direction. So right after my nine months of service I decided to train as a social care professional. After completing the training I briefly worked as a carer in a private household, and shortly afterwards I was able to return to the Lebenshilfe workshop.
Qualification
- Staatlich geprüfter Canyoningführer (state-certified canyoning guide)