My job: Rachel Goodchild

Rachel Goodchild has written 27 books. Photo / Getty Images

Describe what you do.

My main roles are freelance writer, relationships commentator and, in the education field, a presenter and author. They all involve me working to inspire, impart, relate and teach others. Everything adds to my long-term goal of being a full-time presenter and motivator.

Your history?

I was first a teacher, then an author, then a writer, then a presenter. And I know my student years working in retail and as a veterinary nurse for my dad also contributed to where I am now. Nothing is ever wasted; it's a matter of working out what you take from each job to bring to the next one.

I've worked in early childhood, in primary education, and at a professional development level for the education side. I've written 27 books, including educational books, parenting, two on farming, and the last on dating.

I've freelanced for different magazines and high-traffic websites. This year I've enjoyed a regular television spot as a "relationships commentator", first on Sunrise and, more recently, on Breakfast.

How do you manage so many different roles?

It looks a lot because it's varied, but I see them all as part-time jobs. And I work best when there's lots of work on and I'm under time pressure. I feel most alive when I present and speak in front of people - whether it's TV, radio, or running a seminar.

You work in a wide range of media. Where do you see the future of the industry heading?

I'm fascinated by social media. I work and talk a lot with internet marketers overseas and have some great forward-thinking colleagues. I also have always been able to see trends before they happen - and often get frustrated when others don't see them.

Old media needs to embrace new, and adapt. I'm excited at how some media companies are taking notice of how effective blogs, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and other areas can enhance rather than tear down.

I use forums, message boards and Facebook, but find Twitter is a really powerful tool. Around 8 per cent of my business contacts come from or are enhanced through Twitter.

Wearing your relationships commentator's hat, why do you think people need to ask a stranger's advice?

People trust me because they know I'm not perfect - but I am someone who cares and has been there herself. I've had the violent relationship, the broken marriage, the struggles with weight, the unemployment, the stress of finances, the health issues, the single parenting, and the dating. I've lived it. And I've tried to learn from it.

It's hard to ask a close friend for advice - and it's far easier to take the hard word from a near stranger.

What skills do you need for your roles?

Experience that comes from a few hard knocks. Who would have thought so much crap could be turned into something so helpful? The teaching helps - we learn to be reflective learners in our training and I used that technique in everything I do.

My chief qualities are confidence, empathy, focus, self-belief, resilience, and an ability to see things through other people's eyes and to meet their expressed need.

Most rewarding part of the job?

I love getting feedback. Sometimes people say I've helped them make peace with their situation, or they've had the courage to change. But my favourite part of the job is seeing the impact on my children. They mimic elements of my work - they run play events, they write reviews, they plan out TV segments.

Worst part of the job?

At the moment it's chasing invoice payments. I hate it as you feel you are begging for your money.

You're a mum to three girls. Any advice for working parents so they don't burn themselves out?

I sometimes come close. But my top tips are:

Try to work at about 80 per cent capacity so if a crisis happens, you don't tip over the edge.

Always fit "me time" into the week - selfishness is essential to really love your children.

Your children will love you if you create an environment where they are personally responsible for their things and routines.

See child-minders as people sharing their talents with your children.

If you love what you do, you are a great role model for your kids. If you don't, change jobs.

What is on your agenda?

Here is my wish list: more motivational speaking and presenting, a weekly advice column in print or on a media website, my own chat show and a new book or two.

Name: Rachel Goodchild
Age: 38
Role/occupation: Presenter/writer/author - website askrachel.co.nz
Working hours: 50-60 hours a week and then some parenting.
Employers: Me, TVNZ, private clients.
Pay: I get paid per hour, per word, per gig, per appearance. It is not consistent and completely confusing. I have also worked for clothes, books and movie tickets.
Qualifications: B Education, Dip Tch (Primary), Diploma in Performing Arts