By Samantha Castle, Reporter

Any time I come across a frustrating situation or have a bad day in this job - for example, when waiting for important information from the emergency services on deadline day - I always think of how long it took me to get to where I am today, in my dream job (apparently the position for Brad Pitt's girlfriend has been taken by some Angie bird!).

It took me eight years to get here and I'm probably the oldest trainee journalist in the job - rumour has it I'm 31, but I don't listen to rumours.

I completed my Media Studies degree at Sheffield University in 1998 majoring in Journalism and Photography, and after a number of placements with the local press and various PR agencies my future looked bright.

However, there just weren't any openings locally in print media when I graduated. My local free paper didn't need anyone and the paid-for local's training courses were fully booked for years. I'd passed with flying BA Honours in the same subject as millions of other young hopefuls, and competition was tough.

So I turned to Public Relations, sometimes referred to as the "Reporter's Graveyard", but times were tough and the money was good - very good - and I was writing creatively (lying, mostly), even if it went against all my principles as a decent human being on some occasions!

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against press officers as the majority I deal with now as a reporter are very forthcoming with information. However, I now realise how they get their spin doctor status!

I flitted from one large corporation to the next, helping them communicate their massive profit margins while laying off loyal staff left, right and centre. I didn't enjoy what I was doing. After a stint in a well known chocolate factory in 2005, where I ate most of their profits, I applied for a part-time trainee reporter's job with the Vale Advertiser in Denbighshire, which I'd never heard of. I somehow passed the interview and grammar tests and got the job!

And now look at me: a full-time reporter (still trainee until I pass my Trinity Mirror exams) on the most popular weekly newspaper in North Wales, with my own patch (the Conwy Valley)! I know it sounds cheesy, but I am totally chuffed to be here and embrace each day and each new challenge as if it were my last.

And although I'm on the lowest wage in my life, I enjoy my job, love the area I report on, and now live in North Wales. The people are friendly and my colleagues at the Llandudno Junction head office are a good bunch. I'm evidence it's never too late to find your dream job!

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