The COVID-19 pandemic presented a lifestyle change for many people; people are still feeling the effects in different ways. In particular, influencing and catalysing many people’s career intentions, as the style of lots of workplaces changed and developed into ‘working from home’. With this workstyle reinforcing the priority of a work-life balance, many people found themselves changing careers to align better with this particular personal interest. Emily Rowley Jones's recent 2022 career transition is one such outcome.
Jones has an extensive musical background with a plethora of singing experience. After graduating from Southampton University with a music degree, she gained further musical training at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she obtained a Masters with distinction and also accomplished the school’s acclaimed Opera Course.
In the following years, Jones did a considerable amount of freelance work as a soloist, before singing for five years in the chorus of the English National Opera and a following six years working at the Royal Opera House. She is extremely passionate about the Arts and her career working in them (particularly the music industry) has developed and blossomed this love.
For Jones, the 2020 Covid pandemic brought about furlough and life at home. A common change for many people at this time. Life at home allowed her to enjoy more quality time with her family. She said: “ The pandemic gave me time to think about what I wanted in my career.” She added that she had always loved the idea of a Stagecoach franchise, which would allow her to spend more time at home because of the style of work.
Jones further remarked that life post-pandemic just felt like the right time to transition over. The transition to Stagecoach presented a contrast for Jones from performance work to administrative work, which she stated has been a challenge but a fun one!
She also completed this career transition because she loved the idea of being able to encourage children’s confidence through the Arts.
When asked further about her reasons for this switch, she commented that she loves Stagecoach and how ‘ it allows for everyone to gain confidence; how they can be really inclusive of anyone whether they have any sort of educational need, as they aim to accommodate everyone into their classes!’ Stagecoach Watford, where Jones works, provides these part-time classes in the performing arts for children between the ages of four and eighteen.
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