Kathleen MacMahon: The tools of one’s trade are precious things indeed

In an age where most of us have desk jobs, it’s important to remain in touch with the smells and sounds that spark a passion for what you do

A passion for stationery might give you a clue as to what you would like to do in life. Picture: Getty

It’s hard to find your way in life. I think of this every year as the CAO opens to applications. I feel for all the young people trying to navigate their way through all those choices, weighing up everyone’s opinions and advice and somehow trying to find their path. I feel for them because I was once that soldier. My career has been nothing if not circuitous, taking me the long way round and down ...