One year today, I was a pharmacist out of work. Today, where am I?

Reflection is a key part of anyone's life. I've done lots of it.

Today is the 1st anniversary since my appearance on the STV News at Six where Political Correspondent, Claire Stewart, interviewed me about my desperate situation in being unable to find work at this time last year. After registering as a pharmacist in late 2012, I found myself unable to find the first step on the employment ladder and my case was featured in illustrating how I, and many other graduates across this country, have been affected by the damaged job prospects.

It's hard to believe that it's already been one year since I surprised many people (from what I anecdotally heard anyway!) by appearing on their television sets. But this week has been quite a surreal experience for me personally. It was only yesterday that I found myself in the public gallery at the Scottish Parliament, watching a debate taking place on the Scottish economy.

There was one dramatic moment during the proceedings which, for me personally, was of major significance. Angela Constance MSP, the current Scottish Government Minister for Youth Unemployment and Jenny Marra MSP, Scottish Labour's Shadow Minister for Youth Unemployment, were involved in heated exchanges over the current youth unemployment situation. It was at that moment that the jigsaw pieces fell together. A co-incidence in timing, probably, but I sensed some sort of a link between yesterday and my appearance on the television news at this time last year.

I'm incredibly glad I was invited by Claire to put my own personal story on the public record (and cannot thank her enough once again), because I want people to appreciate that, no matter what someone is trained to do or what talent someone may have, there will be times when life can get difficult and where help is necessary. Some may wonder what on earth a pharmacist was doing on the news last year, in the context of the tough jobs market, because many people think pharmacy is one of those professions where work is guaranteed after registering as a pharmacist.

It amazes me, with complete and utter disbelief, how many people think that pharmacists can still walk easily into a job without any form of disruption or difficulty. Within the last two or three years, pharmacy has been caught up in a volatile and damaging storm where more and more graduates are beginning to find that the supply of pharmacists is now exceeding demand for them. The Centre for Workforce Intelligence predicts that unless major action is taken then there could be an oversupply of as many as nearly 20,000 pharmacists in England by 2040.

If there is any lesson to be learned from what has happened in our economy over the last few years, it's that nobody is safe, nothing is guaranteed and no profession is immune to market forces in the economy. I may market myself well online and elsewhere, but I'm only human. I can't walk through this world on my own and, frankly, nobody else in this world can.

You may be wondering now as to what I'm actually doing a year on since my appearance on television. It's nearly been one year since I became self-employed. It's a new phase in my life and it's one that I've generally enjoyed. Because there are so few permanent jobs now for pharmacists (not just in Scotland, but across the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and many other countries), many newly qualified pharmacists go down the locuming route.

You work in all sorts of places, you meet different kinds of people and you see different ways of how things are done. I've been incredibly fortunate to work all over Scotland and really enjoy the constant change that being a locum brings. The work situation started off slowly when I became self-employed, but I got more and more busy as 2013 progressed. Now though, it's a little quieter now as many of the employers tend to hold on to their permanent staff at this early stage of the year before the year picks up momentum. On another note, Claire said something very powerful at the end of her report a year today: "...but he knows his future may not now lie in the career he's trained for."

If you know me well enough then you will no doubt know that I have my finger on the pulse when it comes to communication and the media. Whether it was my work placements at STV News and Kingdom FM, achieving my Competent Communicator award (public speaking) with Toastmasters International or presenting my weekly radio show on Victoria Radio Network in Kirkcaldy, I've got a desire to do well in the Scottish media. I cannot deny that, because if I did then I would be denying myself. You can never say never in life and it's important to engage with your own passions. I would say with confidence that I have a natural flair as a communicator and it's something I want to continue to grow and be continuously successful with.

And finally, if there is anything that I have learned in this last twelve months, it is the fact that no matter what people think of you, say about you or what opinion they hold of you, the only person who can make things work is you. Self-belief, self-confidence and self-determination go very far.

They aren't cringeworthy attributes to hold. Without them, there is no hope. These attributes are essential ingredients in creating a recipe for success.

Hassan's delight at HBA award nomination

Anas has a strong insight into Scottish politics

Anas Hassan has hailed the news at the start of 2014 that his speech package on last year's hit political play, "The Confessions of Gordon Brown", is being nominated for a Hospital Broadcasting Association award.

The broadcaster who presents for Victoria Radio Network in Kirkcaldy interviewed the director of the play, Emmy-nominated screenwriter, Kevin Toolis, for his programme on the hospital radio station last year. He also gave his own insight into what he thought of the production after going to see it for himself at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Anas' speech package entry will be competing with nine other contenders for the title of 'Best Speech Package' this March at the National Hospital Radio Awards in Bristol. Despite only being with the radio station for approximately one year, Anas has expressed his delight at the news announced at the start of the year: "When I heard the news just around an hour after midnight on New Year's Day, I could not believe what I had just learned. I am absolutely thrilled to have my speech package shortlisted."

Anas believes the achievement is a testament to his commitment to deliver quality programming for listeners: "I am very passionate about delivering quality programming and that is what I am all about as a broadcaster. I was actually very humbled and grateful for gaining the opportunity to interview Kevin about his play and I want to thank him once again for his time on air."

He also paid tribute to those who have supported him: "I want to pay tribute to my family, friends and fellow members at Victoria Radio Network for all the superb support they have given me since I joined and I cannot wait to fly the flag for VRN and for Scotland this March."

For a full list of the nominations for the 'Best Speech Package' HBA award 2014, please click here.

2014 - the year of light, love and hope

Special thanks to Neil Ingebrigtsen for taking this photo

Tonight, I was fortunate enough to find myself a part of Edinburgh's annual torchlight procession. It's the first time I attended the event and I didn't even expect to go at the start of today. But tonight's event brought home some very important thoughts with just one more day left until the start of 2014.

The event to me is symbolised by light, love and hope for the future. It heartened me when I came to that conclusion as the night progressed. There were approximately around 30,000 people who took part in the event tonight in the city centre and it was just such an innocent, family orientated and happy occasion - truly Scotland's capital city found itself on winning form once again, especially at this time of the year.

I've had a very interesting year over those last twelve months. There were many highs. For example, starting work for the first time as a self-employed registered pharmacist, driving my own car for the first time and making major progress in my life within the media and as a broadcaster. 

I also had the lucky opportunities to travel once again this year, making my second visit to Dublin and visiting Derry/Londonderry for the first time in Northern Ireland and taking part in all kinds of event (my highlight was the emotional final ever recording of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?" in Elstree). My own personal growth was so joyful to experience and I know that I have a lot of potential within myself to be a massive success story in the future years ahead, God willing. 

But there were some lows as well. The year got off to a very bleak start where I struggled to get off the mark in the job market. It was so bad that I even ended up on the news (in many parts of Scotland only). I also have to admit that I came to really realise over these many months how badly my own social life had been knocked over the last few years - a difficult thing to mention in public, I know, but I don't apologise for it. 

A lot of my close friends from university moved all over the country and seeing them now is very difficult these days. However it's reassuring to have made some new friends back at home and I really think we should step things up in 2014 when it comes to organising social gatherings and events. I love people and keeping in contact with as many people as possible is very important. I also admit that I could have achieved more within my professional life this year, but then again, am I asking for too much?

So, to conclude, what do I want from 2014? To keep going in the right direction with regard to my career and become more and more of an attractive asset. Socially, there are many people I still want to meet and get talking with again. I have an incredibly social personality, despite my setbacks, and I know that. And finally, to love myself more than ever before. 

You may find that last sentence as an arrogant thing of me to say, but it really isn't. Confidence is one of the most important attributes that any individual can have and it means a lot to me to be confident. Because without confidence, nobody else will show that confidence in me to be a successful human being in this world. When I leave this world, I want my family, friends and those who know me to remember me as a man who shows nothing but love for everyone I meet, everything that I do and to show respect, even if difficulties step into my path. I want to thank all of you for being part of my year for 2013 and a special thanks to my family, friends and everyone that I know and have met in 2013.

And finally, tonight love, light and hope symbolised all the fun in Edinburgh. And it will symbolise 2014 for me. Have a very happy Hogmanay and a successful 2014.

This is the news with Anas!

A new portfolio showcasing the broadcast journalist skills of Anas Hassan has been launched.

The demo, which is now available to view above, shows Anas demonstrating his abilities on screen and on radio. Earlier this year, Anas successfully completed two work placements with STV News and Kingdom FM where his broadcasting horizons dramatically expanded and new learning experiences were gained. 

Speaking about the new demo, which has been online since last night, Anas said: "I am absolutely ecstatic about finally making my new demo available for everyone to view. Many people I hope will appreciate how much time and effort has been invested into producing it and it's certainly easier said than done when it comes to fully producing a portfolio, despite it only being just over five minutes long."

Despite being many months on since his time at STV and Kingdom FM, Anas still values both of his experiences at both the television and radio stations: "I had a fantastic time both at STV and Kingdom FM. I loved every second of both work placements. It made me a better broadcaster and has really helped me improve the quality of my programming at Victoria Radio Network, where I still present regularly."

Anas welcomes any constructive comments on his new demo. For more information about Anas Hassan, please see his biography by clicking on the relevant link above on the menu bar. The demo is also available to view through the "Showreel" link.

In loving memory of Madiba

Glasgow was the first city in the world to honour
the former President of South Africa

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Around 24 hours ago, he left this world leaving an impact on it which, in future, will be impossible to match.

Many people from all walks of life have paid tribute to the former President of South Africa. Never again will we ever see a politician or a figure of public life ever make as significant a difference to the world than him. I could go on and lavish my cynical opinion about the state of politics today but, in my opinion, that would not be respectful towards a man who's life was all about dignity, humility and making a difference through constructive solutions.

As a Scotsman, I totally recognise the strong links and affection that my home country has towards Mr Mandela. Glasgow was the first city in the world to give him the freedom of their own city (St George's Place in 1986 was renamed to Nelson Mandela Place in Scotland's biggest city). Aberdeen followed with a similar honour and Dundee also granted the former South African President with a similar honour also. Edinburgh had a room named in his honour inside the City Chambers.

Nelson Mandela shares many of the qualities of us Scots. Compassion, kindness and a sense of tranquility. I was hardly five years old when Nelson came to Glasgow in 1993, but I can tell you that it felt like he was really one of our own. I would even go further and regard him as an honorary Scotsman.

The uncompromising love shown to Madiba tonight in Glasgow, London and Soweto (and no doubt in many other parts of the planet) was heart melting. It is really sad that he has left this world for good. But let's also be honest, he really did live his life.

His legacy should teach us all that there is no time in this life to procrastinate and play yourself down, regardless of what you do. Life is so short, so never underestimate yourself and always maintain a sense of humility. Yet at the same time, fulfil your potential and always achieve success.

Nelson Mandela, thank you for being such a heart warming influence on this world. May God bless you.

In memory of those who have lost their lives in Glasgow

Most of you reading this blog entry do not need me to remind you what hit Scotland's biggest city last night. It was a horrific night and the last 24 hours have been very somber.

I would like to pay my personal respects to all of the victims of last night's helicopter crash and may God bless their families with mercy and support during this difficult time. At the same time, I want to lavish praise upon everyone who came to the rescue of those affected last night, whether it was the civilians of Glasgow, all of the emergency services and everyone else involved. They have shown that Glasgow is a city of loving humanity. They did everyone proud for the way they reacted in the face of adversity.

Rest In Peace to the victims of last night's awful tragedy.

EXCLUSIVE: Round 2 with Mr Dispenser

Who hides under a hoodie
like this?

Yes, the world's most talked about pharmacist is back. Since my last encounter with the man behind "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills" earlier this year, he's brought out a second version of his much celebrated, talked about and read book.

"Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills 2" is a sequel to the original. He launched it at the recent annual Pharmacy Show in Birmingham and overwhelmed his fans with a delightful presence in the NEC. Once again, anecdotes and much hilarity is shared in the second version of this successful book.

The reader is once again taken in the world of a dispensary but in a way that entertains and informs with much hilarity. Already since it's launch, it has received positive feedback and much has been made of the comedy element of the book. This is a must read for anyone who is a pharmacist and for those who work in a pharmacy, regardless of their role in the dispensary.

But, arguably, the biggest winning point about this book is the unifying force it has to bring many people within the profession together and to relate to the experiences shared in the book. Never has such a phenomenon achieved so much in common between people, especially within a profession where inter-connectivity between people within the profession across a local area or nationally can be limited.

I had the pleasure in talking to the man behind "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills 2":

Q1: So I remember all those months ago you and I chatting away with anticipation over the release of the first edition of your new book - you are back again for more with a second edition now. What are you aiming to achieve this time around?

MR DISPENSER: I am aiming to make people laugh again and raise more money for the Pharmacist Support Charity. The first book caught people by surprise.

Q2: There's no doubt that you were very popular at the recent Pharmacy Show in Birmingham. Apart from all the positive appreciation shown towards your first book, what kind of feedback did you receive?

MR DISPENSER: At the Pharmacy Show, feedback mainly consisted of ‘I thought you’d be taller’.

Q3: Your identity must have been obvious in Birmingham, surely?

MR DISPENSER: Well clearly, people saw my face but my badge said Mr Dispenser on it. In the majority of photographs that were taken my back was to camera. I was surprised that most people didn’t actually ask my real name.

Q4: Are you planning to take up new initiatives or activities such as a national tour so that pharmacists everywhere can see you?

MR DISPENSER: It’s not quite a national tour but I am planning to visit a few universities. I attended the Huddersfield University Oath ceremony on Friday and gave a short speech to all the students. It was one minute inspirational and four minutes of stand-up. I can generally be found at most pharmacy conferences too.

Q5: Will we see a third edition of your book?

MR DISPENSER: I genuinely don’t know at the moment. I promised myself whilst editing the second that I wouldn’t do a third but I normally lie to myself. If I think that I can make it as good as the first two, then I will do a third. At the moment, I can’t guarantee that.

A major thank you to Mr Dispenser for answering more of my inquisitive questions. His book is now available to buy as a paperback or on Kindle. 

And, yes, the mystery remains. Who is the person behind Mr Dispenser?