Darts star Cameron Menzies, ranked world number 29, uploaded his CV to job site Indeed after a poor run of form that saw him consider returning to work. The 36-year-old Scot made headlines earlier this year when he repeatedly punched a table after losing to Charlie Manby in the World Darts Championship.
From Plumbing to Professional Darts
Menzies quit his plumbing job last year after qualifying for every major tournament except the Grand Slam of Darts. However, a frustrating halt to his flying start left him questioning his future in the sport. He even received an offer to return to his old job from his former supervisor.
“It's just because I wasn't playing well,” Menzies said. “I even started my CV again on Indeed; that's how bad it was. I had CVs out there anyway, but I put a few out and got two or three phone calls for jobs.”
Resurgence at the World Cup
Despite the downturn, Menzies kept faith in his darts journey. He reached the semi-final of the World Cup of Darts alongside Gary Anderson, where they lost to eventual champions England. This progress has helped him maintain focus on his career.
“My old supervisor that I used to work for even offered me a job. If I wanted to, he would give me my job back, no problem,” Menzies added. “There have been options for that, but the last two or three months have been progress. It was starting to get me down but now I am mentally good.”
Hypnotherapy for Mental Health
To improve his mental state, Menzies has been undergoing hypnotherapy. The treatment has not only helped his darts performances but also positively impacted other areas of his life, including his fear of flying.
“It’s had a positive effect both at the oche and at home,” he said. “It's helping me massively not just with my mental state of darts but it's to do with life as well. So I used to really struggle with flying. I used to get so worked up. I am still not a massive fan of it but I don't get so anxious about it.”
He added: “Even with life and trying to get too much done at once it helps you solve problems one at a time. It has been a massive help for me. It’s something I thought I never would have tried until it happened. I feel calmer on stage now because I am enjoying it more. I had the fear of maybe not being able to perform, so now I am trying to enjoy the moments because I know how easy it is to lose it all.”
