“Don't be afraid to explore what might be on the other side of the door”

What was your 'Another Door' moment?

Before I set up my own business I worked for more than 20 years in fashion retail (although I flirted with working for a tech start up for a couple of years somewhere in the middle). I had a niggle that I didn't want to do what I was doing for the rest of my career but couldn't work out how to make the transition to get out.

Since starting my family, I had completely put aside strategic career choices and purely chose jobs that meant I could work flexibly so I inadvertently got myself into a bit of a career hole. Thankfully the pandemic made this decision for me and I was made redundant and the door on retail closed behind me.

It was pretty scary but the relief was enormous. I made working out what to do next my full time job, and explored multiple avenues and spoke to a lot of people (I mean A LOT!).

It took time and the support of my husband to make the leap in to retraining to be a coach and it was the best decision I ever made. I would never have given myself the time. space and permission to do it prior to redundancy. I also sought out roles that could be done alongside this career choice so that I also have other revenue streams. I am also a Career Adviser in Secondary Schools and I work freelance as a strategy consultant.

I couldn't be happier!

What did you learn from your Another Door moment?

I learnt that I could do the very thing I was so petrified of in the past. I also learnt so much about myself in the process. I hadn't realised how determined and focused I was until I found something that gave me purpose.

What is your advice to someone experiencing a door closing in their life?

Don't be afraid to explore what might be on the other side of the door. Create and prioritise time to do this - it's on you to do something to start the change, however small. Also there are loads of people out there to help and support you - friends, family, ex-colleagues, professionals - you just need to make the first move and ask!