Radical career change in your 40s
Making a radical career change in your 40s can be a daunting decision. The day Boris Johnson announced lockdown in March, was the day my role in the corporate world was made redundant. So many of us were wondering if our day-to-day life will ever be the same. In that moment I knew I wanted to make a radical career change. Back then I have no idea seven months later Botanical Forrest would be launched.
What excites me?
I started to think about what I find exhilarating and where my true interests lie. For a few years I had wanted to own my own business. After commuting to London for 20 years I felt a strong pull to work back in Suffolk. I started to create a vision of what my future career would look like.
What transferable skills do I have?
I knew I didn’t want to throw away the skills I’d been honing over the years. Many would be incredibly useful in an entirely different career. I started to think about how I could use these skills and experience.
Doing something that makes a difference
We were all spending so much time at home, I was looking for a way to contribute to people’s emotional wellbeing. So many of us associate burning candles with calm and relaxation. I had burnt candles and wax melts for many years. I benefited from the sense of wellbeing they create and the memories they invoke.
Taking the plunge
After making my first few candles, it occurred to me this was the perfect opportunity to combine my personal love of scented candles and a professional interest to be a small business owner. It was an opportunity I wanted to take!
After lots of research and hours of reading, I took the plunge. I started to plan my career change. The vision for Botanical Forrest was born.
Do it with others, not alone
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
In order to learn as much as possible about what my future career might entail, I talked to people who are already in the field. I sought out others who had made a career change and set up their own small businesses. This was a game changer to help me act and to start to make a change.
I pursued help from some professional organisations including MENTA, a not-for-profit company who provides advice, training and networking for aspiring and established business owners.
I have left behind my fears (well nearly) and set out on my own with Botanical Forrest. I have made a radical career change in my 40s! Since making that daunting decision in March I have not looked back. It’s never too late!
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