“I knew this role wasn’t for me, but I knew I still wanted to help support families in times of need.”

What work were you doing previously?

I was a 999 call handler for West Yorkshire Police.

What are you doing now?

I’m now a Funeral Director.

Why did you change?

I took a really bad call whilst working for West Yorkshire police and I needed to know that the victim had been looked after, that they were getting the care and support they needed. 

However, you aren’t allowed to look back – just take the next call – so I never knew what happened. I knew that wasn’t for me. 

But I knew I wanted to help support families in times of need.

Are you happy with the change?

Absolutely.

I enjoy supporting the families, and the variety of cultures I interact with.

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

I miss being part of a huge important organisation, and the perks / money / benefits that come with it.

How did you go about making the shift?

I took some time out and worked in a café to work out what I wanted to do next. 

I’d always been interested in funeral care but it was never the right time. Then I saw the funeral director advert on a local Facebook group – I talked to the owner and I was hooked!

How did you develop (or transfer) the skills you needed for your new role?

There was a shadowing of roles for around six months before I was allocated my own families to support.

My existing interpersonal and communication skills came in too.

How did you handle your finances to make your shift possible?

This was a decrease in finances from the police, but my mental health and general outlook has improved massively.

What was the most difficult thing about changing?

The fear of the unknown.

What help did you get?

Family and friends.

I also had a supportive husband.

What do you wish you'd done differently?

I wish I’d done it sooner.

What would you advise others to do in the same situation?

Move yourself on.

Always try to better yourself and make yourself happy in your role, It shows to those around you.

Work out whats important to you.

Ask for work experience / taster days.

Then go for it. Be brave!

We caught up with Anne recently to see how her shift was working out, one year on. Here's what she's been up to, and the biggest lessons she's learned.

What's changed for you in your career since we first published your story?

Two years after becoming a Funeral Director, I was given operational responsibilities for the business.

Now just four years into my career, me and two of my colleagues have completed a buy-out of the business and I'm now the Managing Director.

How do you feel about your work now?

I absolutely love my job!

What challenges have you come up against since making your shift, and how exactly have you dealt with them? 

It's been a steep learning curve, and long hours. 

I'm now experienced in my field and have found growing into being Managing Director easier than expected.

How is the financial side of things panning out, and is this what you'd expected?

In this type of work, finances can't be the priority. 

This career is about helping and supporting people and making a difference.

What have you learned, since making your shift?

That it's really important to do something you love.

You need to get something personally from your work, otherwise you will hate going to work! Money isn't everything and feeling you have a purpose is much more important.

Thank you to Full Circle Funerals for providing this story.