Success Stories: To Freelance

“Most days, I felt like I was in the wrong place.”

From Fundraising to Project Management

When Yan Lau took a natural sidestep in her role, little did she know that it would leave her feeling so unfulfilled. Here's how she discovered a new way of working that meant she didn't need to start again from scratch and that allowed her to keep the bits of her career she loved the most.

“I couldn't make the difference I wanted in a job that was so all-consuming.”

From Teaching to Prison Reform

When she found a social cause that inspired her, Sarah Beresford couldn't resist pivoting her career. Here's how she took a calculated risk to turn that passion into a paying, fulfilling role.

“I was running out of steam to keep plugging away at the same old problems.”

From Tech to Photography

Can you really make a similar salary doing something more creative? Paul Clarke has shown you can, though it's taken time, a few zero-income months, and a lot of work along the way. Here's his story.

“I was living for the weekend, and spending too much money to make myself feel better during the week.”

From 9–5 to Freelance

Claire Sanders loved her work, but something about the context needed to change. So, instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater, she made a simple sidestep. Here, she shares how getting real with her finances helped her create a career on her own terms.

“I woke up in the middle of another sleepless night... and I decided I couldn't go on the way I was living.”

From Fashion to Yoga

Lynsey Mckenzie felt burnt out, bullied, and unfulfilled. In trying to combat her stress, she was inspired to take a whole new direction. Here, she shares how coming home (in more ways than one) helped her find work that gives her balance and purpose.

“I was starting to feel like I was on a treadmill.”

From Journalist to Own Business

Rosalind Gibbs' industry was changing, taking her away from the parts of her job she loved. So, she decided to use her skills in a new way. Now, with a few ups and downs, she's created a career where she chooses her own hours and the projects that interest her. This is her story.

“I normally have a lot of motivation, but it was steadily diminishing being sat at the same desk every day.”

From Desk-bound to Free-range

Now, Alex Wallace is running a creative business he's passionate about. Here's what he learned about avoiding burnout, networking, and mapping out a successful career change.

“It took me almost two years to accept the idea that I could work in another field.”

From Music to WordPress

When Luminita Ciobanu knew she'd had enough of her career, she had no idea what to do next. Here's how an internship, a big leap, and a lot of trial and error led her to more fulfilling work.

“I cringed every time someone asked me about my job. I hated talking about it.”

From HR to Writing

Nina Jervis was stuck and lost in a career she'd given 15 years to. Now, after some help uncovering her passion (and a push from a loved one), she's moved into work that finally feels like her. Here's how she did it, and the lessons she learned along the way.

“I got to a point where my heart wasn't in it anymore. I'd lost all my energy and motivation.”

From Advertising to Art

After a short break from work, Harriet Hoult trusted her gut enough to hand in her notice. Now, she's turned a long-suppressed dream into a fulfilling career – one that pays her more than her previous role. Here's how she did it.

Careershifters