Success Stories: To Startup

“At the end of my life, I wanted to feel proud of the work I'd done.”

Clone of Giving birth to Careershifters

The man behind Careershifters, Richard Alderson, talks to Selina about his vision for Careershifters, how the business came into being, and the future of careers...

“I wanted to feel like 'me' again.”

From Sales to Jewellery

Frustrated with corporate politics and seeking a more flexible way to work, Sarah Cooke decided to take matters into her own hands. With a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work, she spotted her new business niche and crafted a career where she's fully in charge of her schedule. Here's how she did it.

“I felt very disheartened, like I'd hit a glass ceiling.”

From Retail to Wealth Management

Unable to move upwards in his work, and longing for his success to be dictated by his results, Alexander Bland made a brave double leap: to a new career and his own business. Here, he shares how his hard work turned risk into reward.

“I couldn't miss the chance to fix something I could see wasn't working.”

From Management Consultant to Childcare Entrepreneur

Ever come across an opportunity too enticing to turn down? Zarja Cibej loved her job, but the lure of a problem in a crucial market, and the solution she could create to solve it, was simply too appealing to pass by. Here's how she made her shift.

“I needed a new challenge, but one that allowed me to work flexibly.”

From Charity to Children's Clothing

Samantha Collen loved her work. But then her personal circumstances changed. Here, she shares how she found a niche that was an ideal match for her skills, surprisingly close to home.

“I'd plateaued in my day job; after ten years I needed something new.”

From Marketing to Storytelling

Matthew Barrett didn't dislike his work, but he wanted to start something of his own. Here, he shares how he built and tested his ideas gradually (without risking his income), the mindset shift that's been crucial, and the financial plan that's allowed him to finally make the jump with both feet.

“It was a dream that I just had to give a shot.”

From Product Development to Gelato

Frustrated with slow-moving corporate processes? Hannah Wood was. When a scholarship abroad reawakened her foodie roots, she suddenly saw an opportunity back home. Here's how she sparked a new community partnership which helped make her ideas a reality.

“I was living life at such a furious pace; I needed to step off the treadmill.”

From Google to Start-up

Longing to get off the beaten track? Thomas Davies took eight months' leave to figure out his next move. During that time he got clear on his business idea, and sought help from 200 people he'd never met before. Here, he shares how he became a bootstrapping CEO, and why he's never been happier.

“My gut was screaming at me, ‘You have to do this.’”

From Nursing to Own Charity

Holly Penalver had always written off humanitarian work as a pipe dream. But when she saw a problem that needed fixing in the sector, she couldn't resist the challenge. Here, she shares why it's been a long and difficult transition, and why she can't imagine doing anything else.

“I hated the politics, bureaucracy and red tape.”

From Agency to Own Business

What do you do when you can no longer stand the environment you work in? Lucy Gillions enjoyed her role, but felt stifled by everything that came with corporate life. So, she decided to branch out on her own. Here, she shares why not burning your bridges is a good idea (and why saying yes to everything probably isn't).

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About Us

We know what it's like to feel unfulfilled at work. Now, we've made successful shifts to careers we love. We created Careershifters to help you do the same.

Success Stories: To Startup

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