Background - How the Journey Began
A comment from my wife at the start of the year (2025) saying that in the seven years she had known me I was rarely excited or enthused by my job and did I want to continue like this until retirement?
So I began to think and realised that with newly achieved financial security I could look at what else is out there, away from food and drink sales management.
But then there was a whole empty page of opportunities which led me to seeking out a Career Coach and Laura. I spoke to several but chose Laura due to her business / sales background (rather than academia) and she offered a programme with flexibility.
The Coaching Journey Wasn't Always Easy
Laura asked a breadth of questions and I found the visualisation questions especially hard as it is something I have avoided in the past. She was patient and due to her approach (and also my willingness to try new things for new results) we got through them. The waterfall is something I have thought about a little since and what I would give to others.
The most challenging question was about what “amazing” would look like with no parameters which I struggled with, but again we worked through it and I came up with a resonating “What I want from work is” statement which I used when making and reflecting on my decisions for the future.
Key Realisations and Change
I think I went in fairly open minded, although financial implications was always a niggle which I had to put to one side to truly explore my options and potential. The process has made me more comfortable to earn less, with the opportunity to grow it, but ultimately to be in control and have something to show for my endeavours.
My values were not as I thought. I think having my own business has always been a thought / desire and this process meant I really explored it. I landed on franchising with its autonomy based on a proven business model which aligned to my values.
Outcomes
The outcome as of early November 2025 is I have handed in my notice at work. In the next week I will confirm becoming a franchisee.
Would I have got here without Laura? I don’t think so.
It was not only the questions she asked me to ask myself and the suggestion of tasks to complete, but she generated an enthusiasm to look at myself and to consider new options with confidence.
DH, November 2025
‘DH’ has been a role model of a good coachee. He followed all the elements of my Firework Career Change programme despite many elements of it feeling uncomfortable to him.
As a salesperson feeling unfulfilled in the world of sales he is exactly the person I want to be supporting. It’s been extremely fulfilling for me to watch his creative thinking grow and his confidence to step outside of his comfort zone flourish.
