Follow the inspiring journeys of people who left corporate life to find more fulfilment.
Other people’s escape stories
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From
HR Generalist
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To
HR Freelancer & HR Product Owner
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Top Tip
“I looked at everything I’d learnt over fifteen years and realised there was a lot of value I could share with others - and make it work around my family.“
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From
US Communications Advisor
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To
Cookbook Author
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Top Tip
“Take the risk! It’s a huge leap of faith but life is too short to be in a job that you’re unsure is your calling.“
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From
Software Sales
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To
Founder of Creative Culinary Agency: Talent Management, Intimate Experiential and Creative Services
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Top Tip
“If you’re feeling unfulfilled, It’s highly unlikely you’ll find the one ‘thing’ that changes it all. Work to understand your passions and how they can be aligned to your real world corporate skills - and take small steps of action each day towards a new life.“
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From
Global HR Manager LNG Trading and Supply
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To
Student
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Top Tip
“You have a choice!“
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From
Finance Lawyer
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To
Financial educator
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Top Tip
“Save up enough money that you have enough to live off and don’t feel as stressed about making money for a good year or so if possible.“
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From
Senior Global Brand Director at Unilever (+Sustainable Design)
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To
Co-Founder & CEO at Deep Blue BioTech (Green Chemicals)
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Top Tip
“While it looks like a safety net, in some cases it may be a roof, preventing you to grow further. If your heart and passion is somewhere else, you already left, even while being still there.“
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From
Local Government Middle Manager
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To
Independent Consultant and Interim Contractor
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Top Tip
“Just f***ing go for it. Life is too short. If you have a brain and a good level of experience, people will see that and value it - even if you're unsure yourself.“
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From
Planning Analyst
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To
Speech and Language Therapist
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Top Tip
“It’s never too late to learn!”
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From
Local Content Expert
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To
Local Content Expert - Consultant
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Top Tip
“People will tell you once you leave that company no-one will see you the same - but it’s just not true. They always saw you and they will continue to see you”.
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From
Head of Product
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To
Author
Freelance Product Consultant
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Top Tip
“Find the sweet spot between I like this, I’m good at this, People need this”.
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From
VP Technology Commecialisaion
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To
Board Advisor
Potter
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Top Tip
“The world is very interconnected. Go and find the people who know you and are interested in you and want to help. Through those connections will come a bunch of interesting conversations”.
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From
Scent Design Manager
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To
Perfume Expert & Founder
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Top Tip
“Don't wait until it's bloody, but leave in good terms. You might meet again. And be well prepared when you leave (financially, have a plan)”.
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From
Internal comms business partner
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To
Story Coach
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Top Tip
“It's really hard to see a way out when you're inside an organisation and you feel stuck - so explore different options, maybe start a side hustle or see a career coach to plan what you think you're going to do. However, be aware that when you actually jump, the situation might look different or circumstances might change, so hold that plan loosely and be flexible! Also, seek out likeminded people in your industry for support, as not everyone 'gets' it and not everyone will support you - especially if they're trying to protect you.”
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From
Marketing Director, Healthcare
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To
Coach
Writer
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Top Tip
“Follow the breadcrumb trail. Listen to the quiet voice inside and keep following, notice the patterns, trust yourself”
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From
Local Content Expert - Employee
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To
Local Content Expert - Freelance
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Top Tip
“Be driven by something deep within, someone who needs your help, someone who needs what you have to offer and then double-down on that. You won’t go far wrong.”
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From
HR Generalist
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To
HR Product Owner
HR Freelancer -
Top Tip
“Find your tribe - it can feel very lonely - and it can feel great to spend time with other business owners. They create the community you lose when you leave corporate.”
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From
Head of Brand
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To
Chef
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Top Tip
“Self-doubt is inevitable but you have to really push yourself to follow through with what you decide to do - otherwise you will find yourself retreating back to what you know”.
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From
Wine Store Manager
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To
Wine Influencer & Retailer
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Top Tip
“Follow your passion and dedicate your life to it”.
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From
Executive PA
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To
Intuitive Artist & Coach
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Top Tip
“When everyone tells you you can’t do something, it turns out that’s the very thing you should do”.
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From
Solicitor
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To
Community Architect
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Top Tip
“When things don’t work out it’s because there’s something greater waiting for you”.
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From
Innovation Manager
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To
EV Charging Startup Founder
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Top Tip
“Never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do - no-one has the right but you”
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From
Offshore Engineer
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To
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coach
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Top Tip
“Build your network before you leave your job - don’t wait until you leave”
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From
Service Design Consultant
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To
Freelance climate resilience design consultant
Community Manager for climate designers
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Top Tip
“Turn everything you learn into a product you can sell or use with your client”
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From
Marketing Director
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To
Startup accelerator programme director
Coach
Marketing consultant
Author
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Top Tip
“Be open to opportunities - what you end up doing might not be what you start thinking it might be”