Redundancy & Building My Business

Elle Orchard
Jun 16
3 min read

A few years ago I decided that instead of making New Year Resolutions I was going to set a ‘word for the year’ that aligned with my vision and what I was hoping to achieve. This years word was progress which I must admit seemed a little ironic in the moment I was handed my redundancy letter, but upon reflection I realise as much as I found comfort in my previous job, I wasn’t making progress towards the true vision I had for my life.

Initially when I was made redundant, I felt pretty terrified about making things work, I had no real idea how I was going to earn money and felt concerned about putting pressure on my partner. In true Elle style the chaos ensued and I really started to panic but then I remembered everything I’ve worked so hard on, I took some deep breaths, got my journal out and started to work through all the feelings. I started to realise I had actually been given an incredible opportunity to pursue my dream life, a life that aligns with my values and allows me to feel joy daily (not a life of waiting for the weekends and holidays to come!) I worked through the feelings of emptiness and feeling as though ‘I was not doing enough’ and channelled my energy into building my business’ identity whilst staying open to finding a part time job, but I was determined not to go for just anything, I wanted it to feel right!

After a couple of months, I spotted a job for an employment skills builder at a wonderful organisation that dedicate themselves to helping young people. It was the first job I’d seen that felt like it went hand in hand with the work I feel so passionate about, empowering people to unlock their confidence and build their self-worth! I went ahead and applied despite not having direct experience or the perfect qualifications, after a 3-hour assessment day and interview, I got the job! I couldn’t quite believe it at first, the excitement and nerves hit me all at once. I felt so proud of myself for building a version of me that believes in myself enough to welcome new opportunities and to feel the fear and do it anyway! Does this mean I don’t ever feel worried or nervous? Of course not! I definitely feel the nerves and have regular moments of doubting myself but I’ve worked so incredibly hard to build my self-worth/belief, and for anyone doing the same... I know how tough it can feel and I support you whole heartedly!

I find the universe has strange ways of pushing us towards our goals and it’s up to us to continually be able to find different perspectives and to welcome change and growth BUT I hear you when you say change feels hard, it feels hard because it IS hard. It relies on us having faith in a future we cannot yet see as well as often not being within our control but this is where perspective shift comes in. Change and growth are impossible to avoid in life; nothing stays the same forever which can feel terrifying and exciting! Building your dream life takes time, patience, hard work and will inevitably include some things not working out but remember that you can always reroute! I believe true failure only comes when you stop trying and settle for something that makes you unhappy, never give up on yourself and stay connected to your big vision!