I’ve spent the last 15 years working in children’s services, supporting children and families in crisis.

I’m in the early stages of building my own online business - and even this early on, I already know it’s going to give me choices I never had before.

I wanted out of the 9-5 because I want more time with my children and family. I was fed up of burnout, compassion fatigue, and being exhausted all the time - with a ceiling on my pay and no way to change that without changing my whole life.

The moment it hit me was when my children told me I’m always at work and never around - missing bedtime, eating cold meals, and even when I was there, not really there, because my head was still on my never-ending to-do list.

I’m still building. But the biggest change so far has been the learning, the development, the identity work - having something that’s mine, and real excitement about where this could go.

I’m working towards more time with my family, being fully present with my children rather than half there, better physical and mental health, financial security without the money worries, more time outdoors and in nature, and the chance to travel and make memories with my children that just aren’t possible right now.

If you’ve ever sat at work thinking about bedtime you’re missing, or been home but not really there - I see you, because that was me. I don’t have this all figured out yet, I’m still building. But I’ve realised nothing changes if nothing changes. I’ve made the choice to try and change things - for me and for my children. If you’re at that same point, I’d love to talk.

Love, Ali x