Are you ready for a CAREER Change?

Occasionally it's time for a drastic solution. You feel burned out at your job, and despite your best efforts to improve the situation, you're still stressed and unhappy. You've always dreamed of changing course, working in a totally different field, or starting your own business. Before submitting a hasty resignation letter, you must first prepare!

A career change is not a decision which should be taken on the spur of the moment - give yourself a few months to think things through. Make a list of a few areas you're interested in or jobs you believe would be fulfilling. Use this time to read, research, take courses, and learn as much as you can about these new areas. Find out what credentials or experiences you need to make a start, and enroll in evening or weekend courses if necessary. Talk to people you know in the field, and research salaries and job availability. Consider issues such as the need to relocate for your new career or the fact that you might, at least temporarily, have to adjust to earning less or sacrificing seniority and status.
With proper preparation and armed with reliable information, a career change can be a very rewarding experience. We spoke to four highly successful women who have taken the plunge. Their stories are sure to inspire!

Karen Ward - Holistic Therapist
What made you take your current career path? Is it something you always wanted to do or did it just happen?
It literally just happened! I was the one in school who didn’t know what she wanted to do so I followed what I thought I might like to do and that was a Science degree in UCD. I loved college life and while I did have an innate curiosity about what makes things tick, I realised in fourth year that I am a ‘people’s person’ and spending formative work years in a laboratory doing repetitive tests was not for me. So I went into Science Marketing and I added Public Relations as a string to my bow when in the late ‘eighties I went to work in London in a large Marketing Company. It was a very exciting but stressful time so I took up Yoga as a hobby. The rest, they say, is history!
There are a lot of readers out there who may be flirting with the idea of a change in career direction but are nervous about it. Were you? And what advice would you give them?
To be honest I wasn’t really nervous because of the route I took. I studied Yoga part-time when I returned to Dublin working my day job (still in Marketing and PR). I then taught Hatha Yoga one night a week, continuing the job and studying Massage Therapy one weekend a month for an academic year. Then I luckily went to a four-day week at work and taught two nights a week and did my Massage Clinic another night. At the time I started studying Psychotherapy. Eventually when I was down to a three-day week with my ‘day’ job I knew the Holistic Therapy side was working well for me with a good client base. When I was asked to teach Yoga on ‘Live at 3’ I knew I could hand in my notice. I highly recommend this part-time route as I have seen many colleagues give up their jobs too soon to launch into their new career. No matter how good you are it takes time to build up a client base.
Has setting up business been stressful? There is the ‘practical’ side which people underestimate. Did you find this difficult? Did you get advice from elsewhere? Any hints or tips on this side of things?
I found the business side was fine because of my background in marketing and PR. Also Science training is extremely practical so I had another bonus there. My advice is to use what you already know, harness those skills to help you. For example you might have experience with accounts (I didn’t so I found an accountant with a holistic side!). Also you might start treating your colleagues in your day job as many companies now have regular massage or Yoga days in-house.
What was the biggest mistake you made setting up your business?
I bought too many Yoga bags from India sight unseen. When they arrived I didn’t realise I had to put the ribbon tie on myself (my sister Pam did hundreds of them, bless her). Then I realised I had no storage space for them! I still have lots in my attic as I underestimated how many I could realistically sell at my classes.
What was the most successful decision you made?
Thankfully in retrospect there were lots of very sound decisions I made in the early days. I bought a beautiful old house in Smithfield just before the property prices jumped, which was big enough to have two therapy rooms. It was a huge investment but it really paid off. So I had only one mortgage payment and no leasing of premises. Secondly setting up my own website was a terrific way of promoting the business. A wonderful colleague Susan Church, of Centre Studios in Rathmines advised me to learn how to update it myself and that has been invaluable. Finally two of my sisters Val and Pam became Holistic Therapists so I know and trust my work colleagues completely!
What are the advantages of being your own boss? What are the disadvantages?
The advantages are that I can take holidays or days off when I want. It is delicious to have a wonderful morning swanning around town or taking a leisurely brunch with my husband on a weekday when everyone else is at work. However the disadvantages are that when I’m not working I’m not being paid! When another therapist is working in my Clinic I do get some money and I have some big companies that have me on a monthly retainer but it has taken a few years to set that up.
Do you find yourself much more ‘fulfilled’ now than you were in your previous career? Would you go back?
Oh, yes there is no comparison. I love what I do with a passion. It’s so rewarding and fulfilling. Some days I am amazed that I am being paid handsomely to do what I love. There is no way I’d go back to my other job. It was a fine job but this is my niche in life.
The magazine hears lots of stories from people who are finding it tough working for themselves in a small business environment. What would you say to these people? Have things been tough for you and how did you cope?
I had to make a concerted effort to network and meet my colleagues regularly. In a small set up it can be quite lonely as you work alone with your clients. It is imperative that you continue to receive treatments yourselves and ‘walk the talk’. I always teach from experience and the advice I give my clients is from personal experience. It was tough to find the mortgage money initially but I really believed in what I was doing and kept going. Also a bit of a miracle happened and I received a dream job as the Holistic Therapist and Yoga teacher for Princess Noura of Saudi Arabia. That certainly helped financially but it was tough being away for a year from family and friends. A bit like being locked up in a fancy Castle with a lovely foreign client that you only met once a day. I managed to keep most of my client base while I was away too.

Any exciting plans for the future? I’m writing one third of a book as we speak! The Health Squad are not only filming the fourth series but we’re bringing out a book for Christmas. Paula, Padraig and I are having great fun with our publisher working to get everything ready in time for the August deadline. We have our photo shoot next week. I’m also looking forward to teaching my next Yoga Holiday in the French countryside this September. It’s near Carcassone this stunning little medieval town in the South West of France. I’ve been working on a Hatha Yoga video for ages and just need time to get into studio to film the last section. That will be next year’s project.
Finally the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking of taking the plunge and going out on their own.
Follow your heart, it is never wrong and will lead you through the tough times to the joyous fun beyond!

Joan Cashman- International Make-up & Image Trainer
What made you take your current career path? Is is something you always wanted to do or did it 'just happen'?
I fell into it and fell in love with it. At the time I was running the family business with my husband and looking after our 2 small kids. I did a course with Color Me Beautiful to feed my creative talent for make-up and style but opening an image consultancy business of my own hadn't even crossed my mind. However, I caught the bug and quickly opened my own studio in Cork city centre in 1998. I subsequently went on to train as a colour technician and make-up artist as I knew these additional skills would compliment my business overall. One year on I received the coveted International Consultant Gold Award - which I have received every year since and continued on to being appointed company director in 2000. After leading the Irish division of Color Me Beautiful and developing a highly motivated team I received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Image Business Award' in 2004. Prior to this I had taken up the challenge of becoming a trainer for the company in 2001 - training consultants in make-up, colour analysis, style and men's image, travelling throughout the UK and Europe teaching the concept and adding my own personal stamp.
There are a lot of readers out there who may be flirting with the idea of a change in career direction but are nervous about it. Were you? And what advice would you give to them?
I was very nervous when I started out. I worried about what people would think, whether I would get business, if I would fail and so on. Many people may fear risking a secure income to follow their dream. I discovered that the best way to deal with my fears was to let them spur me on - the greater the fear to more determined you become to succeed. There's no clear route map to show you the way through a career transition but if the desire for change is strong enough I believe you will eventually bite the bullet. When you are unhappy in your present employment that heavy feeling eats into other areas including your personal life and well-being. I believe everybody has about an eight-year cycle and then you have to have a serious rethink and sometimes that means changing careers. Kill the fear and focus on what you want and where you want to end up. There are two vital ingredients you need - enthusiasm and stamina.
Has setting up your business been stressful?
There is very much a 'practical' side (overdrafts, business premises, insurance, all those type ofthings) to going out on your own which a lot of people underestimate. Did you find it difficult? Did you get help and advice from elsewhere? Any hints and tips? There is no point in sugar coating the facts - stepping out on your own is hard work. You must do your research.Try working with or at least talking to someone who works in your chosen industry, to make sure it's really for you. Learn from the mistakes of others - it will save you time and money. It's not enough to be good at what you do; it is vital that you pay attention to the business end of things. There is no substitute for hard work. When I started out I threw myself into it - day and night and Sundays too, I devoted myself to my clients, accepted every challenge and said 'Yes' to every opportunity. But the reward is that when you work hard it pays off.
What was the biggest mistake you made in setting up your own business?
Investing too much too soon in bricks and mortar. People buy people and when you're committed to offering quality service you will be inspirational to your clients and this is how you build lasting relationships with all your customers.
What was the most successful decision you made?
To travel internationally (UK and Europe) as a make-up and image trainer. The knowledge and experience I acquired has been inspirational to me in every way.
What are the advantages of being your own boss? What are the disadvantages?
The biggest bonus is the personal reward. There is something really special about owning your own business. You have a hand in creating every element; everything ultimately is your decision. There is something about the feedback you get from clients and the pleasure that comes from helping others realise their own full potential. Routine doesn't suit me so I find it refreshing that I meet different people on different days of the week. When I'm not doing one-to-one consultations, I'm working on PowerPoint presentations, doing photo shoots, training new people or working in the office. The disadvantage of being your own boss is that you don't get paid a salary and you don't get to take regular holidays - in the earlier years anyway. You have to stay on top of your business and not take your eye off the ball. Depending on your chosen career, some businesses are seasonal so you've got to make hay while the sun shines.
Do you find yourself much more 'fulfilled' now than you were in your previous career? Would you ever consider going back to what you were doing previously?
I now enjoy the sense of personal satisfaction and the freedom of being my own boss. I love working with people. This has become a way of life for me and I need it as much as I need food and water for sustenance. People say I look younger now than I did 10 years ago and that's because I adore what I do for a living - it's so exciting as it constantly develops and grows. When I went back to work after taking a few days off over Christmas my daughter said 'Mom you're in great form today'!
Any exciting plans for the future?
As well as maintaining my existing thriving Cork business I am expanding my business and plans are already in motion for my Training Academy at 2 Carey's Lane. The academy will specialise in providing certified training opportunities for women who want a successful career in the image business, or for boutiques owners, fashion houses, hairdressers, etc. who wish to add a unique service to their existing business. There is also the opportunity for make-up enthusiasts to take foundation, intermediate courses and master classes. Students at the Academy will be trained as independent image consultants. Most importantly to become a trainee you must have a passion for makeup and fashion.
And finally, the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking of taking the plunge and going out on their own?
Have a makeover! Pay attention to your image. When you know you are appropriately dressed and properly groomed you can forget about that side of yourself and get on with the job. Transform yourself and boost your confidence at the same time. You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. Men and women benefit from this professional advice. Rather than following fashions, we help you to develop your own individual flair and dress to impress...enjoy your success!

Joan Cashman
Colour and Image Academy
2 Carey's Lane, Cork
Tel: 021 4276 330
email: cashmancmb@eircom.net

Annie Gribbin - Make Up For Ever
What made you choose your current career path? Was it always something you wanted to do?
When working in the bank, make up was a huge interest of mine. I was always practising and playing around on my sisters, trying out different looks, so it was definitely something that appealed to me but looked at it more as a hobby than anything else. I decided to do a beauty therapy course at night, while still working. I manage to obtain an International and CIDESCO Diploma. It was through this course that I entered a make up competition, just for the fun of it and ended up winning. The prize was training at the exclusive Christian Cheveux School of Make Up in Paris, the director of which, Dany Sanz, would later become the creator of Make Up For Ever. In 1989 I became the seventh agent to acquire the distribution rights for Make Up For Ever which ultimately led me to open up my own store in Dublin. My business expanded quickly within the next 5 years so decided to create my own signature range, Face 2.
There are a lot of readers out there who may be flirting with the idea of a change of career direction but are nervous about it. Were you? And what advice would you give to them?
After working in the bank for 5 years I knew it wasn’t the direction I wanted to take my career. I had given it a go and just felt it wasn’t for me as I always had more of an artistic flair which I wanted to explore. Yes, I was a little apprehensive and started out with a lot of caution to begin with, who wouldn’t? When I look back now I laugh, I used to order in stock of two’s and three’s, just to get us by, but as time progressed so did the business and you learn as you go along. Sometimes you just have to take a risk.
What was the most successful decision you made?
The most successful decision I ever made would probably be deciding to franchise Make Up For Ever into Roches Stores. We’ve been distributing Make Up For Ever and Face 2 to Roches with great success for nearly 3 years and it’s just gone from strength to strength. We’re now in 5 different locations across the country and have the largest flag ship store for Make Up For Ever in the world in our Henry Street location. Again, there was a lot of apprehension about putting us into a department store, but when I saw the direction Roches were taking their company, I really saw this as the way forward for the brands.
What are the advantages of being your own boss? What are the disadvantages?
I’ve been my own boss now for 15 years, whether it was working as a freelance make up artist or directing the company. The obvious advantages are the flexible working hours. As a mum I have the freedom to work around the care and needs of my daughter where I wouldn’t necessarily have that had I stayed in the bank. Having the freedom to take my business in the direction I want, I’m full of ideas where the company is concerned, so having the advantage of decision making is a huge plus.The disadvantage I suppose would be, as your own boss your always going to have long term financial commitment which can come with its pressures. I don’t focus on the negative, I focus on constantly improving the business and hope that it stays that way.
Do you find yourself much more fulfilled now than your previous career? Would you ever consider going back?
Absolutely not, I love what I do now. Being creative and pushing myself to achieve something I never in a million years could have foreseen. Working in an office environment just wasn’t for me. Not to say it’s not for someone else, I just have always wanted to work on a more creative level. I think if I didn’t get into make up artistry I would have ended up being a designer, on stage or even dress making. I’ve always been like that from the time I was in school.
Any Exciting Plans for the future?
Well, we’ve just completed renovating our store on Clarendon Street and have built a separate school room to keep up with the demand of courses. Funny enough, I’d say 50% of the women that come here to get training are working in an office environment and are looking for a career change completely different from there own. The new course room gives us the opportunity to expand our training, not only to aspiring make up artists in fashion make up, but also to train in special effects make up. We even run courses for housewives or women who are looking to give themselves a new make over and refresh their skills and we make it fun and informative for them. It’s exciting because again we’re taking the company in a bigger direction and expanding our school. Maybe someone from the bank who does my course will end up running they’re own make up store like I did. You never know!!
And finally, the biggest piece Of advice you would give to someone who is thinking of taking the plunge and going out on there own?
Just not to be afraid to go out there on your own. Follow your intuition and just do it. There’s a certain amount of risk with everything, the difference is you’ll never achieve your dreams and goals if you don’t take a chance.

Katie burns - Alternative and Holistic Therapist
What made you take your current career path? Is it something you always wanted to do or did it just happen?
I suppose my title would come under the category of Alternative or Holistic therapist. I have been practicing Reflexology, Reiki, Aura-Soma Colour Therapy Indian Head Massage and Integrated Energy Therapy – IET – for the past 5 years. I also provide Personal Development Training Courses through the medium of Colour and offer the 3 levels of Reiki and IET Training also. I always had an interest in alternate therapies but never thought that I would actually work in this area. I originally trained and worked as a Primary School teacher having qualified with a B.Ed degree at the age of 19 – in hindsight far too young for such a responsible profession! While on career break in London, having completed a Diploma in Training and Development, I became Manager of a Recruitment Company for Supply Teachers which I loved. It was a very demanding job and I took a year out in New Zealand before returning to Ireland and back to school. However, within 7 months of returning to my old job I developed M.E. and spent the next 3 years trying to regain my health and that is how I got involved in my current career.
There are a lot of readers out there who may be flirting with the idea of a change in career direction but are nervous about it. Were you? And what advice would you give them?
I certainly wasn’t nervous about my new career move as I was so delighted to be able to work in any capacity again and at a pace I could manage. Looking back, I was rather naïve and when friends congratulated my “bravery” at giving up a “permanent pensionable job”, I didn’t really see what they meant. I didn’t get any advice about starting my own business, even though I did attend a marketing course and later when seeking assistance from the Enterprise Board, I was informed that there was no financial or other support available for my type of work. I remember being told “Don’t give up the day job” when I was completing my Reflexology Diploma and now I know why. In my case, the deed was already done.
Has setting up business been stressful? There is the ‘practical’ side which people underestimate. Did you find this difficult? Did you get advice from elsewhere? Any hints or tips on this side of things?
I think this year has been my most stressful to date. I moved to a larger premises and have found that the “Celtic Tiger” is no longer roaring – in fact, people seem more interested in spending on external appearances than on inner wellbeing. On a practical level, working for oneself entails a lot of hidden costs and certainly affects your credit rating with the bank, in particular when seeking a mortgage. Also summer is a much quieter time for business and so some forward financial planning is advisable. Income is never guaranteed as clients may not turn up or cancel at the last minute.
ANY EXCITING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Yes, I will be looking to diversify more in the coming year in terms of teaching and training. I now know that I need a secure steady income to support my college fees and to allow me a certain “stressfree” standard of living.
What are the advantages of being your own boss? What are the disadvantages?
Being self-employed can be a wonderful experience, especially if you have a secure financial base. However, it does involve personal sacrifices such as long hours and the knowledge that there is no holiday or sick pay!
Do you find yourself much more ‘fulfilled’ now than you were in your previous career? Would you go back?
I believe there is a reason for everything we do – no skill or qualification is ever wasted. I now combine all the skills I have learnt over the years to enhance what I do. I feel that life is short and so it is worth pursuing your dreams in spite of the begrudgers and doomsdayers! Life is a risk – and no, we don’t always succeed in achieving our goals but it certainly beats sitting on the fence and watching others following their hearts desires.
Finally the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking of taking the plunge and going out on their own. My gift to you is this – be brave – follow your dreams – get good advice – research well – surround yourself with positive people – spread your wings and fly! For further information on training or private consultations contact
Katie Burns B.ED, ITEC, Jewel of Health,17B Douglas West Cork City 0214890033 OR 0863559333