David's Story
Five months ago,I was working in a senior position for a large DIY.
company. I had been working for them for nine years and was becoming more and more swamped by the way it was taking over my life. I never seemed to be able to live the life I wanted. I was constantly at work and never at home.
I had an excellent work record during the nine years I had spent there, was proud of having gained promotion and I had never had one day off sick.
Disaster strikes ...
Then, one day an incident happened which equally involved other members of the management team and disciplinary procedures followed on everyone. The results soon appeared and I was in disbelief at what I was hearing. I was demoted whilst my colleagues merely had warnings. I wasn't even ultimately responsible for what had happened.
I was horrified. The decision was the wrong one. I was not guilty and believed it wholeheartedly, as did an abundance of colleagues, friends and relations.
For me to go back to work into a lesser position was going to damage my self esteem beyond repair. I believed in myself so much that I simply could not allow myself to do it. My morale, however had taken a serious beating. My self confidence had taken a nasty blow, but I knew I could not go back to work in that position.
I desperately wanted to move on but I didn't know how.
Turning it Around
Fortunately, being a member of the Fiona Harrold website gave me the idea to contact Sue Clarke.
Since I made that decision, it has been the best thing I ever did. I can't tell you enough how good it was to talk to somebody who really knew what I was going through. She is such a great listener and has been a tower of strength in guiding me through to where I am now.
After I made the decision not to return to work, what was I going to do? How could I make a living and keep paying the mortgage? I had some really scary thoughts and I was terrified. It felt like I was in a huge void and I just couldn't see a way out of it.
Sue quickly got to work on my case and guided me through this void with a host of ideas for me to pursue. After a few weeks of trial and error, we came to the conclusion that I should use the skills and knowledge that I had gained over the years. I have horticultural qualifications but the creative side of me had long since disappeared in the job I was doing.
Guided by Sue, I set to spreading the word around that I was available to anyone who wanted a 'garden makeover'. Friends and family loved it as they saw their gardens quickly being transformed.
Then I got my first client from a leaflet drop I did - and she was over the moon with what I did for her.
A new Life
Now, I am gaining a whole network of customers, my creative side has been reborn and my confidence levels restored. I am even starting to specialise in garden design for barn conversions. There are plenty of them up here in Yorkshire!
The worries over how will I pay the bills never needed to have been there. I am now making a living out of something for which I have a passion and, unlike my old job, that makes it a pleasure to get up in the mornings. I can also work the hours that suit me.
I HAVE A NEW LIFE!
I have resigned from my job and concluded that it is their loss and not mine, and whilst reinventing other peoples gardens, I certainly have reinvented myself!
Thank you Sue...you've been brilliant.
David Shaw
Read Sue Clarke's comments about working with David and her tips on how you too can "Feel the fear and do it anyway". More >>>
Contact David
If you would like a garden makeover or a new garden design - talk to David! He works in the Yorkshire area and you can contact him by email at davidshaw88@hotmail.com or by phone at 01943 850483 (home) or 0771 9081971 (mobile).
