I truly believe it’s possible to do what you love for a career. And when you do, it doesn’t feel like work. That might sound like a cliché, but it’s something I’ve lived — and it didn’t happen overnight.
From Painfully Shy to Running Three Businesses
I’ll be honest: I used to be painfully shy. I’m still an introvert at heart, and quieter by nature. But somewhere along the way, I made the decision to work on that — not by pretending to be someone I wasn’t, but by doing things that made me uncomfortable until they didn’t anymore.
The turning point came when my husband and I discovered a home-based business that I started running alongside my full-time job. It tested my confidence constantly, but it also gave me skills I never expected to develop. Over time, I realised that pushing through discomfort really does pay off.
That journey eventually led me to write my first book, Shy People Can Be Successful Too — something I honestly never thought I’d be capable of. But when I looked back at what I’d achieved, I thought: if someone like me could do this, there are others out there who need to hear it.
Twenty Years, One Big Disappointment, and Starting Again
My husband and I both left our full-time jobs to focus on the network marketing business. We saw the world. We watched our children grow up. It was everything we’d dreamed of.
Then, after more than 20 years, the business collapsed overnight. One week we were on an incentive trip in Las Vegas; the next week, it was gone and we weren’t getting paid.
It was devastating. But looking back now, I can honestly say things happen for a reason. That crossroads led us to make two big decisions: to start running a dog hotel from home, and to find a new network marketing company that we — and our team — could move forward with.
That company is Oriflame, a Swedish brand that creates and manufactures their own skincare, makeup, and wellness products. I love everything about it, and I genuinely feel that it’s more my cup of tea than the previous business.
The Three Things That Make Up My Working Life
So right now, I run three businesses: the dog hotel, my Oriflame network marketing business, and a personal growth platform — this blog, my YouTube channel, and the books and courses I’ve written. Every week looks different, and I never get bored. Some days I’m at home which I love. Other days I’m out walking the dogs, meeting people, seeing new places. It’s everything I always wanted.
The Question That Changes Everything
If someone told you that money was no object and you could do anything you wanted today — what would you do?
Whatever your answer is, that’s what you should be pursuing. Because when you’re doing something you genuinely love, you’ll pay attention. You’ll push through the hard parts. You’ll excel.
I know some things aren’t directly monetisable, but more often than not, you can find a way to weave what you love into a career — even if it takes time to figure out the shape of it.
A Note for Young People (and Their Parents)
My son is currently deciding whether to go to university and what to study. We recently visited a university together and looked around the engineering laboratories. Afterwards, I asked him: did that excite you? Did you love it?
He said, “A bit.”
I told him that “a bit” isn’t enough. When you’re truly fascinated by something, you feel it. And that feeling is what carries you through the difficult moments.
But I also want to be clear: it’s not just about the subject. When I worked in a haematology laboratory early in my career, the work itself was interesting — but I hated being in one place all day. I needed variety, movement, and connection with people. Those things matter just as much as the topic itself.
So when you’re thinking about a career path, ask yourself: What will my daily life actually look like? Will I be working alone or with others? Will I be moving around or sitting still? These questions are just as important as whether you enjoy the subject.
Nothing Is Ever Wasted
If you start down one path and realise it’s not right for you, you can change course. The skills you build along the way don’t disappear — they come with you.
And if you’re not sure what you love yet? Keep trying things. Every experience either confirms what you want or helps you rule out what you don’t. That’s not time wasted. That’s progress.
I’d love to hear your thoughts — leave a comment below if you have any questions, and feel free to book a one to one call with me via my website.
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