Life After Redundancy

Twelve months on from being made redundant, it's time to reflect on the journey from uncertainty to founding scalr. Spoiler: it's been a rollercoaster but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Losing my job felt like plunging through the five stages of grief, especially with a hefty mortgage, a partner and two kids depending on me. The pressing question was, "WTF now? How will the bills get paid?"

After taking some time out to be with family and gather my thoughts, the seed of starting my own venture began to sprout. Inspired by my late father, who successfully ran his own courier business until retirement, I felt a strong pull towards entrepreneurship. His legacy, coupled with a timely inheritance, provided the financial cushion and emotional drive to take the leap.

Choosing the name was a journey itself. From initially settling on Talent Collective to a last-minute pivot to scalr, thanks to a spark of inspiration from Paul Martin , the process reflected the flexibility and adaptability required in this new

My 17 years in talent acquisition (TA) helped to identify my true passion: strategising, optimising and operationalising talent. The positive feedback and results from scalr's clients have been incredibly validating, affirming the impact of my experience in the field.

Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur has stretched me in ways I hadn't anticipated. Building scalr has meant stepping into the unknown, and embracing a learner's mindset anew. This journey has demonstrated the value of resilience, networking and the power of a supportive community.

Here's what I've learned:

• Starting anew feels like beginning a career, in many ways, from scratch.
• The entrepreneurial path is riddled with unknowns and learning opportunities.
• Embrace the journey, not just the destination. Fail fast, learn and grow.
• Mistakes are inevitable, but they're also invaluable lessons.
• A supportive network is crucial, especially in such challenging times.
• In today's market, hustling and networking are non-negotiable.
• Co-working spaces and connecting with fellow founders have been instrumental in building a supportive ecosystem.
• Resilience has been my best ally, keeping me going through ups and downs.
• The flexibility of entrepreneurship has brought me closer to my family, allowing me to be more present in my children's lives.
• The greatest insights have come from introspection—understanding who I am, identifying my strengths, and recognising areas for growth.

Would I recommend this path? Absolutely. But go into it eyes wide open, prepared for the initial grind. Ensure you have a financial buffer and a solid plan. The entrepreneurial journey is rewarding, with a community of supporters ready to cheer you on.

I'm eager to collaborate with more organisations to foster growth and make an impact. If you're looking for support or advice, I'm all ears.

My vision for scalr is to expand our services, grow our team and continue making a difference in the TA space. Just getting started, I can't wait to see what the next 12 months holds. I'm certain my dad would've been proud.

To those carving their own paths, I salute you. I'd love to hear about your experiences and lessons learned along the way.