On Friday April 12th 2013 I became a self-employed author. I gave in my notice and stepped out into the world on my own. That was four years ago! I know, I can't believe the time has flown so fast either.

I can still remember how scary it was to finish in my job, and take the plunge into the world of a sole trader. I had always worked for someone else. Starting my day clocking in, and finishing my shift clocking out. Changing my routine, was so foreign to me. Now, I can get a week of schools, or two weeks of writing. Nothing is ever the same, at any given time.

But saying that, it was the best decision I've ever made. Becoming independent - calling the shots, is the most satisfying part of my world.

    I went from working nine hour shifts in a mundane factory, to running school visits all over the UK. It wasn't a fairytale starting off either - things didn't go smoothly, but what new job ever does? I had to learn, adapt and evolve to make it work. I'm a lot better at it now, and its given me confidence and an even stronger passion for writing.

I can now find time to write, and still do the schools that I love so much. 

    I've worked with lots of people over the years, who said that they were fed with the job they were doing, and wanted to start a new career. But most of them will probably never do it.

The reason for this is because they've become so complacent, that the thought of change scares them... and I totally get that. I don't even blame them for staying where they are. It is scary giving everything up and starting from scratch. You've got to have a clear idea of what you want to do, and plenty of support to do it. I was lucky, my wife is very understanding, and was behind me one hundred percent of the way.

    Don't get me wrong, it can still be a struggle, but the rewards are amazing. I've met so many lovely people along the way, and made new friends in the process. 

So, onwards and upwards - here's to the next four years, and what they will bring.