Over the coming few weeks we will be focusing on a range of careers and giving practical advice on how to embark on them.
Whether you are already in work and hoping to change career paths or you are just starting out we will offer guidance and advice as to what steps and training you should take.
Four years ago Clare Stokes, 34, worked as a pharmacist. Today, she’s a florist. The following is her story about how she decided to make the switch.
“I used to be a full-time pharmacist and ran pharmacies for Boots. I enjoyed it but realised I needed something to help me switch off from the day-to-day stresses of the job. So I studied floristry at night school and after three years, I qualified as a florist.
It so happened that a florist shop came up for sale in my area and I couldn’t resist the idea of running it. So I bought it, took on the existing staff and I haven’t looked back. I think a lot of people are creative. Once they find an outlet for it, they find they want to do it all the time.
But it’s not just the creative side of my new career that I love. I also enjoy the contact with people and the business side. Some days I don’t make as much money as others, but generally it’s going well. Then there’s the complete lack of stress. These days, I go home feeling relaxed.
I haven’t given up pharmacy altogether. One day a week I still work for Boots, who I locum for. I like keeping a toe in the water of pharmacy because it was never something I hated, just something I found I didn’t want to do all the time.”
The ten most popular second careers are as follows:
- Plumber
- Teacher
- Florist
- PR Officer
- Interior Designer
- Chef
- Web Designer
- Nurse
- Garden Designer
We will be looking at these roles, amongst others and giving advice from local experts to those wishing to make the change or get their foot on the ladder.