After a lot of turmoil in the last few weeks and months everything is beginning to settle and the future is starting to come into focus. Firstly, I’ve decided to have a bit of a break from my previous industry which though I thoroughly enjoyed my time within – I owe it to myself and my family to fully explore this big wide world and all the possibilities within, I’m a great believer that life is not a dress rehearsal. This is also the first time since I was 16 that I haven’t worked (probably since 8 when you count all the weekends learning the trade from my dad before health and safety really meant anything) and I fully intend to take the time to stop and re-assess what the future could hold for me. Not working has been a very weird experience, the calls and emails are slowly reducing and I’ve had some fantastic quality time with the family which is invaluable before my eldest (Ryan) starts school in September. Its an ideal opportunity to reflect on my career to date as part of a very well known and respected family business and the nearly 40 years of heritage that have delivered me to this point.

One of my fondest memories of early “work” was learning to drive down the back of our industrial estate in Aldershot, piloting a left hand drive Toyota Landcruiser with spec lift (recovery equipment). After a few weekends I was getting pretty good at it, gear changes and everything, but as you would expect of a young lad I did get a little bit over zealous and ended up putting it into a ditch nearly on its side. Wandering back up the lane to see my Dad of course led to me being given the obligatory thick ear & telling off. He then told me to get one of the trucks and go and winch it out, after all it was my mess and it was time for me to go and sort it out. I was probably 13 at the time. What it taught me was that regardless of what situation you find yourself in, its down to you to find the solution and that’s where I am in my career right now.

So what now? Well I’ve decided to see what director roles in existing businesses may be available for someone of my age and experience, basically I’m going to try and get a job for the first time in my working life. I’ve only ever worked for someone else as a part time role on weekends between 2002 and 2005 and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my time working for someone I now consider a good friend, Gio.  That said I believe that you are never truly “your own boss” when you own a company, you simply swap a boss for customers, financiers, staff and suppliers all who have competing needs and priorities. It is somewhat an interesting prospect because though I have interviewed several hundred people over the years (including some great youngsters for a careers event at George Abbot a few months back) I’ve never had to apply for a job or worked full time for somebody else so surely it makes sense to see if I can do it?

I’ve started with some fantastic advice from colleagues who have been through the process recently and started by fully updating my CV for the first time since I left university. I’ve registered with a number of job sites and recruitment agencies and the feedback so far has been very positive. There are some amazing director level jobs available in some very interesting industries, all of which I strongly believe I can bring some great strengths and experience to. I’ve started by hand picking some roles to apply to and I am genuinely looking forward to the prospect of an interview in some very dynamic sounding companies heading in equally interesting directions. The prospect of working for some of the people I have read about online really excites me as I hope to continue learning from them and others in my quest for improvement of my ability and skills in the next stage of my career if I am successful.

I’m also looking at a number of new business opportunities in a variety of industries (including my old industry) all of which have great merit and are really exciting projects in their own right. So to all who have approached me, firstly its flattering that you feel I can assist you in your quest to success and secondly, if I had the time and the money I would probably get involved in them all! Its great to know that there are still plenty of people out there that see the world as a place full of wonder and opportunity – something that you can lose sight of when things are tough and you are fighting for survival rather than developing and following a clear strategy. I’ve narrowed them down to a couple of the more feasible and exciting projects and I wont rule it out that I might go back into business for myself but like I said earlier, I’m going to take stock of all options before I crack on with something new – whatever it may be.

If you have read this far and think you may have something short or long term that I can assist you with then please do drop me an email to mark@markmcallister.co.uk – I look forward to hearing from you.

MM