Meet Diana, a mum who transformed her career with Successful Mums

After almost 30 years working in corporate pensions, Diana found herself at a crossroads when her son was diagnosed with Epilepsy. This life-changing experience led her to look for a new career that was more aligned with her values and one that would allow her to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Despite her extensive experience, Diana initially struggled with the idea of leaving a stable career in pensions, feeling it would be impossible to switch to something new. But when she discovered Successful Mums advertising a webinar on LinkedIn, everything changed. The guidance and support she received helped her realise that it was not only possible to change careers but that she could find a role that she was truly passionate about.

We spoke to Diana about her journey with Successful Mums and here’s what she said;

What was your background before starting your course of training?

I was a Director in large corporate pensions company and was good as what I did. However, my son developed Epilepsy (in addition to already having Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder) and suddenly my outlook in life totally changed once I saw my son having seizures. I knew I needed a career change and I wanted to find a role where I had a purpose and a sense of achievement in making a difference to peoples lives but I didn’t know how to even start. I had been in pensions for almost 30 years and felt that it was be impossible to change career even though my original choice of career didn’t really suit me. There were lots of pension companies where we lived and it was a career that I just fell into after leaving education and I never had the confidence to leave. 

How did you hear about Successful Mums and why did you decide to enrol? 

I applied for many jobs outside of pensions and never even got an interview. I saw a Successful Mums Webinar advertised on LinkedIn which was helping people to change their career. I signed up with the idea that it was only an hour and I might learn something. However, I was blown away by the realisation that with their help, I could finally find a career that I was passionate about. I thought a job was something you did to pay the bills and the more you earnt, the earlier you could retire and leave it. l didn’t really believe you could enjoy working. 

What was your experience of the course like? What did you enjoy? 

I attended the Career Coaching course with Georgina and this showed me how to change my CV to show that I had transferrable skills such as managing and coaching people and budget and project planning. She also suggested various companies and job roles that I maybe suitable for. With her help, she made me realise that I needed qualifications in something other than pensions to show people I was serious about changing career. I then attended the Understanding Autism course with Shenay who was wonderful in understanding that I had time pressures but helped me quickly and efficiency whenever I needed her. I was nervous as I hadn’t studied anything other than pension qualifications since school but then I realised after Week 1 that I was starting to look forward to each week and it is easier to study something you are passionate about! 

How has this training had an impact on your life? 

I am working in a school at the moment temporarily whilst looking for the right role. Already, I have a job outside of pensions! I am now looking for something more permanent to move into for the next chapter of my life. 

What would you tell your friends and family about Successful Mums and the training you completed?

I have already sent the links to the Successful Mums webpage to lots of my school mum friends. Like I was at the beginning, they are hesitant to study again believing it to be too difficult but I keep telling them that if I can do it, anyone can! 

What is the biggest thing you have gained by doing this training?

The confidence to believe I can achieve anything I want if I put my mind to it. Confidence makes writing your CV and interviewing for roles so much easier. 

If you were asked to say one thing about your experience and how it has helped you, what would you say? 

The whole experience has been just great on so many levels. That’s why I want others to try it. I see that a lot of people (including myself) get stuck in the mindset that something is impossible and then they stop trying. Its never too late to try something new.

Whatever is holding you back from the career you want, Successful Mums Career Academy is here to help you make a new start with confidence. Apply today to secure your place on one of our fully-funded courses here.