This time three years ago I was working in advertising, becoming ever more frustrated – the long hours, the squashed commute, the lack of fulfilment – surely there was more. The breaking point had come and I remember reading this quote from the great writer Mark Twain;
‘Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’
I knew I had to change things. So I decided to take some time out and went travelling in South America for three months; the trip of a lifetime.
When I got back, after experiencing so many amazing things and having so much freedom, I knew I couldn’t be tied back down to the office. So I thought about what it was I really loved, which of my hobbies gave me the most joy. It was obvious then, I was going to set up my own gardening business.
So I took myself back to college to study the RHS Principles and Practices of Horticulture. It was a very odd experience being the student again after so many years, it took some getting used to but I loved it. I got to know some great people and the lecturers at Capel Manor College and Writtle College were amazing; the best in the business.
I passed all my RHS exams and practical assessments, with commendations in five of the subjects. I then put my Business Studies degree (which I completed many years ago!!) into practise and set up Flourish Gardening. It’s fantastic to finally be working at something I love.
So, thanks Mark Twain, you’re right. Sometimes you just have to be brave and take that step. You’ll never know what you’re missing if you don’t.
