Following Your Dreams

Have you ever felt stuck, like your brain just won’t settle into the traditional nine-to-five life? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share key moments on my path from employment to self-employment and then on to starting my own business. It’s a journey filled with insights for anyone who thinks differently.

This brief overview touches on how I moved through each phase, plus how my dyslexia and ADHD shaped my decisions. I hope it gives you a sense of what’s possible when you lean into your strengths rather than hide from them.

My Early Adventures in Work

I’ve tried my hand at many jobs. It wasn’t that I was flaky, but I’d get bored quickly when tasks felt repetitive. That’s what happens when you’ve got a very visual mind and a desire to see new ideas roll into action. I found myself daydreaming far more than I’d like to admit.

Those early roles taught me how structured workplaces operate. They also showed me what happens if you try to bend that structure too much. Let’s just say managers aren't always a fan of your creative swirl when they just want you to stick to the script. Still, I picked up some crucial skills:

• Understanding team dynamics.
• Dealing with deadlines.
• Learning where my real strengths lie (spoiler: it’s not in keeping meticulous spreadsheets).

Despite the frustrations, I’m grateful. Each job gave me a glimpse of what I truly wanted, even if it was simply, “not this.”

Taking the Leap into Self-Employment

Eventually, I realised I needed a new space to grow. I explored freelancing, where I could choose projects I was passionate about. Nobody breathed down my neck about how or when work got done, as long as the end result was brilliant.

Suddenly, the dyslexic quirks that made me feel different in a traditional job became superpowers. I could visualise big concepts in ways others couldn’t. I could see connections that might not be obvious. My drive to remain curious and keep moving forward felt like a benefit instead of a burden.

“I hear from many dyslexics, those with ADHD and/or very visual minds, how much they get stuck in place. My journey proves you can keep moving.”

Pushing past that stuck feeling wasn’t always easy, though. Self-employment taught me how to juggle finances, manage clients, and match the right projects with the right resources. It also showed me where self-doubt tries to sneak in. I did plenty of talking to myself, reminding me I was on the right track.

Starting (and Growing) a Business

From freelancing, I kept an eye on bigger opportunities. It was scary to think I’d actually own a business. Yet, I realised my best ideas kept popping up in conversations with entrepreneurs and fellow creatives. That constant spark signalled it was time to go all in.

Owning a business requires a bit more structure than self-employment. You’ve got to deal with taxes, manage a team, and keep a clear strategy in mind. But it can also be the most rewarding experience. For me, it was permission to let my ideas roam free. More importantly, it became a chance to hire people whose strengths balance my weaknesses. That’s the secret to making the whole machine run smoothly.

I won’t lie—there were hiccups. But each stumbling block forced me to develop newer ways to think. It helped me remember that I could adapt, even if it meant trying something completely different the next day.

Why a Different Brain is a Gift

One of the main aims in sharing my story is to remind you that your dyslexia and ADHD can be gifts, not curses. Yes, reading a boring report can feel like climbing a mountain. But my mind excels at seeing hidden patterns, grasping the big picture, and explaining complex ideas in a simpler way.

If you’ve battled the idea that there’s something wrong with you, know this: you’re not broken, just wired differently. And in many industries, that wiring is exactly what’s needed to innovate and push boundaries.

• Look for roles that play to your strengths.
• Don’t be afraid to reshape your career path.
• Remember that each step, even the wobbly ones, teaches you something valuable.

Key Takeaways

• Trust your instincts, they’ll guide you towards work that fits who you are.
• Be open to shifting gears when it feels right.
• Embrace your dyslexia or ADHD as part of your unique superpower.
• Learn from the missteps, they often lead you to better solutions.

If you’d like to hear the full story and more about what I learned along the way, check out the podcast above. I dive deeper into each phase of this journey, sharing how I overcame the “stuck” feeling. We’ve also got a brilliant January course to help you build confidence in your dyslexic journey, plus an amazing Facebook community where you can connect with others on the same path. Have a look at the links below, and I’ll see you there.

• Get On The Waiting List For Our January Course
• Join Our Private Facebook Community
• Support the Podcast on Patreon
• Subscribe on YouTube

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you imagine your own next step. Give the episode a listen, and let’s keep moving forward—together!