F e a t u r e s
Looking for that Opportunity
Sometimes it can be difficult to play second fiddle to the serving member of the family. With their job always taking precedence it is sometimes not easy for partners to pursue their own career aspirations. Here two wives tell how they have made the best of their situations.
Liz Abram I
had served in the RAF for seven years when I left to have my first child. Married, I thought I would
cut my losses and leave the regular RAF behind me, since co-location with my new husband seemed nigh on impossible. I signed on as a reservist (a weekend warrior!) soon after, and combined this with motherhood and trying to be a good Service wife. I happily ploughed my own little furrow supporting and socialising, nurturing new relationships then moving house again and again (10 homes in 10 years…)– the pattern will be familiar to you, I’m sure.
After a few years of this, I began to feel that my own particular pool of strengths and talents, along with my confidence, had reduced to a puddle, I began to believe that when the time came, no employer would take me seriously. I managed a succession of little jobs which, frankly, didn’t do my CV any favours but helped keep me sane and away from Tinky B****y Winky. I wanted to change the way of things but couldn't for the life of me see how. Then I met another soul, ploughing her own furrow but smiling more than I did, and her excitement and belief were contagious.
Nikki was a RAF wife who lived over the back
fence and looked like she had a life. I was curious to know what she was on, so when she invited me to her home to try some natural organic health and beauty products, I went along, taking my cheque book but promising my husband (as you do!) that I wouldn’t spend much. I came away with a tube of toothpaste and some underarm deodorant free from aluminium salts. Last of the big spenders, but at least I kept my word.
I had spent an entertaining evening sipping wine whilst learning about this Aloe Vera plant and its health benefits. I decided I approved whole heartedly of the idea of natural products and I felt I was on to something. So, when Nikki asked if I would like the opportunity to build a full-time income, working part-time flexible hours from home, I was intrigued. Team marketing (what?), working for oneself but not by oneself, she went on. Of course, it all sounded too good to be true, but since I hadn’t quite written her off as mad, I let her talk me into accompanying her to a local meeting to have a closer look at how it all worked. I had nothing to lose, I decided, and even though I was moving house again the following week, what the heck! Apparently I could take the business with me wherever, even abroad – how novel!
Despite some initial scepticism, I was so inspired I registered as a distributor on the spot. I filled in the only piece of paperwork I’ve ever had to fill in with this company and parted with a small sum of money to buy my box of goodies to start the business. Once I was ready, I attended the training sessions, and learned to build my business with Nikki holding my hand every step of the way. Having been in ‘training’ in my previous life I was ready to pick all sorts of holes in the system, but the standard and range of training available blew me away. Moreover, since the only way to progress in team marketing is to develop and coach your team, you can be confident of receiving all the help you need from the person who brings you into the business. Your success is their primary
8 Summer 2008
concern. I think that’s a neat way of working. I have now been involved in this business for 2 years, and although I have taken my time in building what I have (I’m no Anita Roddick), I find it extremely rewarding, very exciting and I wouldn't want to do anything else. I’ve been shown a way to hone my skills and talents and let them shine when and where and how I like. I’m my own boss, yet receive plenty of help and guidance. I have met stacks of new friends. I choose how much I want to earn. Whether the intention is pin money or building a fabulous pension, there is no limit to the earning potential. Perhaps most importantly to me, this business is totally fair and ethical. What could be better?
If anyone is interested in learning more, call Liz on 07763 064689.
Sue Chapman P
rior to becoming a Professional Life Coach I enjoyed 20 years as a teacher. When returning
to teaching, after staying at home with my children for 5 years, I was initially fairly happy. Increasingly however, I found it didn’t hold the same meaning for me as it had previously. Something was missing. I found this difficult to understand as I had always loved my job. It was at this point that I started reading self help and psychology books.
What I experienced changed my life there and then. I made a plan. That plan was to become a Life Coach to enable me to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives. Although at that point I had no experience of running my own business, it fitted everything I wanted to do. I could help people to live the lives they wanted while working from home. This flexibility was important to fit in with my husband’s numerous job changes and the children’s school holidays. I qualified as a Personal Performance Coach, a Parent
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