Blog #2
Where I had planned to be vs Where I am, one-year out of University.

Introduction

At 23, I thought I’d be in London, working in investment banking, living with my best mates, and enjoying the buzz of a big city. Instead, I’m in Devon, living with my parents, one year into running my own social sports company.

As the last of my friends start their full‑time jobs in London, I’ve been reflecting on the plan I had at university versus the reality I’m living now - and some of the frustrations that come with being a solo founder.

I may be going off script, but in doing so I’ve redicovered what I truly enjoy, picking up from where I left off many years ago!

The Original ‘Plan’

I’ve always liked having a plan. Heading into university, mine was simple:

Spring week in my first year.
Internship in my second year.
Convert the internship into a full‑time role.

It was a clear route into a lucrative, well-paid, and stimulating career, and, if I’m honest, I liked the respect that came with it.

I was on track. I’d completed an internship which I’d loved at a great firm and was hoping to convert it into something more. If things had gone according to my plan, I’d be in London right now, starting that career, living with my friends.

The Reality

Instead, I’m one year into running a business and feel ‘off‑route’ and ‘behind’ compared to my peers for the first time.

My friends are in London, starting exciting jobs, surrounded by people and opportunities. I’m in a sleepy Devon village where the biggest drama revolves around what gets posted on the community Facebook page - very Hot Fuzz.

The hardest part has been the disconnect & loneliness. I’m four hours away, with fewer people around, on a career path that’s hard to explain and relate to, especially given the all‑consuming and solitary nature of being a solo founder.

The silver lining is that I’ve realised how much I value my friendships and how lucky I am to have such a good group, even if I don’t see them as often.

The cost of going off script

What makes it more frustrating is that year one was actually successful. However, because I invested heavily upfront, buying marquees and fencing rather than renting, I couldn’t pay myself a salary. It was the right decision, although in the short term, it means little income and plenty of reminders from my parents.

The good news is those big costs are now covered, putting me in a strong position for year two. It’s tough watching friends start to earn while I’m at home, but that’s the reality of choosing to go off-plan, it’s a short-term sacrifice for long-term progress.

Perspective, why it’s ok to go off script

Perspective matters. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t the end of the world. It’s one more winter and spring until I aim to be in London. This period may turn out to be the best thing for me. A rare prolonged period with no distractions, allowing me to focus solely on building the business. I’m learning more than I ever have, with a solid routine whilst really loving my work, which is a great place to be in for my career.

The brilliance of all of this is how quickly things can change. Over the last eighteen months, I went from chasing a career in finance to now fully rediscovering my entrepreneurial nature, and I’m on track to make a living from it.

For context, I’ve always had side hustles. At twelve, I sold chocolate bars around school and on buses, making nearly £1,000 before being shut down. I ran a Depop account with my best mate, and even a brownie business at school, which was also shut down! They were all small ventures, but looking back, it’s obvious where my real interests lay.

Final Thoughts:

The great philosopher Sarah Cameron once said, “You love the idea of me, you love being seen with me, but you don’t love me.” The same, it turns out, applies to my original career plan.

So did I fulfil the plan I set for myself? No. But in trying to live a life that wasn’t true to me, I rediscovered the thing that is: entrepreneurship.

One year in, I may be off script - but I’ve never been more on track.

One Year In: Off Script, On Track