It's hard to believe it's almost a year since I handed in my notice. Back then, the idea of running my own business felt both exciting and terrifying. Fast-forward to now and those two emotions are still very much present — just in different proportions depending on the day.
The “day job” has been relentless this month. Customers are already talking Christmas campaigns and deadlines, so the tempo's up and inboxes are filling fast.
Early in the month I spent time tightening cashflow forecasts and producing the first bits of marketing for our 2025 upskilling and Trade to Trainer courses, but I'm acutely aware the training room needs to be ready before anyone can walk through the door.
And that's where the frustration lies. The roof leaks still aren't fixed, which means the development of the training room — the must-have — is on hold. The practical training area, meanwhile, is coming along nicely: framing up, clearing out, and starting to look like a place where learning will happen.
It's progress, but not the progress that pays the bills. The “nice-to-haves” are moving faster than the essentials.
On the brighter side, I've sourced training room furniture, a smartboard, and a projector. The pieces are stacking up, waiting for the green light. I keep picturing that first group of learners sitting there — it's what pushes me through the stop-starts.
Something else happened this month that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. Out of the blue, someone reached out — someone who's been watching the journey unfold — and offered help. Real, hands-on, meaningful help. No agenda, just empathy from someone who understands how daunting and lonely this kind of project can feel. I didn't see it coming, and I'll admit I was almost speechless. Genuinely humbled, and very grateful.
I've also committed to doing Movember this year to raise awareness; as a reminder to check yourself, physically and mentally. We all get so caught up chasing progress that we forget the basics: health, perspective, connection. If this blog nudges even one person to book that GP appointment or open up to a mate, then it's done its job.
And finally, a big positive: my eBook So, You Want to Run a Plumbing Business? is almost ready to publish. I'm excited and nervous in equal measures. It's been a long time coming, but it feels like the right moment.
October has been a test of patience and persistence. The to-do list is still long, the ceiling still leaks, and the training room's still waiting. But each month, another piece falls into place. And nearly a year after lighting the fuse, the spark's still there… still burning bright.