Less than four hours after leaving the world of newspaper journalism and I had written a press release, changed my social media profile names to proudly boast our company name and also started my first blog as the partner of Journalism and PR. No rest for the wicked then!
Rhea had ordered me to have the weekend off and start today but why wait! The excitement had set in so I started my new job on the very Friday night I finished at the Shropshire Star.
There was no holding me back. What an exciting development and stage in my life and career and one which many would describe as frightening in such an economic climate.
No salary being paid into the bank each and every month, no company car, no mobile bill being paid for but I am now my own boss and I will be working for the future of my supportive and loving family.
Next year when my eldest son Eddie starts school I will be able to walk him up the road and be at the school gates to pick him up – what a privilege that opportunity is these days when so many parents have no choice but to resort to breakfast and after school clubs.
I have nothing but fond memories of my seven years at the Shropshire Star – five of them as the crime correspondent. My pride and love for the job showed as I was reduced to tears when the deputy editor said such kind words in front of all of my colleagues on Friday.
The previous day I had looked at my cuttings of some of my most important stories – exclusive interviews with the brave families of murder victims; while others with victims who were lucky to survive such horrendous injuries and of course my extensive coverage of Princess Diana’s inquest at London’s Royal Courts of Justice where I was the only regional newspaper reporter in the UK. That experience will never be forgotten.
Seven years of my life in which I have bought my first home, got married, had two children, moved house to what is now my family home and battled an illness here and there – all of those with the support of some fantastic and caring colleagues. Those people I will never forget and certainly miss as I now become a homeworker.
But now I am looking forward to the new chapter as a PR consultant where I will proudly represent sole traders and small and medium enterprises across Telford, Bridgnorth and Oswestry.
While Rhea will continue with her current stomping ground of Shrewsbury, while also expanding into North and South Shropshire.
Although not working in a large head office as I did previously, Rhea and I will be regularly based at the launch pad facility at the e-Innovation Centre at the University of Wolverhampton in Priorslee.
A welcoming office environment where you are surrounded by prospering businesses – this is a must for any home worker and with so many networking clubs and meetings and business hubs across the county, nobody working from home should feel alone.
During the last few weeks I have already been made to feel very welcome by the members of the business networking community and am looking forward to building long and lasting relationships as I did in full employment.
But most importantly I can’t wait to do what Journalism and PR does best and that is to proudly show off and shout about the best small businesses in the county and their fantastic products and services before watching their own businesses prosper.
So cheers – here’s to the future as a partner at Journalism and PR.
