It’s Never Too Late to Find Your True Colours: Why I Left the Civil Service to Launch Bourne in Colour
Just before Christmas, I was given an opportunity that completely stopped me in my tracks: a choice to take voluntary redundancy after a 25-year career with the Civil Service.
Instantly, a battle started between my heart and my head.
In my heart, I knew I wanted a change of direction. The passion for my work was no longer there, and I was craving something new. But in my head? My head reminded me of the security of a good income, a fantastic team, and a stable path all the way to retirement. Was I completely crazy for even contemplating walking away?
After a lot of soul-searching, endless to-ing and fro-ing, and discussing the practicalities with Mr B, I decided to take the plunge. I submitted my application to leave. Even then, there were no guarantees it would be accepted—and I told myself that if it wasn't, that would be okay. It would just be my destiny.
But once that decision was made, the big question loomed: What next? I’m certainly not ready for the scrapheap yet, and I have plenty of good years left in me!
Finding My New Passion
For a long time, I had been fascinated by colour analysis. I watched endless videos online, mesmerised by the literal transformations happening right before my eyes. Every time I watched one, I thought: I would love to share that experience with people.
But the doubts crept in. I’m not naturally a "creative" person. Could I really learn a brand-new skill at this stage in my life and set up my own business?
I started researching training courses. There were plenty of online options, and lots based in London. I ruled London out immediately—the thought of travelling into the city on my own filled me with terror. (Over the last few years, I’ve discovered I can be a bit of an "Anxious Annie," and it’s definitely gotten worse!).
Then, I came across Lucy from LuLu Boutique. I had been watching her videos on Instagram for a while, and she just felt so relatable and genuinely lovely. By complete chance, she had just launched her own training school in April. I contacted her for a chat, instantly got the best vibes, and signed up for her August training package in Wokingham. It was perfect—just over an hour away from me.
From Chaos to a Studio
When the official news arrived that my redundancy had been accepted, reality hit: This was actually happening. My final day with the Civil Service was set for the 30th of September, and I needed a plan.
The first step was converting my home office into a dedicated colour studio. This sounded fun in theory, but the timing brought a bit of creative chaos! My son had moved back home temporarily to save for a house, bringing his dog with him. Because he was already buying bits and bobs for his future home, our garage was bursting at the seams.
Through a lot of juggling, moving furniture, and decorating, we managed to get the studio ready. We are still living with a bit of chaos surrounding us, but it won’t be for long!
The Next Chapter
As I sit here writing this blog post, it is the 22nd of September. I am officially on leave, navigating the world of website building (which you are reading right now!), and learning how to market my new business.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been practicing my new skills on some of my lovely friends. Seeing their faces light up has reinforced every single decision that brought me here. I know with absolute certainty that I am going to love working with my future clients and using the skills I’ve worked so hard to learn.
Leaving a safe career is incredibly scary, and taking a leap into the unknown takes courage. But if my journey proves anything, it's this: it is never too late to change your career and follow what truly brings you joy.
Welcome to Bourne in Colour. I can't wait to help you find yours.