‘I quit the job I was bored of – an and set up my own business’
Jennifer Hodgson, 31, lives in Chester with her boyfriend Jack, 29, and runs her own PR company. She says, “After 10 years of working in PR, I was getting tired of office culture and wanted a change. I kept thinking how great it would be to run my own company and be my own boss.
But leaving a secure, salaried position seemed daunting. Then, in March this year, I went on holiday to Las Vegas with a friend. As the end of our break loomed, I couldn’t shake shak the feeling of dread about returning to a job I was bored of.
“As we waited to board our flight home, we saw the news on TV about the USA going into lockdown – and that the UK would follow.
“Knowing it could be a while before I returned to the office, I felt like I had an opportunity for a fresh start. I talked it through with my boyfriend, Jack, and after lots of deliberating, I decided to hand in my notice.
“Some of my friends thought I was mad to give up my £25,000 salary when we were in the middle of a pandemic.
But with the news of so many lives claimed by COVID-19, I realised more than ever that it’s important to do something you love rather than be miserable – life is too short. I had savings, so I felt financially secure, and I took the leap to set up my own beauty and lifestyle PR agency, Moda PR. I launched my website and word spread. Thankfully I already had a good reputation, meaning clients came to me.
“So far, the business has been running smoothly. I’m working from home so I don’t have any outgoings such as travel. Within three months, I’ve gained exciting new clients and I’m on course to earn £50,000 – double what I made before!
“Lockdown gave me the nudge to finally step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I’m so pleased I made the change when I did.”