Have I failed?

I do sometimes feel like I've copped out, taken the easy road and given up on what I started.

The truth is I fell into catering, it was never my dream and as I fell into it I couldn't see a way out. I couldn't see that anyone would take a chance on someone out of the job market for a few years, on the wrong side of 40.

I have loved what I have achieved and if I've shared a bit of knowledge about allergies and if I've changed your perception that allergy food can taste great then I'm truly happy.

This new opportunity, however long it lasts, has already changed me, I no longer take any catering work regardless of size, I bought a gorgeous car that I have had on my goals list for years, since I passed when I was 17 and my mum talked me out of it (back then it was an MX5)! my weekends are back...

There are downsides, fewer dog walks or meetups with friends, I spend less time with my mum, and I can't go shopping in the middle of the day!

Apart from my mum, they're a small price to pay for financial independence and security, a better work-life balance and a happier me.

The best bit, I love being back in a team where I can make a difference.

So please don't pity me or think that I've failed, I've pivoted again to make me happy.

And I'm still catering and making sweet treats, I am just a bit more choosy about what jobs I take!