Your Big Career Move with Yesim Nicholson

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Sep 2025

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Making a career change can be a daunting prospect....but it doesn't have to be! Why not take inspiration from people who have made big career changes...and are now thriving!? Join us in conversations where we delve deep into their career journeys, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. If you are inspired to make a career change (no matter how big or small), get in touch, or check out how I can help at www.yescareercoaching.com

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56 recent

September 5, 20251 hr 0 min

56. Jennie Tipple: How I built a successful side hustle as a teacher

Are you unhappy in your job and thinking about starting a side hustle? In this episode of Your Big Career Move, I talk with Jennie Tipple, a teacher who turned her passion into a thriving candle business, Misneach Remedies.Jennie shares her journey of reducing her hours in the classroom, creating a successful side hustle in candle-making and building it into a business she loves. She opens up about:- The challenges of deciding whether to quit teaching and find a new career path.- How to start a business while working as a teacher.- Challenges of balancing multiple roles and the importance of mental health and wellbeing while growing her business.- Why saying “yes” to opportunities can change your career.If you’ve ever searched for: 👉 “Best side hustles for teachers” 👉 “How to start a candle business” 👉 “How to quit your job and work for yourself” 👉 “Turn your passion into a business”…this episode is for you.✨ Watch Jenny’s story of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship to get inspired to start your own side hustle journey.You can find out more about Jennie and Misneach Remedies here - https://www.misneachremedies.com/https://www.instagram.com/misneachremedies#SideHustle #CareerChange #TeacherSideHustle #CandleBusiness #QuitTeaching #WorkFromHome00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:03 Jenny's Journey into Teaching05:31 Challenges and Determination14:25 Transition to Entrepreneurship15:58 The Importance of Life Skills in Education20:03 Balancing Teaching and Business24:21 Supply Teaching and Personal Wellbeing27:03 Starting the Candle Business30:05 Building a Business from Scratch30:48 Teaching Candle Making Workshops34:26 Challenges and Learning Experiences41:43 Support Systems and Overcoming Fears49:23 Balancing Identity and Career56:39 Redefining Success and Future Goals59:39 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you!Connect with me https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my bestselling career book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW📚 US - https://a.co/d/bVuQLxC📚 Canada - https://a.co/d/aG9SEDUJoin our readers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/940667921539416/Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions #careerchange #careerchangeadvice #career #careeradvice #teachers #careercoach

July 28, 202542 min

55. Gary Keogh: I quit my corporate career to follow my passion

“I was used to traveling around the world in a global brand director role, spending a lot of time in airports and fantastic parts of the world, working with brilliant teams. And then suddenly I wasn't part of a team. So that's a big change in dynamic.”If you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you!Connect with mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my bestselling career book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW📚 US - https://a.co/d/bVuQLxC📚 Canada - https://a.co/d/aG9SEDUJoin our readers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/940667921539416/Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions From Global Brand Director to Coaching EntrepreneurIn this episode of Your Big Career Move, host Yesim Nicholson welcomes Gary Keogh, a former Global Brand Director with a 27-year marketing career, who shares his inspiring journey of career transformation. Gary discusses his pivot from a senior marketing role at notable companies, including William Grant & Sons, to becoming a coach and specialist in psychological safety for teams. He delves into his motivations, the importance of support from family, and the challenges he faced transitioning to self-employment. Through candid reflections, Gary offers valuable insights on the importance of niche focus, the power of coaching, and the significance of fostering psychological safety in the workplace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a major career change and looking for practical advice on making it happen successfully.00:00 Introduction to Gary's Career Journey00:40 Gary's Marketing Career and Company Culture03:44 Transition to Coaching and Mentoring07:29 Balancing Work, Study, and Personal Life12:40 Discovering a Passion for Coaching17:04 Making the Leap to a New Career21:11 The Decision to Take the Leap21:36 Support from Family and Colleagues24:22 Starting the New Business28:19 Challenges and Adjustments32:27 Finding a Niche and Marketing Strategies37:04 Defining Success and Future Goals40:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement#careerchange #careerchangeadvice #career #careeradvice #careercoach

June 15, 20251 hr 3 min

54. Paul Ollinger: Why I quit Facebook and became a comedian

If you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you!In this episode of Your Big Career Move, host Yesim Nicholson sits down with Paul Ollinger. As the 250th employee at Facebook, Paul’s career has taken several interesting turns from corporate executive to stand-up comedian. Discover how he transitioned from working with tech giants like Yahoo and Facebook to pursuing his passion for comedy and writing. Paul shares insights about luck, financial freedom, and the pursuit of authentic career choices. The discussion delves into his family's role in his life decisions, his connection to money and success, and how he maintains fulfilment in his personal and professional life. 00:17 Meet Paul Ollinger: From Facebook to Comedy01:02 Daily Life of a Comedian03:27 Paul's Career Journey: From Yahoo to Facebook07:19 Family and Career Decisions11:01 Reflections on Leaving Facebook14:43 The Pursuit of Happiness and Fulfilment27:19 Money, Happiness, and Life Choices33:37 Life in New York City34:55 Choosing Friends Wisely36:39 Balancing Career and Passion39:36 Financial Struggles and Lessons41:54 Teaching Kids About Money45:35 Defining Success and Happiness48:18 The Puzzle of Passion and Value58:19 Gratitude and MindsetConnect with mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my bestselling career book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW📚 US - https://a.co/d/bVuQLxC📚 Canada - https://a.co/d/aG9SEDUJoin our readers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/940667921539416/Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions Find out more about Paul here: Substack: https://words.paulollinger.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_ollingerYou Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaulOllinger#careerchange #careerchangeadvice #career #careeradvice #teachers #careercoach #facebook #comedian

May 7, 20251 hr 4 min

53. I quit teaching and now I'm an entrepreneur

If you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you!From Teacher to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Jules Mitra | Your Big Career Move 🔥 Are you a teacher feeling stuck, burned out, or ready to leave the classroom? You're not alone, and this episode is just what you need.🎙️ In this episode of Your Big Career Move, Yesim Nicholson sits down with Jules Mitra, a former teacher who made the courageous leap from the education sector to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Jules opens up about his teaching career in Zambia and the UK, his struggles with burnout and disillusionment, and how he found renewed purpose by starting his own business: In and Beyond Bath, a unique tour company focused on meaningful, local experiences.Whether you're a teacher looking to quit your job, explore alternative careers in education, or launch your own purpose-driven business, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and real talk about what it takes to reinvent yourself.✨ Topics Covered:- Career burnout in teaching- Leaving the education system- Discovering your why outside the classroom- Career change for teachers- Starting a business from scratch- Building a meaningful career- Turning your passion into income🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring career change stories, especially for educators ready for something new: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmeOF11wH7Ch3gVMzuK9Mw?sub_confirmation=1💬 Are you a teacher thinking about quitting? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your story.#CareerChange #TeacherBurnout #LifeAfterTeaching #Entrepreneurship #JulesMitra #YourBigCareerMove #TeachersWhoQuit #AlternativeCareersForTeachers #ReadyToQuitYourJobFind out more about Jules and his business: https://inandbeyondbath.com/https://www.instagram.com/inbeyondbath/https://www.facebook.com/inandbeyondbathhttps://www.youtube.com/@UCquaB6rzfCGF7zyOH4ez-ug Connect with mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my bestselling career book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW📚 US - https://a.co/d/bVuQLxC📚 Canada - https://a.co/d/aG9SEDUJoin our readers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/940667921539416/Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions

March 27, 20251 hr 1 min

52. Career change: From surgeon to CEO

From Surgeon to CEO: Arturo Almeida's Career Transition JourneyIn this episode of 'Your Big Career Move', host Yesim Nicholson interviews Arturo Almeida, who transitioned from a career as a surgeon to a business owner in the healthcare industry. Arturo shares his inspiring journey, discussing his early passion for medicine, the challenges and realisations that led him away from traditional surgery roles, and his eventual pivot to private practice and aesthetic medicine. Yesim and Arturo both share their tips for making a career change. Arturo delves into the importance of learning and teaching, the impact of personal growth on professional success, and the role of fear in career transitions. Arturo also highlights his continued commitment to serving the community through minor surgeries for NHS practices, underscoring his belief in giving back. This conversation provides valuable insights for anyone considering a significant career change, particularly within the medical field.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast00:34 Meet Arturo Almeida: From Surgeon to Business Owner01:24 Arturo's Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings02:14 Challenges in the Healthcare Profession06:54 Arturo's Move to the UK12:47 Transition to Private Practice18:01 Exploring Aesthetic Medicine22:07 Balancing Identity and Career28:00 Lessons from Business Ventures30:15 Overcoming Business Failure31:51 The Importance of Continuous Learning35:02 Teaching and Personal Development38:14 Challenges in the Medical Profession43:33 Balancing Private and Public Healthcare52:02 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment58:42 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsIf you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you!Connect with me Yesim Nicholson - career coachhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my bestselling career book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW📚 US - https://a.co/d/bVuQLxC📚 Canada - https://a.co/d/aG9SEDUJoin our readers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/940667921539416/Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions You can find out more about Arturo and his work:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drarturoalmeida/https://arturoalmeida.com/ @drarturoalmeida #careerchange #careerchangeadvice #career #careeradvice #surgeon #careercoach

February 26, 202555 min

51. How and why I left teaching

If you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you!Connect with me Yesim Nicholson - career coachhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my bestselling career book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW📚 US - https://a.co/d/bVuQLxC📚 Canada - https://a.co/d/aG9SEDUJoin our readers Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/940667921539416/Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions In this episode of 'Your Big Career Move,' host and career coach Yesim Nicholson chats with Faris Aranki, who talks about how he got into teaching without any teaching qualifications. He also talked about why he ended up quitting teaching, transitioned from teaching to consulting and later founded his own successful business. He talks about the lessons he learned along the way, the importance of communication, handling emotions in decision-making, and the impact of his upbringing by immigrant parents. This insightful conversation delves into Faris's approach to career changes, the significance of backing oneself, and the pursuit of fun in work.00:00 Introduction to Faris Aranki01:28 Faris's early career and why he went into teaching 08:40 Why he quit teaching and went into corporate10:37 Redesigning his CV and job applications17:16 Joining Centrica and overcoming ego26:00 Moving into Strategy Consulting27:26 Navigating the culture of overachievement28:12 Adapting to Professional Services28:54 The importance of promoting yourself29:39 Rising through the ranks31:07 Balancing long hours and mental challenges32:29 The decision to quit consulting34:19 How and why he started a new business38:58 The role of family support and how being the son of immigrants shaped him51:45 Defining Success and Personal Growth55:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can connect with Faris here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/farisaranki/#careerchange #careerchangeadvice #career #careeradvice #teacher #palestine #immigrant #careercoach #author

January 29, 20256 min

50. Time for a CAREER CHANGE?

Are you feeling stuck in your current job or industry?Are you considering making a career change, but unsure where to start?In this video, we'll explore the signs that it might be time for a career change, and provide you with the tools and resources you need to make an informed decision. Whether you're looking to switch industries, roles, or simply find a better work-life balance, this video is for you.So, if you're ready to take control of your career and make a change for the better, keep watching/listening!Connect with mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/🌍https://www.yescareercoaching.comYou can buy my book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LWStart by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career -https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions#careerchange #career #careeradvice #yourbigcareermove #teachers

January 23, 202539 min

49. How Dr. Leke Asong balances GP locum work with being an author, gut health guru and inventor

"All I remember, everyone just turned in my direction and looked at me like that. And I thought, oh my goodness, I'm going to kill myself here." If you’re thinking of making a career change then you’re in the right place. In each episode I chat to ordinary people who have made extraordinary career changes. I hope you enjoy this conversation and if you're feeling stuck in your career, let me help. I'm Yesim Nicholson and I work with people all over the world who have lost the joy in their work. Sometimes it will take a radical change to find work that feels meaningful to you. Other times it's small tweaks to your existing situation. Together we'll work out what's best for you! Connect with me https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/ 🌍 https://www.yescareercoaching.com You can buy my book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions Today's Episode: Balancing Multiple Passions: Dr. Leke Asong on Gut Health, Medicine, and Career Flexibility In this episode, Yesim Nicholson interviews Dr. Leke Asong, a practicing General Practitioner (GP) who has gained fame on social media for his expertise on gut health. Dr. Asong shares insights into how he balances his multifaceted career, including his locum work, gut health practice, writing and his inventions. He discusses the pressures of being a GP, his journey into medicine influenced by his surgeon father, and how he transitioned into a more balanced work-life setup through locum work. They also explore the impact of gut health on overall well-being, the challenges within the NHS, and the link between stress and chronic disease. Dr. Asong offers valuable advice on pursuing multiple passions and maintaining personal health while providing quality care. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Early Life and Medical Career Beginnings 03:35 Balancing Multiple Careers 04:16 Challenges in General Practice 05:11 Exploring New Passions 12:53 Gut Health and Mental Health Connection 15:08 Changing Patient Dynamics 19:48 The Future of General Practice 36:30 Personal Definition of Success 37:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Find out more & follow Dr.Leke Asong here: https://www.instagram.com/guthealthmedic/ https://www.tiktok.com/@guthealthmedic https://amzn.to/408jTsP https://amzn.to/423jfzv #careerchange #career #careeradvice #yourbigcareermove

January 17, 20257 min

48. How to make your career break work for you!

Navigating your Career Break In this episode of 'Your Big Career Move,' host Yesim Nicholson discusses the complex emotions and challenges associated with career breaks. Yesim offers practical advice for those unsure of their next career steps, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery during this time. She introduces 'Pause to Purpose,' a group programme designed to support individuals through their career breaks. She also shares inspiring stories of people who successfully transitioned into new careers after taking breaks, and highlights resources like her book, 'Ready to Quit Your Job?' and a free guide with 10 career-related questions. 00:00 Introduction to Your Big Career Move 00:33 Exploring the Topic of Career Breaks 01:52 Rediscovering Yourself During a Career Break 03:31 Introducing the Pause to Purpose Program 05:17 Additional Resources and Success Stories 07:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can find out more about the ‘Pause 2 Purpose’ programme here - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/p2p Here are the 10 career change questions - https://www.yescareercoaching.com/freecareerchangeresources If you’d like to have a quick chat with Yesim, you can book time here - https://calendly.com/yescareercoaching #careerchange #careerbreak #career #careeradvice #yourbigcareermove #careercoach

December 26, 202444 min

47. From GP to Sand Artist - Claire's Inspiring Journey

In this episode of 'Your Big Career Move,' Yesim Nicholson interviews Claire, who transitioned from a 30 year career as an NHS GP to becoming a renowned sand artist. They discuss how Claire discovered her passion for large-scale sand drawings, the logistical and emotional steps she took toward early retirement, and the unexpected challenges she faced, including the end of her marriage and the onset of COVID-19. Claire shares her inspiring story of reinvention, touching on themes of resilience, adaptation, and the importance of pursuing joy. Alongside her son, who has joined her new venture, Claire transformed her art into a burgeoning business, working with big brands like Nike and Footlocker. This episode is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a major career shift and seeking inspiration from real-life experiences.Connect with me⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesimnicholson/⁠🌍⁠https://www.yescareercoaching.com ⁠You can buy my book 'Ready to quit your job?' here - 📚⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZJ857LW⁠Start by asking yourself these 10 super powerful questions to help you discover your next career -⁠https://www.yescareercoaching.com/10careerchangequestions