In June 2023, my young family and I made a life-changing decision to leave the bustling city and move to the serene Peak District. We bought a fixer-upper, but quickly realised we couldn’t afford to fix it up. I left my beloved NHS role in the Crisis Response Service and took a significant pay cut to join a smaller local team. We were at risk of losing everything.
In a bid to make ends meet, I signed up as an associate with a few private OT companies. This was my first step into the world of private practice, I quickly fell in love with it. But the honeymoon period didn’t last long. I found it hard to say no. The demands grew, and soon I was working more hours than I was paid for in the NHS. At my worst, I was working up to 70 hours a week, late nights after the kids went to bed, weekends, you name it. I lost my balance, and burnout set in. I was mentally and physically drained.
During my time off, I discovered that I’m neurodivergent and was diagnosed with ADHD, something I’ may talk more about in a future blog post. This revelation helped me make sense of some of my struggles. But at that moment, I was just trying to get my life back on track.
As I recovered, feeling apathetic toward my NHS role, I had a moment of hyper-focus and began researching how to start my own business. My first port of call was the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), and that’s when I found a fantastic course on becoming an Independent OT, offered by Access Independence. It was a game-changer. The course not only covered the legal side of things (like taxes) but also helped me weigh the pros and cons of being a sole trader versus setting up a limited company. I also took a course called Being Your Own Boss, which was equally valuable. It gave me a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship and helped me earn the SPFEDI Award in Understanding Enterprise. The networking opportunities were incredible too, one of my peers was an accountant, and when I was ready, I reached out to her, forging a positive working relationship.
Taking the leap, I registered a company name with Companies House and secured a domain for my future website. The name Hummingbird Therapy Services came to me asI’ve always had a small obsession with hummingbirds (and one day, I’ll spot one!). The name felt right because I envisioned expanding the business—bringing on associates and offering a broader range of therapy services. I wanted something that wasn’t tied to just me, a name that could grow. I also have a bit of an obsession with hummingbirds.
In hindsight, I also made a few impulsive decisions like investing in expensive technology
without fully thinking it through. It was a bit of a behavioral trait I had to learn from. But, in time, it became part of the journey.
I returned to my NHS role, but with a new perspective. The NHS is a wonderful system, but it's under immense pressure. The constant financial crises and the negative news weighed heavily on the morale of those working within it. I knew I wanted more. I wanted the freedom to practice the kind of OT I’m passionate about. I felt disengaged, guilty even, for not feeling the same enthusiasm I once did.
As my private practice grew, it became more regular and sustainable. I started dedicating time to my website. I’m not technical, and I’m not a coder, but I found Strikingly. It is a platform designed for beginners. With lots of research and effort, I got my website up and running.
I was itching to hand in my notice, but I held back, reminding myself to be cautious. I still had a role to play within the NHS, sharing the knowledge I’d gained through private practice with my colleagues. I had skills others lacked, and I wanted to be sure that when I did leave, it was the right time.
After a year as a sole trader, I officially transitioned to operating as a limited company at the start of the new financial year. Since then, I’ve developed a business plan, reached out to manufacturers of specialist seating, and begun market research. I’m also planning a pilot program to address postural deformities in care homes, focusing on residents with dementia.
It’s early days, but I’m excited for what’s ahead. Watch this space.