Building Resilience as a Self-Employed Professional

The past few weeks have been some of the most challenging times I could ever have imagined, for deeply personal reasons. On reflection, I know I couldn’t have got through it without the incredible support of my wife and those around us — having people to talk to has been invaluable.

Life often throws unexpected challenges our way. Just over a year ago, I found myself facing redundancy and the uncertainty that comes with it. My priority was to continue supporting my family and provide them with everything they needed. With the unwavering support of my wife and the encouragement of my professional network, that uncertain journey evolved into something new — the creation of CJ & L Consultancy Ltd.

Today, I find myself leading an early-stage business with a small but steady pipeline of clients. Their trust in my expertise has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

The Challenges of Self-Employment During Difficult Times

The last few weeks have also reminded me how limited the formal support can be for those who are self-employed when life becomes difficult. Unlike full-time employees, we don’t have access to paid leave or the safety net of time away to recover. Our clients still need our support, and our responsibilities don’t pause.

Even when emotions run high or circumstances are tough, the bills still need paying and the work must go on. It’s a reality that many business owners understand all too well.

Through it all, my motivation remains clear: my wife and our two cheeky little boys. They are the reason I do what I do — the driving force behind my determination to build a business that creates stability, security, and opportunities for our family.

The Importance of Talking and Taking Time to Reflect

What has helped me most during these difficult moments is the support of my family and professional network. They’ve helped me stay grounded and, in many ways, given me space to reflect.

I’ve learned how important it is to talk and to take moments — even short ones — to process what we’re going through. During a recent talk I attended, one phrase stood out to me and has stayed with me since:

“It’s OK — everything will be OK.”

Simple words, but so powerful. We all face bumps in the road, but it’s how we navigate them that shapes who we are and how we grow.

Looking Ahead

My wife and I have another challenge ahead — this time one we can prepare for. We’ll face it together, just as we have faced every other challenge so far.

This reflection feels particularly significant because it captures what life as a self-employed business owner truly looks like: managing clients, family, and personal challenges all at once. When you’re building a business from the ground up, with limited resources, there’s constant pressure to keep going. But there’s also a deep sense of purpose behind every step forward.

Despite the challenges, I’m proud to see how my clients are growing and achieving their own goals. Their success motivates me every day. As we approach the end of 2025, I’m optimistic that 2026 will bring new opportunities — to continue supporting existing clients and to form new partnerships built on trust and collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Self-employment isn’t always an easy path, but it’s one that offers immense satisfaction, freedom, and growth. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over this journey, it’s that resilience comes from the people around you — your family, your friends, your network, and the clients who believe in your work.

If you’d like to learn more about how CJ & L Consultancy Ltd can support your business, please visit our Services page or contact me directly at craig.ladley@cjlconsultancy.co.uk.