Turn your hobby into your career by taking the opportunities 2021 presents, says business expert

Rebecca Lodge runs Startup Disruptors, a support group that looks after hundreds of businesses in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.

Her optimism comes after Portsmouth was named one of the best cities in the UK to start a business.

She said: ‘Everyone will agree that 2020 has been a desperately uncertain and frightening time for all, but there is little that we can do to control the outcome of a pandemic.

‘So it’s my view that there has to be a level of acceptance around the things that we can influence and change. My grandparents taught me patience and waiting reap benefits in the longer term.

‘In 2021, I would urge people that are in an uncertain situation to focus as fully as they can on themselves. Worry and anxiety don’t solve anything, but positive action will. Pandemics are emotionally tough and everyone’s personal situation is different. What I would say is this.

‘If you have been long wishing for or wanting a change in your personal circumstances, 2021 may be the year to explore this further.

‘In my opinion, there has never been a better time to turn a hobby into a side hustle and then turn this into your full-time career.

‘With the world in disarray, there are plenty of opportunities for the seekers that hunker down and work for things.

‘Nothing comes easy in life and everything takes time, but there is cause to be positive. My advice would be to spend this time educating yourself and researching what you want to do next. Change is often terrifying and liberating at the same time.

‘Remember there is always help at hand, it’s just a question of asking the right people for support to progress from where you are today, to where you wish to be tomorrow. To be strong is to ask for support when it’s required and accept help readily and gratefully. Have a great 2021.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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