Becoming PHOMO

Having made a career and life changing decision 6 months ago to leave my career of 17 years in the Energy sector to launch a Vietnamese pho meal kit business, many people ask what it is like. But I’ve found it really hard to explain, and that is when it hit me. I know this feeling, because I have felt this complex range of emotions before… 12 years ago when I had my first born. I have heard people refer to businesses as their “baby” but now I really feel what that means.

12 years ago, my beautiful son was born, and the first 6 months were a rollercoaster of emotions. The highest highs sat side by side with some of the deepest lows I have ever felt. Self-doubt, fear for the future and a huge dose of imposter syndrome filled my days along with precious moments and waves of happiness which fuelled me to keep going.

Building a business is just as isolating, life changing and rewarding as being a parent. I have learnt more in these past 6 months than I have for many years, lessons learnt from others and lessons learnt the hard way, through mistakes that consume my thoughts and steal my sleep (again very similar to a newborn!).

I have also found support in unexpected places, the kindness of friends and of strangers. Every positive review, every order and every word of encouragement is my oxygen. I am not sure how things will turn out, but I am motivated enough to keep trying and if, in 12 years, I have 3 related but totally unique businesses and a couple of side hustles (cat and a dog) then it will have all been worth it.

Can you relate to my analogy, or do you have another which fits your experiences more? I’d love to hear about them and how you coped with it all.