Lessons learned: musings on turning 30, changing careers and embracing the chaos.

Obviously when thinking about this topic, I have to recognise the remarkable opportunity Ben and Simon, Thought and Mortar’s co-founders, created by taking a punt on me. Making a career transition from the public sector is no easy feat, and it came with rejections aplenty, but they recognised I had a vast skillset that they could hone within their business. It definitely also helped that, from-the-outset, there was the “yeah, I could work closely with this person” feeling that was felt by all. 

Maybe I’m becoming more sentimental as I get older, or maybe old habits die hard? But as I very quickly hurtle towards thirty, these are the five lessons changing careers has taught me.

Lesson 1. Your skills are more transferable than you (and other people) think.

The biggest realisation? Career changes aren’t as terrifying as they seem. If you’re adaptable, curious, and willing to throw yourself into something new, you can take skills from one world and make them work in another. Turns out, running a classroom: managing different personalities, meeting deadlines, and keeping people engaged; isn’t all that different from managing clients, project timelines, and the occasional Shopify-related meltdown. The ability to think on your feet and solve problems quickly is just as important in ecommerce as it was in the classroom. And honestly, diffusing client panic over Black Friday sales isn’t too far off from calming down a student who just realised they left their coursework at home.

Lesson 2. You never stop learning.

Teaching had its challenges, like convincing a group of teenagers that Shakespeare isn’t just a load of guff that has no relevance to their life, but one thing it taught me was a love of learning. That hasn’t changed since moving into ecommerce. The digital landscape moves faster than the rush to the dinner queue on chip-Friday, and staying ahead means constantly upskilling, testing new strategies, and figuring out why that one Shopify integration still won’t cooperate. Whether it’s mastering Shopify’s latest features, diving into the depths of ecommerce UX, or working out how to optimise a store’s conversion rate, there’s always something new to learn—just like there was in teaching.

Lesson 3. Communication is everything.

If you can get a classroom of 14-year-olds to engage with Macbeth on a Monday morning, you can explain ecommerce strategy to anyone. From guiding a brand through their first Shopify store, breaking down the benefits of Shopify Plus, or helping a client make sense of customer retention strategies, those classroom-honed storytelling and persuasion skills have been surprisingly handy. The key is making complex ideas simple, whether it's explaining the tragic flaws of a Shakespearean hero or the nuances of a seamless checkout experience. Turns out, getting buy-in from a skeptical client is eerily similar to convincing students that Romeo and Juliet isn’t just about two irresponsible teenagers.

Lesson 4. Pressure is a privilege.

Managing a class of 30 students while getting them to care about metaphors and iambic pentameter is a special kind of chaos, but ecommerce has its own brand of high-stakes fun. The adrenaline rush of launching a new Shopify store, refining conversion rates, or watching a bold strategy actually work is just as rewarding. Only now, the pressure comes with fewer essay extensions and last-minute homework excuses. Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing a store go live and watching the first orders roll in; it’s like handing back a highly graded essay and actually getting a smile in return.

Lesson 5. Change is good.

People who know me well (hi, mum!) would likely be surprised at this one. I’m nothing if not a creature of routine and habit. But, if the past three years have taught me anything, it’s that change is good. Shopify and the ecommerce world are fast-paced, creative, and constantly evolving, which keeps things exciting. As I step into my thirties, I know I made the right call. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and seeing what’s next.

So, if you’re thinking about switching careers, go for it. You never know where your skills will take you. Just maybe don’t expect teenagers to appreciate Shakespeare or your Shopify ‘hot takes’.