What kind of business would you build if you had the freedom to choose?
In 2016, seven months after my son was born, I faced a life-altering decision. I wanted to be a present father, a supportive husband, and still continue the recruitment career I had spent the last nine years building.
The truth was, the recruitment business I was part of had been an amazing ride. In my 20s and early 30s, it was a fast-paced, high-energy environment where I thrived. I worked with incredible people, enjoyed great success, and felt the excitement of being part of something that was growing and evolving.
But when I became a father, cracks started to appear. Not because the business was bad—it wasn’t. It was just that the tools, structures, and culture weren’t designed to support someone balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of parenthood.
At the time, I was leading a fantastic team, billing impressive numbers, and part of a company on the brink of a second private equity deal. I even had a solid shareholding in the business. On paper, it was everything I could have hoped for when I started out.
But then reality hit. One day, my son was seriously ill, and the childminder told me he couldn’t stay with her. My wife and I had the classic “whose job is more important” standoff (spoiler alert: I lost). I called my manager to explain the situation, expecting some understanding or flexibility. Instead, I was told I could either take unpaid leave or count it as holiday. No empathy, no discussion, just a stark choice.
This was a pivotal moment for me. As recruiters, we spent our days preaching empathy and flexibility to our clients—yet here I was, on the receiving end of none. It was clear that the way this business was structured, I would always have to choose between my career and my family.
That’s when I asked myself: Could I build a recruitment business where I didn’t have to choose? A business that prioritised people—clients, candidates and my family—giving us freedom to design a life that works for us?
In 2016, I decided to find out.
Starting my own recruitment business wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I ever made. I created a company, Every Cloud, where I could work hard, support my family, and genuinely enjoy both. Along the way, I discovered there were plenty of other recruiters and sales professionals who felt the same. They were brilliant at what they did but were stuck in environments that didn’t align with their values or ambitions.
Now, it’s 2024, and I believe it’s the perfect time for sales and recruitment professionals to make the leap. The world has changed. People are seeking more flexible work environments, greater autonomy, and businesses that put people at the heart of their mission. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own recruitment company—one that reflects your values and empowers you to live the life you want—there’s no better moment than now.
And you don’t have to do it alone. At Rec Launch, we specialise in helping recruiters take that leap. We guide you through every step of setting up your own recruitment business, from planning and structure to branding and tech. Our mission is to make it as seamless as possible for experienced recruiters to create a business that works for them—without the overwhelming uncertainty.
I won’t sugarcoat it: starting a business takes courage, planning, and hard work. But if you’re ready to take control of your career, build something meaningful, and create the work-life balance you’ve always wanted, it’s absolutely worth it.
So, ask yourself: What kind of business would you build if you had the freedom to choose?
If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to dive in, Rec Launch is here to support you. Together, we can help you take the first steps toward building your future.
