Susan's Story | Cosmic Skip to main content

Susan has had a vibrant, varied and unique career. Having started her working life as a qualified Nursery Nurse, she later retrained as a teacher. Here began a patchwork-career, moving across countries and continents, getting involved in a huge range of exciting jobs. From teaching English in Spain, to setting up children’s play centres in the Greek Islands. Susan has been a teacher in many countries, a swimming coach, and has done a stint picking pears in Australia!  

Most recently, Susan has spent time in Abu Dhabi, teaching in international schools and immersing herself in the culture within the United Arab Emirates. Eighteen months ago, Susan returned to live full time in Devon. “It was like: I’ve come back, hit 60, no pension, no job and now what? What do I do?”. She felt lost and with no 
clear direction.  

Whilst on a train journey to Exeter, Susan overheard part of a conversation across the aisle; someone mentioned Positive People. She didn’t know anything about the project, but the word “positive” struck a chord and she decided to do some research. (This major project supports people across Devon and Somerset, offering a lifeline to people who are not in work to help build confidence, skills and give a sense of hope for the future). As a result, Susan was introduced to Susanna, one of Cosmic’s Change Coaches on the Positive People project. With lots of ideas and a skilled background, Susanna recommended that Susan joined the Digital Business Academy course, to learn how to set up her business. She hasn’t looked back since.  

With a series of business-basics workshops, digital skills training, and mentoring, Susan now feels that she “suddenly has a path to go down, and a direction to follow”. Cosmic were also able to provide Susan with a website, to allow her to promote her next projects. Jamie at Cosmic designed a bespoke website, highlighting her teaching services in an easy-to-understand manner. The website is mobile friendly and gives Susan a professional online presence. 

She’s always had an interest in writing and has recently written two children’s books, that have been accepted for publication. Susan is finding that new-found skills with LinkedIn and other forms of Social Media are allowing her to forge new contacts, research concepts and approach ideas with confidence.  

New business ideas are cropping up all the time for Susan. She has also applied to volunteer with local charities in Devon, so that she can give time to other people feeling isolated. Joining the Positive People programme has helped Susan immensely: “When I met her (Susanna, Cosmic’s Change Coach) it was like a breath of fresh air... I had come alive again! I’m in a really good place now”. We’re delighted that Susan has found a new energy and direction, and we are looking forward to seeing her next projects emerge and succeed.