Currently...

My name is Phil Bolton and I specialize in helping ambitious, talented people find work they love and make the most of their potential. I set up my practice, http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/" rel="nofollow">Less Ordinary Living, in 2008 and I have helped my clients to find professional fulfillment, start their own businesses and make life more exciting.

It's so exciting to work closely with my clients as they find out more about themselves, set an exciting vision for their future and make that a reality.

As a trained coach with a professional background, I'm fascinated by every aspect of how someone can find meaning and happiness in their life and write about this on my blog and across the media.

I'm excited to be associated with Escape the City and provide http://escapethecity.org/coaching/index" rel="nofollow">coaching services to Esc Members who are looking for some support in making their Escape.

Before I escaped...

After graduating from Cambridge, I qualified as an accountant and spent the first 10 years of my career in client service with Deloitte in both London and San Francisco. I had an amazing experience and worked with some great people, but deep down I knew accounting wasn't for me in the long run.

A few years ago I decided I had to make a big change and find work I really loved. Realizing that I’m driven to help others fulfill their potential, I spent a year qualifying as a coach with http://www.ipeccoaching.com/" rel="nofollow">Ipec (the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching).

After that things started to fall into place. I worked as an in-house coach with Deloitte for a year, supporting leaders and high potential professionals in taking their career to the next level. It was so rewarding to see the impact that my coaching had on my client's success and fulfillment.

In 2008 I started my practice, http://www.lessordinaryliving.com/" rel="nofollow">Less Ordinary Living. I help my professional clients to take control of their careers and find work that is challenging and enjoyable. It is an exciting privilege to support talented ambitious people to find real fulfillment in their work and life.

My moment of truth...

I had two moments of truth, when I knew I was right to take the risk and change careers:

On day one at my coaching course within the first hour, I felt so at home and comfortable working with people. I realized that helping people to achieve their goals came naturally and I loved it. It was the exact opposite of day one at accounting school, and I knew I was on the right path.

As I was graduating from my coaching course I applied for an opportunity to become a full-time professional coach. Although I had no previous experience and there were hundreds of candidates, I got the job. It shows that with enough passion and determination, anything is possible.

Planning for it...

Once I'd decided to pursue my new path, I spent a while researching what was needed to make a living from coaching. I enrolled in a professional coaching course and paid for it from my own pocket whilst still working. It was 400 hours of work on top of a demanding job (and I spent 3 months in India that year for a project).

I built up experience by coaching everyone I met and looking for opportunities at work to coach and mentor others. It really became my focus to make the change.

Once you've decided what you want to do, you see opportunities everywhere and go after them.

The worst and best bits...

The best thing about making my transition is that I get to support other people in finding work that brings happiness and fulfilment - there is no greater reward.

The worst thing is probably learning to live with doing something I find so engaging - it can be hard to switch off sometimes and I have to stay disciplined and resist my urge to help everyone I meet.

Best advice...

The best way to overcome anxiety, fear and procrastination is to take action.

Useful resources and information...

Too many to mention them all. I think Escape the City is a brilliant starting point for anyone looking to find work that feels fulfilling.