Things have been really hard lately, and one of the main things that contributed to this was when I got made redundant earlier this year. It's a really painful way to lose your job, and I took it hard. The first month out of work was not easy. I found myself drinking more, losing fitness, and struggling to get out of bed more and more. In my family, there's always been a really high value placed on being a working man, being a provider. As a result, I was left feeling like an outsider and a failure. It got to the point where I had to leave my home.
Like I said, that first month was rough. Now, though, I feel as if I'm really turning a corner. I've got back into boxing, which has already started to restore my fitness and give me more energy, and I'm more and more excited about the job opportunities that are out there! I know that with a bit of support I can put myself in a really strong position going forward.
I never went to university, but I have a lot of people I look up to who work in finance and banking who came from less privileged backgrounds. I'd love to be among them one day working in a really high-powered job in the finance world. I need to start somewhere, though! And right now that means getting back into work and building myself up to progress.