Welcome to Cows from my window

My name is Sarah Cooper and I help mid-career professionals transition from traditional careers to work and a lifestyle that is more “off the beaten path”.

When I left Durham University in 1992, vast swathes of my peers went into law, accountancy and banking (I became a solicitor myself). Top companies from these professions dominated our annual career fairs. There was very little information about self-employment, the arts, or the voluntary sector for example.

These days careers advice is more enlightened. But still we often feel pressure - from peers, family, society or just ourselves - to "be realistic" and follow a mainstream path.

Do you have a nagging sense that this isn’t what you are supposed to be doing with your life?

When you're at work, does it feel like a part of you is missing?

Choosing a different way

My clients’ impetus for change is a desire to follow a passion, express their creativity or help people or society in some way – and at the same time to lead a richer, more family-friendly lifestyle. Many, but not all, are attracted to the freedom of self-employment.

If it’s not just a career change you’re looking for, but a different way of life, then you’ve come to the right place.

Follow me off the beaten path!

Four years ago I left my London commute to make a life overseas in Beijing. I live down a traditional narrow hutong (alleyway) in an old courtyard house complete with Chinese-style red door, green window frames and sloping grey tiled roof. Since 2007 – my second career change – I’ve been helping people like you believe in your ability to live and work off the beaten path.

Off the beaten path doesn’t have to mean upping sticks and moving half way across the world. But it does mean thinking hard about what sort of life and work you really want, and being willing to go against the stream if necessary.

I hope you enjoy browsing this site. And if you'd like to keep in touch on a regular basis, please do sign up to my twice monthly e-newsletter. As a bonus, your subscription will start with a complimentary 5 part e-course to kickstart your career transition.

I look forward to getting to know you!

Best wishes