Change career

[KidsPartyPlanner]

I was in financial services successful career until it wasn't and I was made redundant.

I love party planning. I have done about 8 parties successfully and in a limited / fixed budget.

I like to think of themes , activities, cake , decorations and FOOD!! Including food for adults at kids parties. I do a LOT of research.

I have done one hen do at a very short notice (4 days notice - 7 people attended, everyone loved the whole experience!)

I've done 3 adult birthday parties (20 people approx) cake , loadsss of food and alcohol, dance/ music background.

I've done 4 kids parties all theme oriented.

I LOVE the whole process and I can't wait to do my DC's party every year but they are only 4. I love the idea of researching theme , food , cake. But be in the budget.

So AIBU to change my career path? Please hit me with what to consider. And if it is a bad idea.

This would be my dream career move if I ever moved out of my field!

Have you run the numbers? Presumably you'd have to be in quite a populated area to make it happen.

Again, area dependent, but I'd look at corporate party/event planning as it can pay incredibly well.

You need this board …

Mature study and retraining

If the numbers look good and you love it then try.

Thank you. I didn't know about that one.

Sorry for sounding dumb. What numbers?

A growth plan ? I have zero idea on how to run a business. I'm thinking of starting small with asking neighbors/ friends to help them sort it out as a first step.

@KidsPartyPlanner I'd be looking at what's available in your area, what the cost is, and how many parties you'd need to organise in order to be making decent money, and if the market is there. So if you're in a small village it might be difficult!

So for example, if you charge £200 per party (as an average) you'd need to organise 5 per week in order to make an annual income of £52k. Would that be enough money? How many parties do you think you're capable of planning per week? How long could you keep yourself going before (worst case scenario) you'd need to pack it in and get another job in your field? Essentially you need to figure out what 'viable' looks like to you and if it's achievable.

I am in Greater London so a bit outskirts but still very close to highly populated areas.

You've given me quite some insight on how to plan it. Thank you!

Your local council may well have some small business advisers/ info.
Think about contracts and insurance too😉. Read a few threads re cancelling / no shows etc.