What If Rejection Was the First Step to Success?The Courage to Follow a Dream: Berry’s Story

It was December 2006, and Berry was working between Christmas and New Year. Berry worked as a SQL Server DBA for her local police force, a job that required the department to remain open even during the holidays. She had drawn the short straw for Christmas cover. Just a few months earlier, she had been passed over for a promotion she deeply wanted. The rejection hurt, but Berry didn’t let it stop her from giving her best. She loved her job and her teammates and continued to work hard. But deep down, something had shifted.

As the year ended, Berry began to wonder about her future. Was this job enough? Could she do more? The “no” from her promotion made her reflect on questions she’d been avoiding for years. Was this really what she had dreamed of as a younger woman? Could she see herself in this role for the next decade?

A New Idea Takes Root

Berry had always dreamed of running her own business. Ever since she was a teenager, she had imagined what it would be like to work for herself. But back then, it was just a dream. Now, years later, the thought began to resurface with greater urgency.

She wondered if a new job or a different role could reignite her passion. She visited an online job board and searched for roles that matched her skills. She found many options but noticed they all required a CV—something she hadn’t updated since university. Berry felt stuck but decided to act.

She bought a book about writing CVs and spent her evenings learning how to create a strong, professional resume. It was hard work, but when she finished, she felt proud of what she had accomplished. This was her first step toward something new.

Two Big Interviews

With her new CV, Berry applied for two jobs. The first was a SQL Server consulting role that would involve lots of global travel. The second was almost identical to her current job but at a different police force and with a significantly higher salary.

The consulting interview went well, but as she drove home, Berry realised she didn’t have cash to pay the Severn Bridge toll. This was before card payments were accepted. She was embarrassed as she had to turn around and take a long detour, making the journey home even harder. When she finally got home, she listened to a voicemail: while she had done well in the interview, the role had been given to someone else. Another “no.”

The second interview was even more disheartening. It turned out the organisation had already decided to hire someone internally, so Berry’s application was just a box-ticking exercise. Being rejected for a job that felt so similar to her own was frustrating and discouraging. She began to wonder if she’d ever hear a “yes.”

A New Path Opens

By May 2007, Berry’s current job had become monotonous. The exciting projects were done, leaving only routine, day-to-day DBA tasks. With no promotions or new challenges on the horizon, she started searching for jobs again.

That’s when she noticed a dropdown menu labeled “Contractor” on her job search site. Curious, she selected it and found several contract positions. All of them required her to have her own limited company. Intrigued, Berry began researching contracting and discovered a website called Contractor Calculator. As she read through its resources, she realised contracting was exactly what she’d been dreaming of: running her own business. Contractors could choose their projects, work independently, and have greater control over their careers. For the first time, Berry believed her dream of working for herself could actually happen.

Taking the Big Leap

Over the summer of 2007, Berry worked on her CV again, tailoring it to fit contract jobs. She read everything she could about becoming a contractor, from tax tips to setting up a company. By October, she was ready. She found a contract job upgrading a SQL Server system from SQL Server 2000 to SQL Server 2005, just an hour from her home. It seemed perfect.

The interview went smoothly, and later that day, the agent called to offer her the contract. Berry was thrilled but also nervous. She had just two weeks to quit her job, start her company, open a business bank account, and sign her first contract. It was overwhelming, but Berry didn’t let the fear stop her.

With help from a friend and a great accountant, she got everything done just in time. She finished her responsibilities at her old job, signed her contract, and officially started her own business. It was exciting and scary all at once.

Success—and Challenges

Berry’s first contract went better than she could have imagined. In six months, she earned as much as she had in a whole year at her old job. She loved the challenge of the work and the freedom of being her own boss. When the first contract ended, she quickly found another. Things seemed to be going perfectly.

But then, in late 2008, the global financial crisis hit. Her second client decided to replace contractors with full-time employees. They offered Berry a permanent role, but she wanted to stay independent. The client gave her an ultimatum: take the job or leave. It was Christmas, and she had a mortgage and bills to pay. Feeling pressured, Berry accepted the permanent role but only stayed for a short time. Probation periods work both ways, and after four weeks, she decided to leave. She refused to give up on her dream.

Lessons for the Future

By February 2009, Berry had secured a new contract. The experience taught her important lessons: never depend on just one client, always have multiple revenue streams, save enough money to have a safety net, and stay true to your goals. Berry became smarter about managing her business and ensuring her independence.

Over the next 18 years, Berry built a successful business. She navigated economic downturns, Brexit, and even the COVID-19 lockdowns. Her work allowed her to travel the world, take on exciting projects, and do what she loved. In all those years, she only had one week without work. Her determination and hard work paid off, proving she could achieve her dreams.

Helping Others

Now, Berry spends time helping others. She started a LinkedIn group for data professionals increase their reach and a “Build a Business” club to inspire people who want to work for themselves. She knows not everyone will take the leap, but if her story motivates even one person, she feels it’s worth it.

Berry shares her advice and experiences to guide others on their journey to starting their own business. She wants to show people that it’s possible to overcome challenges and create the life they want.

Never Give Up

If you’ve been told “no,” don’t give up. A “yes” is likely around the corner. Berry’s story shows that setbacks are not the end—they can be the start of something amazing. Keep working toward your dreams. Like Berry, follow Art Williams’s advice: “Do it and do it and do it until the job gets done and you make something of your life.” Your dream is out there. What If Rejection Was the First Step to Success? Will you take the next  step?

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