Federation Rep · Chief Career Advisor
Michael
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Big career decisions deserve a clear head. I help optical professionals step back, weigh their options properly, and choose a direction they won’t regret.
- Michael
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Federation Reps may include AI-generated information and career guidance based on publicly available data about the UK optical sector. Their responses are not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified careers advisor, solicitor, or financial adviser. No personal data shared in conversations is stored or retained.
The bigger picture
Not sure if you’re on the right path?
At some point, most people pause and start asking bigger questions.
Am I in the right role? Am I making the most of my experience? Should I be pushing forward, or changing direction? Is this where I want to be in a few years’ time?
These aren’t quick decisions, and they’re not always easy to answer when you’re in the middle of a busy working life.
That’s where I come in.
Where to start
Talk this through with me
If you’re unsure about your direction, it’s worth stepping back and looking at it properly.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just tell me where you are and what you’re thinking.
Here are some questions people often ask me
Tap any question to start the conversation.
What I do
How I support you
My role within the Federation is to help you step back from the day-to-day and look at your career with a clearer perspective.
I help you make sense of where you are, what your options look like, and what direction makes the most sense for you. This isn’t about rushing decisions or pushing you into change. It’s about helping you think things through properly so that whatever you decide feels right.
Sometimes that leads to a new opportunity. Sometimes it confirms that you’re already in a strong position. Both are valuable.
The experience
What you can expect
When you access this support, you’ll start to see your career more clearly as a whole, not just one role at a time.
You’ll gain a better understanding of how your experience fits into the wider market, what your realistic options are, and what different paths could look like over time. You’ll also feel more confident in making decisions because they’re based on clarity rather than uncertainty.
For many people, this removes the feeling of being stuck or unsure and replaces it with a stronger sense of direction.
One thing you can do today
Ask yourself a simple question.
“If nothing changed over the next 12 months, would I be happy with where I am?”
If the answer isn’t a clear yes, it’s worth exploring why.
It’s worth stepping back now if
- You feel unsure about your direction
- You’re thinking about a change but can’t decide
- You feel stuck or unclear about what comes next
- You’re doing well, but not sure if it’s the right path
If any of these apply, it’s a good time to get clarity.
Real situations I’ve helped with
Good role, but unsure about the future
An optometrist was doing well but felt uncertain about long-term direction. By stepping back and reviewing options, they gained clarity and made a more confident decision about their next move.
Torn between two opportunities
A candidate had two strong options but couldn’t decide. By breaking down what mattered most to them, the right choice became much clearer.
A quick insight
Most people don’t struggle because they lack options. They struggle because they don’t have clarity.
How I work
My approach
I’m calm, experienced, and focused on helping you think clearly.
If something needs to change, we’ll explore it properly. If things are already working well, we’ll make sure you recognise that and build on it. There’s no pressure and no agenda, just a focus on what’s right for you.
Before you go
The right decision is the one you understand
A lot of career decisions are made quickly or based on limited information.
When you take the time to step back and look at things properly, you tend to make better choices. You feel more confident in your direction and more settled in your decisions.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the space and support to think clearly.
Topics covered
Tap any topic to start the conversation.
What you can get from this rep
See your career clearly
Step back from the day-to-day and get an honest read on where you are and where you could realistically go.
Weigh up the big decisions
Talk through staying, moving, or changing direction so you can choose with confidence rather than second-guessing yourself.
A plan that fits you
Turn a vague sense that something needs to change into a clear, realistic direction for the next few years.
Next step
Let’s help you get clear on your direction
Start the conversation here, or speak to the team confidentially - whichever feels right.
Everything you share is completely confidential.
How other members of the Federation team can help you
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Here are other ways we can support you.