Federation Rep · Career Growth & Promotion Coach
David
Available now · avg. reply instant
Knowing your next move isn’t always obvious. I help optical professionals work out the right step forward and build the skills to get there.
- David
- Federation
- backed career development rep guidance
- 24/7
- available when you need support
- < 5 sec
- average response time
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 what your next move should be?
At some point, most people reach a stage where they start thinking beyond their current role.
You might feel ready for more responsibility but not know how to get there. You might be doing well but unsure what progression actually looks like. Or you might feel stuck, like things have levelled off without you meaning them to.
The challenge is, careers don’t usually move forward by accident. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to stay where you are, even if you’re capable of more.
That’s where I come in.
Let’s get a quick sense of where you are
👉 Check your career position in 30 seconds
(Interactive button – link to career health check )
Where to start
Talk this through with me
If you’re unsure about what comes next, it’s worth stepping back and looking at it properly.
Tell me where you are, what you’re thinking, and what you want to achieve.
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 understand where you are in your career, where you could realistically go next, and how to get there in a way that makes sense for you.
This isn’t about pushing you into roles you’re not ready for or encouraging change for the sake of it. It’s about helping you make considered, well-timed moves that build your confidence, your skills, and your long-term prospects.
Sometimes that means stepping up. Sometimes it means strengthening where you already are. The key is knowing the difference.
The experience
What you can expect
When you access this support, you’ll start to see your career more clearly.
You’ll understand what progression looks like within optics, what skills and experience are needed for different roles, and how your current position fits into that bigger picture. You’ll also gain clarity on what’s realistic for you right now, and what might need to come next before you make a move.
For many people, that clarity removes frustration. You stop guessing and start moving with purpose.
One thing you can do today
Take a step back and ask yourself one simple question.
“If I stay exactly where I am for the next 12 months, will I be happy with the progress I’ve made?”
If the answer isn’t clear, it’s worth exploring your options properly.
It’s worth acting now if
- You feel like your progression has stalled
- You’re unsure what the next step looks like
- You want more responsibility but haven’t moved forward
- You’re thinking about a change but don’t want to get it wrong
If any of these apply, it’s a good time to take a clearer look.
Real situations I’ve helped with
Ready for more but unsure how to move forward
A dispensing optician felt capable of stepping up but didn’t know what the next step looked like. By mapping out a clear path and focusing on the right experience, they moved into a more senior role with confidence.
Stuck in a role with no clear progression
An optical assistant felt like they had plateaued. After reviewing options within and outside their current environment, they were able to move into a role with better long-term potential.
A quick insight
Most careers don’t stall because people lack ability. They stall because there’s no clear plan for what comes next.
How I work
My approach
I’m practical, honest, and focused on steady progress.
If you’re ready to move forward, I’ll help you do it in the right way. If you need more experience first, I’ll show you where to focus so you’re fully prepared when the opportunity comes.
There’s no pressure to rush. The goal is to build a career that grows in the right direction, at the right time.
Before you go
Don’t leave your future to chance
A lot of people work hard and hope things will naturally progress.
Sometimes they do, but often they don’t move as clearly or as quickly as they could.
When you understand your options and have a plan, everything starts to feel more purposeful. You make better decisions, take better opportunities, and build a career that reflects what you’re capable of.
Topics covered
Tap any topic to start the conversation.
What you can get from this rep
Find your next step
Pin down a realistic, achievable next move from where you are now, rather than waiting for the right thing to appear.
Get promotion-ready
Understand exactly what stands between you and the role you want, and how to close the gap.
Build the right skills
Focus your time on the qualifications and experience that genuinely move your career forward.
Next step
Let’s map out your next step properly
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.