What can I say? I’ve become a statistic. A no job/ no prospect/ no self-esteem one.

I had a brilliant job, five years ago, I managed over 60 people, ran a very successful operation, earned mega-bucks, but then I resigned. Combination of stress/ emotional issues/ burn-out. Both my parents had died from horrific illnesses, my relationship had faltered, both my pets had to be put-down. I needed out.

I didn’t sit back though. I bought an investment property, managed its renovation and sold it for a profit. Then I invested the profit into a new business venture, did some consultancy work, kick-started another new business (which became very successful), moved house, started a new relationship, gave talks on entrepreneurship, became a mentor, acquired lots of new skills, joined several business networking groups. Gave it 100%!

But then came The Crunch! Nibbled its way through my new business ventures leaving no crumbs. Five years on and I’m back where I started. Except that I’m not …

I’ve applied for all manner of jobs, most of which I could do standing on my head and juggling with my feet, but I’m not even making the short-list.

So, being a positive person, I started to follow this through, “why wasn’t I getting interviews, was it my C.V.?” I finally caught a guy from a recruitment agency, who had done his very best to avoid my calls and posed the question.

'Well', he said, 'I just don’t think I could put your C.V. forward.'

’Why?’ I asked.

’It’s like this’, he said, ‘no employer’s going to like it that you’ve taken five years out’.

’But I haven’t taken five years out’ I explained ’look at my C.V. I’ve been an entrepreneur, I’ve started two new business ventures. I’ve been creative and I’ve been successful.’

’Yes’, he replied, 'but you’re not now..  you're a ..   loser'