Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson has been working for himself for two years. Before that, he spent many years in a factory as a maintenance engineer, working shifts - early mornings and late nights - which eventually began to wear him down. The job wasn't what it used to be and he knew he needed to make a big change.

What really pushed him was when his dad was diagnosed with cancer and told Paul he should leave the job, reminding him that life is short and there's no point staying somewhere that makes you unhappy. Paul's son had left home and the mortgage was paid off. He realised that if he didn't make the change then, he never would and he'd be stuck there for the rest of his life.

It was a big step. He'd always worked for someone else, so the idea of not having a guaranteed income every week was daunting. To start with, he did a little gardening and odd jobs while still working shifts. Then he decided to take the plunge and it turned out to be the best decision he ever made. Now, he actually enjoys getting up and going to work. Before, just the drive to the factory filled him with dread at the thought of another ten-hour shift.

At 56, Paul says he'll keep working for as long as he enjoys it and is able to do it. His work comes mainly through word of mouth. His wife once put up a small advert on a local site for gardening, odd jobs and handyman work and he had a few cards printed but since then, he hasn't needed to advertise. The work keeps coming.

He also loves the freedom of being his own boss. In his old job, he had to work every other weekend. Now, he never books work on weekends, keeping those two days free to do whatever he likes. It's a balance that suits him perfectly.