This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Karen Kissane, a 49-year-old business coach in France. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
I have a bioscience degree and had a fantastic corporate career in the UK. I loved working as a product specialist and sales trainer for a life sciences company.
After having my son in 2010, I returned to work to find that all my responsibilities had temporarily been given to someone else while I was on leave but wouldn’t be reinstated.
It was a distressing time, and I got a lawyer involved, but I ended up leaving. I felt disillusioned at the idea of working for someone else again, so I decided to start my own business. Had this not happened, my family wouldn’t be in France now. It’s a great example of when your worst day turns out to be your best day.