Free SEO course changed tradie’s career for good

During a time where most people were fearing for their job security, 33yo Josh knew it was time to leave his trade. The brave move paid off big time.

After 11 years working as a cabinet maker, Newcastle cabinet maker Josh Sheldon drastically changed careers during a time when most people were worried about holding onto their jobs.

It was a profession the 33-year-old described as stable and well-respected but after a decade in the profession he began to grow “tired” of his job.

“Doing anything for 11 years is a long time in my mind,” Mr Sheldon tells news.com.au.

“It was very physical work, very demanding and clients always had very high expectations for how they wanted their kitchens to turn out. It just became a thing I didn’t really enjoy doing and I wanted to do something different.”

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Although it wasn’t without its risks, Josh’s big career move paid off big time. Picture: Supplied.

By March 2020, when Australians countrywide went into lockdown, Mr Sheldon decided it was the “right time” to leave. He had also amassed a large amount of savings due to COVID-19 putting a halt on potential travel plans, which gave him a healthy safety net.

“I had completely quit,” he says. “It was pretty scary but I think the pandemic made it less so because so many people were without work. Knowing a lot of people were in the same boat made me feel a little bit safer.”

Instead he turned his attention to search-engine optimisation, or SEO, consultancy. This would see him create, implement or improve the SEO strategy for small businesses, brands and companies. While it was a drastic change from his former trade, Mr Sheldon was inspired by his friends who worked at a digital consultancy agency and was also able to take advantage of heavily discounted and free SEO training courses through platforms like Moz, Udemy and even YouTube.

“It was probably $5000 worth of courses that I got for free,” he says.

“The courses were great and it was a good starting place and then I picked up a lot of skills from doing the job.”

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Despite SEO consultancy being a stark change from his previous career as a cabinet maker, Josh was able to rapidly upskill himself during COVID-19. Picture: AP Photo/Paul Sakuma.

After months of intense re-skilling and learning on the job, Mr Sheldon landed his first client – an agency – through his new business, Soap & Steel. Again, he was able to use his connections in the industry who helped via a referral.

“I was charging $300 a month but putting in way more than $300 worth of hours. I was just getting my foot in the door and learnt a lot, progressed and then the agency gave me more clients,” he says.

“I also did a bit of cold outreach to people I sort of know and got a few extra small businesses on board.”

As his skills got better and he got more industry experience, Mr Sheldon continued to build Soap & Steel through referrals. Given that the bulk of his clients were small businesses, he was able to use his experience working for his family’s business which gave him great empathy and insight into the needs of his customers.

“Having worked for a small business and understanding how they look to market themselves and how much they understand about marketing themselves on the internet was really helpful for me.

“I could speak to them from a place where I know that I’ve been in those shoes, I know what they’re dealing with and how they view the industry through their eyes.”

He’s now built up a steady list of clients from positive customer referrals and cold calling. Picture: iStock.

Now, nine months into his business, Mr Sheldon’s income is now comparable to his wage as a cabinet maker. However, more important is his remarkable change in job satisfaction, which he says is “a million times better”.

“I work from home which is a huge difference in itself,” he says. “I’m my own boss and I manage my own time.”

“If I need to be flexible I can be, and I really hope that’s going to be something I keep once we’re able to travel again and I can work wherever I have an internet connection.”

How to change industries:

While there’s no doubt that changing industries is difficult, SEEK’s resident psychologist Sabina Read shares how to tackle the barriers that may come up when switching careers.

1. Get informed

Take small steps to slowly bridge the gap between where you’re at now and where you want to be.

“Learn about what’s required to succeed in other industries by checking out the qualifications, skills and experience on job listings that interest you,” she says.

2. Think about your finances

Whether that’s cost-cutting or adjusting your budget, knowing you can financially commit to a career change will help you feel more controlled.

Thinking about how you can gradually ease into a new industry through a side-hustle or part-time job might also take the pressure off.

“Gradual exposure to your new career may be the best way to begin,” says Ms Read. “Can you explore your future industry as a side hustle while you continue to earn reliable income in your present job?”

3. Reflect on your past successes to avoid overwhelm

This looks like acknowledging the big task ahead of you, while celebrating the steps you’ve made.

“Reflect on the steps it took to get your current role,” she says. “If you’ve had the gumption, drive and focus to get there before, you’ll be able to get there again.”

This article was created in sponsorship with SEEK