S1:E39 | He Built Multiple Businesses, Hit Rock Bottom - Then Chose Freedom Over the 9–5. Kevin Matthew Shares All

Most career change stories skip the hard bit.This one doesn’t.In this episode of Get A Shift On, I’m joined by Kevin Matthew, a former secondary school teacher, university lecturer, and education entrepreneur who went on to build multiple businesses across e-commerce, property, and digital travel… and then hit a point where it all nearly collapsed.Kevin’s journey spans education, health, entrepreneurship, burnout, depression, and a complete rethink of what work is actually for. From launching innovative physical-activity programmes in schools, to scaling a nationwide personalised gift brand, to facing the brutal reality of post-COVID business decline — this conversation goes right to the edge of what happens when effort no longer equals security.We talk honestly about:What it feels like when a “successful” business stops workingThe mental toll of carrying financial pressure for your familyWhy traditional employment and the 9–5 model are breaking downHow transferable skills from teaching, education, and leadership actually translate into businessThe difference between working harder and working differentlyWhy many people don’t need another job - they need a second income streamWhat “front-loading effort” really means in modern businessAnd how Kevin and his family are preparing to leave the UK, world-school their children, and redesign life around freedom rather than rota-driven workThis isn’t a get-rich-quick story.It’s a real conversation about resilience, review, rebuilding, and choosing a life that fits.Kevin shares hard-earned lessons about:Building systems instead of burning yourself outWhy reviewing your business matters more than starting itThe truth about network-based and digital business models (without the nonsense)Why younger generations are rejecting traditional career pathsAnd why effort still matters - no matter how you earn your moneyIf you’re a professional who feels capable but stuck…If you’ve outgrown your job but can’t yet see the next step…If you’re carrying the quiet pressure of being the provider…Or if you’re questioning whether the way you’re working is worth the cost.This episode will give you something far more useful than motivation.It’ll give you perspective.Follow KevinKevin's LinkedInKevins InstagramFollow David⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Via Nova Website⁠Free Guides / Work With MeWant to try billboard advertising from £80? Get started with CAASie at https://caasie.co/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=get-a-shift-on&utm_content=referral - 1.5M screens worldwide, pay-per-play.