S1 | E42 – Starting Again Without Starting Over | Portfolio Careers, Side Projects & Rebuilding After Business Failure with Ben Walton

What does it really look like to rebuild your confidence, career, and identity after a business collapses?In this episode of Get A Shift On, David Birchmore welcomes back entrepreneur and marketing consultant Ben Walton for a brutally honest conversation about portfolio careers, freelancing after failure, side projects, and finding purpose beyond traditional job titles.After nine years running restaurants, Ben faced the reality many founders quietly experience, loss of direction, rebuilding income, and learning to start again without the safety net. Instead of chasing another “perfect” career path, he began experimenting with freelance marketing, email strategy, community building, and creative side projects that eventually grew into a portfolio business model. This episode goes beyond hospitality or business. It explores the mindset behind career change, authenticity in an AI-driven world, and why the future of work may look less like a ladder and more like a collection of evolving projects. From launching Substack communities and networking events to running a Bloody Mary brand born from the ashes of failure, Ben shares how small creative moves can unlock unexpected opportunities. You’ll hear real talk about:How to transition into freelancing or consulting after burnout or business lossWhy a portfolio career is becoming the new normal across industriesThe role of side hustles in rebuilding confidence and momentumAuthentic marketing, social media pressure, and staying human in an AI worldCreativity, parenting, and preparing for a future where traditional careers are changing fast Although this conversation sits outside healthcare, the themes will resonate with clinical professionals and anyone questioning the traditional career path. If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot without burning everything down first, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective on what comes next.🎧 Expect humour, hard-won lessons, and a refreshing look at building a meaningful working life without pretending you’ve got it all figured out.Follow Ben:⁠⁠Ben's Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Ben's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Ben's Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Bens Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠On A Plate Growth Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Ben's Canteen Instagram⁠⁠Follow David / Via Nova here:⁠⁠⁠⁠David's LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Feeling stuck in your healthcare role? Take our quiz to discover how close you are to making your final shift and what your next steps could be - How Close Is Your Final Shift - Want to try billboard advertising from £80? Get started with ⁠⁠CAASie⁠⁠ - 1.5M screens worldwide, pay-per-play.#PortfolioCareer#FreelancingUK#CareerChangePodcast#SideProjects#FutureOfWork