As I celebrate two decades at Plus Accounting, I’m reflecting not only on career milestones but on the personal journey that’s carried me here. From my early 20s, brimming with ambition (and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome), to becoming a mother and, most recently, a Director, one lesson stands out: work–life balance isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.
Starting Out: Enthusiasm Meets Imposter Syndrome
Joining Plus Accounting as a Receptionist, I was young, eager, and determined to prove myself. I admired our leadership team’s work ethic and absorbed every scrap of knowledge—often at the expense of my evenings and weekends. When I retrained into the firm’s first marketing role during a major rebrand, I poured my heart into every project, convinced that success rested solely on my shoulders.
The Cost of “Always On”
My drive meant declining personal invitations, losing evenings to client events, and clocking more hours in the NCP car park than at home. I loved the buzz of the business community, but I’d sidelined myself, and my husband also used to say that I was “living and breathing” Plus Accounting!
Key takeaway: Early-career enthusiasm is a superpower, but without boundaries, it can lead to burnout.
A Turning Point: Learning to Prioritise
A few years before becoming Marketing Manager, I knew something had to change. I set small boundaries: no emails after 7pm (which was an achievement!), reserved weekends for fun, and carved out fitness time. It wasn’t easy, but these steps helped me rediscover neglected hobbies and relationships.
Motherhood & Mindset Shift
Five years ago, motherhood arrived—and overnight, my priorities shifted. I refused to let my career stall; instead, my son gave me fresh purpose and taught me presence: bedtime stories over last-minute campaign tweaks, evening yoga over extra networking.
Self-Care: More Than a Buzzword
Today, self-care is non-negotiable. Early morning dog walks, sauna and ice-bath sessions (yes, my husband is building one at home!) and investing in a transformational life coach have all revolutionised how I show up – energised, focused, and resilient.
Key takeaway: Investing in mental and physical wellbeing directly benefits your work and your happiness. 😊
From Imposter to Director
This year I stepped into a Director role, an achievement I am extremely proud of. But I wouldn’t have reached this point without balancing ambition with self-compassion. I still love late-night idea sessions with anyone who will listen (!) and networking events, but no longer at the expense of my health, family, or sense of self.
Advice for Fellow Professionals
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Email-free evenings and device-free weekends aren’t a weakness, they’re a necessity.
2. Prioritise Your Passions: Whether it’s fitness, art, or time with loved ones, fuel what makes you feel alive.
3. Seek Support: Mentors, coaches, or therapy can guide you through career transitions and personal challenges.
4. Embrace Flexibility: As life evolves, adapt your routines, work hard, but also rest well.
Key Lesson #6: Growth Requires Balance
No matter how driven you are, true growth comes when you balance ambition with wellbeing. Your most sustainable success is rooted in a life that nurtures both professional achievement and personal joy.
This blog is part of Vicky’s 20 Years at Plus Accounting blog series on LinkedIn.
Author: Victoria King, Marketing Manager
Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal, belong solely to the blog owner, and do not represent those of Plus Accounting. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.
Date published: 15 July 2025