From Getting Sacked to Running My Own Project Management Business

Murphy Project Management

Murphy Project Management's bold statement: "I was sacked."

At 16 years old, I began my career as an apprentice joiner, full of excitement and eager to learn the trade. I pictured myself mastering the craft, developing my skills, and eventually becoming a successful tradesman. But early on, I faced a moment that completely changed the course of my career—and, as it turns out, my life.

The Early Struggles

Like most apprentices, I expected to start with the basics—learning how to handle tools, understanding materials, and gaining hands-on experience. But that’s not how it played out.

While other apprentices were getting stuck into real joinery work, I was handed a broom. Sweeping floors and tidying up seemed to be my main job. I understood that everyone has to start somewhere, but week after week, it became clear that I wasn’t progressing. My time was being wasted.

I spoke up about it, raising the issue with my boss. For a brief moment, things improved. I was given a few tasks that actually involved joinery. But it didn’t last. Within a week, I was back to cleaning up while others were developing their skills.

The problem was, my skills test was only a few months away. I needed practical experience to pass, but instead of learning the trade, I was stuck doing jobs that had nothing to do with joinery. It was frustrating—watching others progress while I stayed stuck in place.

The Breaking Point

One day, my boss asked me to do something—another menial task—and I said no.

I’d had enough. I signed up to be a joiner, not a labourer. I wanted to learn, grow, and develop real skills—not just clean up after everyone else.

That decision got me sacked.

No Regrets

Do I regret it? Not at all.

Should I have just done what he asked? Maybe.

But maybe that moment was exactly what I needed. It forced me to recognise my own worth and take control of my path. If I hadn’t stood up for myself, I might have stayed in that cycle, undervalued and underdeveloped.

The Turning Point

Getting sacked was the push I didn’t know I needed. I went on to work hard, gaining experience across different projects and climbing the ranks. From apprentice to qualified joiner, then assistant site manager, and eventually site manager, overseeing multi-million-pound projects.

And today, I run Murphy Project Management—a company dedicated to helping businesses simplify and organise their commercial projects so they can focus on growth.

It hasn’t been easy. Running a business comes with constant pressure—managing projects, keeping clients happy, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. But the freedom and sense of ownership make it all worth it. I can take a day off to spend time with my kids without asking permission. I’m living life on my terms.

The Lesson

Sometimes, standing your ground and knowing your worth is what sets you on the right path. Getting sacked felt like a setback at the time, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to face the reality that I was capable of more—and gave me the push to go and prove it.

So, if you’re facing a difficult moment in your career—whether it’s redundancy, rejection, or feeling undervalued—remember that setbacks often open the door to new opportunities.

Have you ever had a moment in your career that felt like a setback but ended up being the best thing for you?