A single mum who had to leave her full time job over struggles with her son's disability is now "happier than ever" as she encourages other women to "take a leap".
Sophie Bailey, from Maghull, has been working full time since she left school at the age of 15.
But after having two children, and struggling with a potential ADHD diagnosis for her eldest son, Sophie was forced to leave her job after her employer could not accommodate for her hours.
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She told the ECHO : "I have worked since I was 15, I left school and have always worked. I had two kids and my eldest, we think, has ADHD.
"He's been excluded from two schools, he's in his third now - we've had a terrible time with him.
"I was working full time and he was having to go to breakfast clubs, I went to my employer but they wouldn't accommodate the hours for me.
"I had to leave back in June and I didn't know any different, I ended up with anxiety and depression and waking up in the night stressing about what I was going to do with my life."
Sophie said her son, Daniel, began to experience issues in school and when she had to attend meetings with school staff, her employer would be "frustrated".
She said Daniel was "getting into trouble" and "I was forever being called in".
Despite worrying about what her future would hold and how she would provide for her family, the 31-year-old decided to "jump off into the deep end".
She added: "One night I woke up and decided I needed to do something with myself so I enrolled in Hugh Baird college for beauty therapy. I had money saved from wages.
"I was panicking financial wise and now I'm doing really well for myself. I wanted to get the message across that you can be your own boss, just do it.
"Beauty therapy is something I've always enjoyed doing and it was something I could do and work the hours around myself.
"I always have my nails done and lashes, it makes you feel good about yourself, so if I can help others feel good about themselves it's good."
Now, Sophie wants to urge other parents that it is never too old to go for your dreams.
She said: "You're never too old and it’s never too late to change career or study.
"I never thought I'd be able to do it and now I'm doing really well for myself, it's perfect. I haven't got to worry about breakfast clubs or after school clubs, I can work around my children.
"Just go for it, don't let anyone put you off."
Sophie said her son Daniels, who is now 10, has been "experiencing some issues" since he was five-years-old.
She added: "He has been excluded from two schools for behavioural issues and at this recent school we found out he was dyslexic, so there are better measures in place.
"We are still waiting for an official diagnosis but there's been a backlog with covid. I'd say to other parents going through similar, don't give up, don't let anyone tell you you're ringing too much, keep chasing them.
"It's now so common for children to have disabilities, employers should be able to accommodate their staff. Now, it's such a stress off my shoulders knowing I haven't got to go work and worry about my children.
"It's so much better, I wish I'd done it sooner."
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