A year at iPOP – and somehow it feels like a lifetime, in all the best ways.

It wasn’t just making the move into a Digital agency (the best digital agency, of course!). It was the whole lifestyle change. The flexibility, the endless opportunities for growth, the creative freedom, the getting up in the morning and actually enjoying going to work.

I never thought a lot of this would be possible.

The move from Bali

My journey started in Bali. I moved back to Jersey after almost eight years of enjoying the 30 odd degree Bali sun, days spent chilling by the pool, and zooming around on my moped (probably not zooming, mostly stuck in traffic). After a LOT of thought, endless phone calls with my sister, and a lot of emotional pro/con lists, I had decided that the distance from my family and Jersey just wasn’t worth it anymore.

Amongst other reasons, I knew my time in Bali was over, and I was ready to move back home. After making the decision to leave, I didn’t fully know what I was coming back to, but I knew it was the right time.

​Back in Jersey

Jersey is a very special place, and as much as people like to complain about it, I feel so lucky to have grown up in a place where community is such a huge part of it. I moved back, thinking: I’m not going to have many friends, I’m going to have to work in finance to afford my own place, what if I’ve made the wrong decision?

Thankfully, a simple walk down King Street brought with it a sense of security. People who I hadn’t seen in about 10 years would stop me in the street and ask how I was and say they were so pleased I was back. Does this happen in many places in the world? I’ve never found that feeling anywhere else.

On top of this, I was welcomed into friend groups, introduced to new people, and made to feel like I’d known these people my whole life. They made so much effort to make me feel comfortable, and I’m forever grateful for each and every one of them.

​Finding a job

Next came finding a job. I quickly convinced myself that finance was my only option. It worked – I found a role and moved out of my childhood bedroom into my first place to call my own. Something I’m grateful for, of course… but at 29, it wasn’t exactly the long-term plan.

This was fine at first, although I feel like anything is ‘fine’ when you’re first learning it. Then came along iPOP Digital.

I had met Jonny through friends and had lots of conversations about where I was working in Bali and what I had been doing over the years in my marketing role. Then one day he asked that one simple question that ended up changing everything…would you be interested in working at iPOP?

Working at iPOP

Now, life couldn’t be more different. I get to work for one of my best mates, while keeping a balance between social and professional life. My job is flexible; if I need to work from home, go to appointments, or finish early, I can (rather than a painful approval process just to swap a lunch break for an early finish).

I love the variety that every day brings. One day I’m writing articles and managing social content, the next I’m sending invoices and meeting new potential partners. I have endless opportunities to learn and develop my skills, which is something that is very important to me. Of course, some days are challenging with deadlines and targets to be met, but beyond the day-to-day, what’s made the biggest difference is the culture.

​iPOP Culture

One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the past year is the difference it makes when you genuinely enjoy where you work.

At iPOP, it’s not just about the projects (although they’re a big part of it) — it’s the culture behind it all. There’s a level of trust, flexibility and support that makes such a difference day to day.

It’s the little things that stand out. Being trusted to manage your own workload. Having the freedom to be creative and actually run with ideas. Working in an environment where people want to see you do well and grow. I don’t think I fully realised how important that was until I experienced it.

There’s also something really refreshing about the way the team works together. It doesn’t feel hierarchical or intimidating – it’s collaborative, open, and genuinely supportive. You feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and getting stuck in, knowing you’re backed by people who want the best outcome (for the work and for you).

It’s changed the way I approach my role. I feel more confident, more creative, and more motivated to push myself – because I know I’m supported in doing so.

The projects that make it all worth it

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing a project come to life.

From those early conversations and ideas, through to writing the content, shaping the structure, and finally seeing a website go live or a campaign perform. There’s such a sense of pride in the end result. It’s not just about the work itself; it’s about knowing you’ve helped a business grow, connect with its audience, and feel genuinely excited about their brand.

What makes it even more special is the ongoing relationships that come from it. Working closely with clients, meeting new people, and becoming part of their journey as their business evolves. It's the best feeling!

At the same time, it’s pushed me personally in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve grown in confidence, taken on new challenges, and stepped into situations I probably (definitely) would have avoided before. It’s made me realise I’m capable of more than I thought, and that’s been one of the biggest wins of all.

One year, one big leap, and no regrets

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much can change in a year. From leaving behind one chapter of my life in Bali to building something completely new back in Jersey, it’s been a journey I’m so grateful for.

Taking that leap into the unknown wasn’t easy, but it’s led me to a role, a team, and a lifestyle that genuinely makes me excited for what’s next. If this year has taught me anything, it’s that sometimes the best decisions are the ones that feel the most uncertain at the time.