I am on Summer Vacation from 1 of July to 29 July. Thank you
From Hayes to Slough: My Journey Through Electrical Installation, Self-Employment, and Finding the Right People to Work With
Introduction Self-employment in the electrical installation trade can be one of the most rewarding career paths. You gain independence, choose your own projects, and develop skills that are always in demand. But it also comes with unique challenges—sometimes in the form of unreliable companies, late payments, and stressful working environments. In this blog, I want to share a personal experience from May 2023, when I took on a short-term role with an electrical installation company in Hayes, London. The project quickly turned into a negative experience, and it took me months to receive payment. Fortunately, that setback opened the door to something much better. Through a trusted connection—Kieran from Ascension Recruitment—I was able to land a role on a data center project in Slough for Arnold Mardix (a Flex company). That experience reminded me why I love my job and why strong professional networks are essential for self-employed contractors. This story is about setbacks, lessons learned, and the pride of contributing to cutting-edge data center infrastructure. A Rocky Start in Hayes When I accepted a role in Hayes, I expected a straightforward week of electrical installation work. Instead, from day one, I felt uncomfortable. By Friday (19–23 May), I had already made up my mind: I wouldn’t be returning the following week. It was a hard decision because, as a self-employed electrician, every day counts. But sometimes your gut instinct is the best guide. Sadly, my suspicions were confirmed. It took four long months before I finally received payment for that week of work. The stress of chasing invoices is something every self-employed contractor dreads, and this experience was a stark reminder of the risks we face.Late payments are one of the hardest challenges in self-employment. The Reality of Self-Employment in Electrical Installation Self-employment offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to grow your skills on diverse projects. But it also comes with downsides, especially when working with smaller or less reliable companies. Common challenges include: Despite these risks, I wouldn’t trade self-employment for anything. The variety of projects and the sense of independence make it worthwhile. But experiences like the one in Hayes highlight why it’s so important to choose your clients carefully. Finding Stability Through Trusted Networks Since I had already booked and paid for my Airbnb in London, I needed to find another project quickly. That’s when I got in touch with Kieran from Ascension Recruitment. Kieran understands the industry inside out. He values both professionalism and the human side of contracting. Unlike my Hayes experience, Kieran made sure everything was transparent: Within days, I was placed on a data center project in Slough, installing substations, cabinets, bus bars, and backup batteries. The contrast could not have been greater.Installing backup batteries for critical data center infrastructure.Bus bars ensure efficient power distribution across data centers. The Data Center Project in Slough The Slough project was an eye-opening experience in professionalism and scale. Unlike the chaotic Hayes job, everything here was structured, safe, and well-managed. Installing Substations One of my main tasks was installing substations. In a data center, substations are essential—they transform high-voltage electricity into usable levels for different parts of the facility. This required: Done right, substations ensure that servers, cooling systems, and backup batteries always have stable power.Data center substations form the heart of power distribution. Bus Bars: Power Highways of the Data Center Another critical responsibility was installing and testing bus bars. Instead of running hundreds of individual cables, bus bars act as power highways—efficiently delivering electricity across the facility. Every connection had to be precise. Improper torque or alignment could create hotspots, risking catastrophic failure.Bus bars distribute massive amounts of current safely and efficiently. Testing Bus Bars and Equipment After installation came the most important step: testing and commissioning. Data centers cannot afford downtime. By thoroughly testing every bus bar, substation, and cable, we made sure the system was stable before going live.Testing prevents failures that could cost millions in downtime. Lessons From Data Center Work Working in a data center environment taught me several important lessons: Precision installation keeps global digital infrastructure running. A Mini-Guide to Electrical Work in Data Centers For electricians considering this field, here’s what to expect: Typical Tasks Required Skills Benefits of Data Center Projects Data centers offer both technical challenges and rewarding opportunities. Why Strong Recruitment Connections Matter If Hayes showed me the risks of self-employment, Slough proved the value of having strong recruitment connections. With Kieran at Ascension Recruitment: For self-employed contractors, having someone in your corner who understands both your trade and your needs is invaluable.Strong professional networks turn self-employment into a stable career. Loving the Job Despite Challenges Even with setbacks like the Hayes experience, I still love what I do. Self-employment isn’t always easy—but when you find the right projects and the right people, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.Passion for the trade keeps everything moving forward. Conclusion: From Setback to Success My journey from Hayes to Slough is proof that not every opportunity is worth taking. Walking away from a toxic environment may feel risky, but it can lead to something much better. In self-employment, you’ll encounter both unreliable companies and excellent ones. The key is to trust your instincts, learn from setbacks, and build strong networks. Thanks to Kieran and Ascension Recruitment, I went from chasing invoices in Hayes to installing substations and bus bars in one of the UK’s most important data centers. That’s the nature of self-employment: some weeks test your patience, others remind you why you love the job. And for me, despite the challenges—I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
We act in harmony with people and nature
Want to feel healthy and comfortable in your skin in a sustainable way? Weleda can help. Since 1921, we have been developing products for health and beauty and for a better world. Natural care for your skin Our skin needs protection and care, and the best way to do that is with natural ingredients. The raw ingredients we use for Weleda natural cosmetics are of natural origin. Our products are free from microplastics, free from genetically modified ingredients and free from mineral oil-based ingredients. We guarantee that 100 percent of our cosmetic products are certified natural cosmetics in accordance with the Natrue seal. More than 80 percent of our plant and animal-derived raw ingredients are sourced from certified organic farming. For your holistic health We take a holistic view of the human being. Being healthy means the body, mind and spirit are in balance. Weleda medicines can strengthen your body’s natural ability to heal itself. They contain active ingredients from plants or minerals, which we activate through pharmaceutical processes such as rhythmic procedures and applications of heat. For sustainability and biodiversity We are caring for the earth by nurturing healthy soils and fostering biodiversity. Our eight Weleda gardens worldwide are hotspots of biodiversity. With over 50 cultivation projects around the world, we are improving local conditions for people and nature. Weleda natural cosmetics not only feel good on your skin. We are actively fighting for biodiversity and continuing to reduce our emissions in order to become a carbon neutral company. So health and beauty can unfold We are contributing to a world in which health and beauty unfold in harmony with nature and the human being. We want to develop products that are not only good for you, but also for nature and the people we work with. That’s why we conduct our business in a way that is socially responsible and ecologically sound. We have laid out seven principles that define our philosophy. Biodiversity since 1921 A laboratory, a medicinal plant garden and a hospital: this is where our founding story begins. The physician Ita Wegman, the philosopher Rudolf Steiner and the chemist Oskar Schmiedel founded Weleda. Since the very beginning, we have been developing sustainable products using active ingredients sourced from nature. Some of the products we sell today date back to our founding in 1921, many more were added since. Now as then, we continue to pursue our vision to nurture health and beauty in harmony with people and nature.
Anthroposophy
Founded by Rudolf Steiner Anthroposophy was founded by the philosopher and natural scientist Rudolf Steiner, together with like-minded colleagues. The research method has influenced other disciplines including education, architecture, art and medicine and its impact can still be witnessed every day at Weleda. It’s a worldwide research method, with European roots, that explores spirituality with science. It offers ways to better understand the laws of humans and how to act accordingly, giving formulas and suggested actions for various areas in life. From scientific thinking to spiritual experience In contrast to the thinking of the day in academic and university circles, Steiner used the word anthroposophy to refer to the investigation of the spiritual realm through scientific and spiritual experience, and it was this to which he devoted his work. Anthroposophy takes its starting point from exact scientific thinking. The precise research methods that are otherwise limited to the world of matter are then extended to the spiritual through science. Anthroposophy can be described as follows: Humans understand the world through their senses and the processes of their minds – the knowledge of these findings is then called anthropology. Anthroposophy extended this approach to spiritual level, because humans can also perceive their environment with feelings and thoughts. Steiner called anthroposophy ‘the wisdom of man’, because in Greek anthropos means man and sophia wisdom. Steiner went on to found the General Anthroposophical Society in 1923, whose mission remains to maintain a free cultural and intellectual life, and to promote research into the spiritual realm. For the spiritual research the School of Spiritual Science was established in Dornach, only a few kilometres away from today’s Weleda headquarters in Arlesheim. The architecturally remarkable home of the school is called the Goetheanum. It’s a centre for anthroposophy – designed by Rudolf Steiner himself – which includes two performance halls seating 1500, a gallery, lecture rooms, a library, bookstore, and administrative spaces for the Anthroposophical Society. Conferences on themes of general interest continue to take place here several times a year. The influence of anthroposophy on Weleda The goal of anthroposophy is the development of the whole human being. Today it has branches in many areas including education, architecture, art, medicine and agriculture. At Steiner’s instigation the Waldorf schools – also called Steiner schools and kindergartens – anthroposophic medicine, natural body care products and biodynamic farming emerged. All of these disciplines are still integral to the Weleda of today. Whether it be in the manufacturing of our medicinal products and natural cosmetics, or in our dealings with partners, suppliers and employees, we always see humans, society and nature as a holistic whole, bound together by the relationship between our daily
We strive to continuously improve our packaging
Why do we use plastic packaging? Because so far, there’s no perfect solution for all our products. But we are working hard to make our packaging even better, to reduce its impact on the environment. Why we package our products A face cream should feel good, smell good and have long-lasting effects. But satisfying all those requirements isn’t that simple. That’s because we deliberately refrain from using synthetic preservatives. And we mainly use natural ingredients such as pure plant oils and essential oils, which are highly sensitive, especially to oxygen. Adequate packaging ensures that the oils are not exposed to oxygen, which would cause them to become rancid. It also prevents the evaporation of volatile substances, such as natural fragrances. Less bad is not really good We are constantly working to improve the ecological sustainability of our packaging. In an ideal world, our packaging would be 100 percent compostable while providing our products with optimal protection. Currently we use different materials depending on the product requirements, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Through the package recycling initiative “Forum Rezyklat” we have joined forces with other companies to investigate how plastics from household waste can be recycled into food and skincare packaging. >> For a beautiful and healthy world, we must act sustainably. << What types of packaging do we use? Weleda uses a variety of materials for its packaging. Approximately 60 percent is made of glass, 15 percent of aluminium and the rest of our packaging is made of different plastics. Our packaging has to do a lot in order to protect its sensitive contents. Glass, aluminium and plastic – each packaging material has its advantages and disadvantages, which have to be weighed against each other for each individual product. Recycled glass Advantages Disadvantages Plastic Advantages Disadvantages Aluminium Advantages Disadvantages What we have achieved so far Skin Food Body Butter is now available in a glass jar. We have increased the proportion of recycled plastic in the packaging of our deodorants. Many of our other products also come in packaging with a high proportion of recycled plastic. For example, our Weleda Calendula Baby Oil now comes in a bottle made of 97percent recycled plastic (excluding cap and label).
Oskar Schmiedel
A self-assured man who initiated the production of anthroposophic pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Dr. Oskar Schmiedel (30 October 1887 – 27 December 1959) was a pharmacist, anthroposophist, therapist, Goethean scientist and theosophist. He studied chemistry at Munich University and then joined the Theosophical Society. In 1907, after hearing a lecture by Rudolf Steiner, he became his personal pupil and in 1912 he founded the chemical-theosophic laboratory, where plant colours were researched in an anthroposphic way. He started his own laboratory in 1913, principally to produce cosmetic products. Production of the first anthroposophic medicines Soon afterwards Schmiedel was asked by Rudolf Steiner to relocate his laboratory to Dornach. From a primitive shed on the site, he helped with the decoration of the first Goetheanum, but at the same time he had already started to produce his own anthroposphic medicines. From 1919, the intensive production of remedies started, first with the help of Dr. Ita Wegmann and later with the help of Dr. Ludwig Noll (1872 – 1930), together with whom he created a whole range of supplements. Director of Weleda for 35 years In 1922 Schmiedel became responsible for the research and manufacturing department of Weleda and, in 1924, he became director of the whole company, an arrangement which lasted until his death in 1959. Oskar Schmiedel is still known today as an exemplary pharmaceutical pioneer. It was he who founded the anthroposophic laboratory and started the production of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It was he, too, who asked Rudolf Steiner to hold a medical course for doctors – an action which more than any other started the ball of anthroposophic medicine rolling.
Eight Weeks in Kendal: My Personal Journey
When I first signed up for the job with Ascension Recruitment at Arnold Mardix, I thought, eight weeks away from home — that’s manageable. What I didn’t know back then was just how much those two months would change me, and how many stories I’d bring back. Looking back now, it feels like a mixture of work, laughter, challenges, Sunday mornings full of music and prayer, long walks in Cumbria, and the occasional homesick pang for Ralf. Settling Into Kendal Arriving in Kendal felt like stepping into a postcard. The town is charming, surrounded by hills and close to the beauty of the Lake District. But I wasn’t there as a tourist — I was there to work. Ascension Recruitment had arranged everything, including accommodation, which was part of the pay deal. At first, I thought, great, one less thing to worry about. And truly, I was lucky. The agency made sure we were looked after, and Kieran, in particular, was always available. He was our safety net. When you live and work away from home, little things matter — like knowing you’ve got someone to turn to if the accommodation becomes awkward or if tensions rise. And tensions did rise. People smoke, some drink, others just keep to themselves. Living together isn’t always easy, especially when everyone has different habits and moods. But Kieran never left us stranded. He listened, stepped in when he needed to, and made sure we felt supported. Work at Arnold Mardix At Arnold Mardix, I met some of the most amazing people. The team atmosphere was welcoming and fun, but also professional and serious when it had to be. Those eight weeks weren’t just about earning money — they were about growing, pushing myself, and seeing how much I could take on. What stood out to me most was the teamwork. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but there was this sense of pulling together to get the job done. I learned a lot from the people around me, and I hope I left something positive with them too. Every day had its rhythm — starting early, working through the challenges of the day, then heading back to shared accommodation where the real “community living” began. Some nights we’d laugh and share stories, other nights everyone kept to themselves. But there was always this sense of, we’re in this together. Discovering the Salvation Army Corps One of the biggest surprises of my time in Kendal was how much the local Salvation Army Corps became part of my life. One Sunday, I decided to go along, thinking it might be nice to see how the community worked here. What I didn’t expect was to feel like part of a family the moment I walked in. Captain Hillary, who leads the Corps, is truly inspiring. She has this way of making you feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated, no matter who you are or where you come from. Her energy, her commitment, her kindness — they left such a mark on me. From that first Sunday, I felt like I had found a second home. The people were warm, friendly, and genuinely supportive. When you’re living away from your own family, that sort of connection is priceless. It wasn’t just about church; it was about community, about people coming together to care for one another. I’ll never forget how it felt walking in and being greeted with smiles and open arms. It reminded me that kindness and belonging can be found anywhere, even when you least expect it. Exploring on Days Off Of course, I didn’t spend all my time working or at the Corps. Days off were an opportunity to explore Kendal and beyond. Windermere became a favourite. There’s something magical about that lake — whether you’re standing by the shore, watching boats drift by, or walking along its paths with the hills rolling in the background. The air feels fresher there, like it’s washing away the stress of the week. Other places around Kendal were just as charming. The town itself is full of character — little shops, winding streets, and the remains of Kendal Castle perched on the hill. Walking up there gave me some of the best views of the town, especially on clear days. Exploring became a way to recharge, to remind myself that while I was there to work, I was also in one of the most beautiful parts of England. Each day out felt like a little adventure, a reward for the hard work during the week. Missing Home and Ralf As much as I loved Kendal, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss home. More specifically, I missed Ralf. Anyone who has a dog knows how quickly they become part of your heart. Being away from him was one of the hardest parts of the whole experience. I tried to get home every two weeks just to see him, to remind him (and myself) that our bond was still strong. Those reunions were always emotional — dogs have a way of making you feel like you’ve been gone for years, even if it’s only been days. Thankfully, I had Victoria, my dog walker, who stepped in while I was away. She walked Ralf twice a day, every single day for eight weeks. Yes, she charged me, but the peace of mind was worth it. Knowing he was cared for made it possible for me to focus on work and enjoy my time in Kendal without constant worry. Still, I’d lie in bed some nights wishing he was there, curling up at my feet. That’s the thing about working away — no matter how many good things are happening, part of you always longs for home. The Ups and Downs of Living Away Those eight weeks weren’t perfect. There were days when I felt exhausted, when the accommodation felt cramped, when the small annoyances of living with others got under my skin. There were moments of homesickness that hit unexpectedly, like walking
Rudolf Steiner
The spiritual and philosophical founder of Weleda. Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner (25/27 February 1861 – 30 March 1925) was born in modern-day Croatia, but moved with his parents to Austria when a baby. His father was a railway telegraph operator of strong opinions, and Rudolf received his early education in village schools and at home. Receptive to ideas on the spiritual and physical worlds, he gained a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Rostock, before which he had already published extensively on literature and philosophy – his works included The Philosophy of Freedom and The Theory of Knowledge Implicit in Goethe’s World-Conception. At the beginning of the twentieth century he founded a spiritual movement, anthroposophy. It has roots in German idealist philosophy and theosophy, which encourages the individual to see his or her body, mind and spirit as intrinsically linked to our world – all part of one holistic system. From philosophy to science and spirituality In the first, more philosophically oriented phase of this movement, Steiner attempted to find a synthesis between science and spirituality. His philosophical work of these years, which he termed spiritual science, sought to apply the clarity of thinking characteristic of Western philosophy to spiritual questions. In a second phase, around 1907, he worked in a variety of fields including artistic media such as drama and the movement arts, in which he developed a new artistic form, eurythmy. His architectural work culminated in the building of the Goetheanum, a cultural centre to house all arts. In the third phase of his work, Steiner worked to establish various practical endeavours, including Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and anthroposophical medicine. A new approach to medicine From the late 1910s onwards, Steiner started working with medical doctors and chemists to create a new approach to medicine. In 1921, the doctor Ita Wegman, the chemist Oskar Schmiedel and physicians and pharmacists gathered under Steiner’s guidance to determine just how they might use this philosophy to care for patients’ needs. They understood that a human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself, but that it also sometimes needs a little help, so they developed a personal approach to health-care using natural ingredients to support the body’s own healing impulse. With this belief and a profound depth of scientific and philosophical knowledge they founded Weleda. Great influence on Weleda The importance of Steiner and his wholly original thinking is pivotal for Weleda. Even though he held no executive posts, he and Dr Ita Wegman were part of the so-called Kontrollstelle, a comprehensive advisory group underpinning the company. He was also responsible for the company name and for the logo, which he designed himself. Above all, Rudolf Steiner was most influential for Weleda’s intellectual and spiritual foundations. His was the vision of a new healing process, following it through from the anthropological prerequisites to concrete remedy and medicine production.
A perfect week
I’ve really had a perfect week it was great. I’ve done more this week than I was expecting of myself and considering today is the first day of February I have already achieved 4 of my goals that I have set for the whole year. I’m so proud of myself. then I am at the moment doing my 18th Edition course and test and that should be done in like two weeks. I’ve also done half of my driving theory course so not many lessons left until I can start reviewing and going to the test. Ralf, my dog has also been amazing and has given me the encouragement that I need. It’s been so cool that I almost did not think of the trouble I am going through at the moment. It gave me the boost I needed and looking to February everything might be just working out fine.
Dr Ita Wegmann
Ita Wegman – Portrait of a remarkable woman Ita Wegman – Portrait of a remarkable woman “THE NATURAL WORLD IS CHANGING, AND IT ASKS US: DO WE WANT TO TRANSFORM OUR THINKING?” – Dr Ita Wegman Born in 1876, Dr Ita Wegman was the vivacious daughter of a Dutch colonial family living in West Java (now Indonesia), and an extraordinary woman whose legacy extends far beyond her time. She came to Holland and Germany at the turn of the century to study massage and physiotherapy, before relocating to Switzerland in 1906 to study medicine at Zurich University at a time when very few women were being admitted to medical school. She went on to specialise in women’s health and gynaecology, opening her own medical practice in Zurich in 1912, and at the age of 45 she opened a pioneering new clinic in Arlesheim, Switzerland, in collaboration with Rudolf Steiner. A number of other doctors joined her and the clinic grew steadily as the first centre for anthroposophic medicine.In 1921, like a young start-up business, Ita Wegman and a small group of progressive scientists founded Weleda, inspired by the vision of Rudolf Steiner whose holistic mind-body-spirit approach to healthcare continues to shape Weleda’s range today. Ita Wegman was joined by Austrian pharmacist Oskar Schmiedel (age 34) and his wife Thekla (35), a fellow chemist, who had started their own laboratory in 1913 chiefly to produce cosmetic products using botanicals. Thekla Schmiedel was clearly also a very capable woman, taking over the running of the laboratory at certain periods. The couple developed colour pigments from plants which were used to paint the Goetheanum, the anthroposophic research centre at Dornach which was co-founded by Ita Wegman who herself went on to become director of the Medical Section there. Together the team formed the company that became Weleda, manufacturing the health and wellbeing products that were needed by the clinic in Arlesheim. Steiner was nearing the end of his life when Weleda was founded (he died in 1925), but his wisdom and experience gave the young company both standing and impetus, so Weleda was able to expand internationally. By the end of the 1920s, thanks to Ita Wegman’s visionary approach and practical business acumen, six further Weleda companies had been established around the world including the UK in 1925. Even 100 years ago, Weleda was being shaped by emancipated and forward-thinking women. Ita Wegman’s passionate and progressive ideas and actions have resonated far beyond her own lifetime. With her warm nature and down to earth approach, she contributed to the women’s movement of the early 20th century in her own way. She was a creative, courageous and determined woman, an exceptional doctor, and demonstrated a strong sense of collegial leadership. She always had a keen interest in how the world was developing, and her humanitarian nature is revealed through the many letters she wrote to patients, colleagues and social workers. She had a special love for children, and in 1922 she established a therapeutic home for children with developmental disabilities and special needs, Sonnenhof. It was not only young people who were close to her heart, but also the so-called fringe groups of society of the time, who were persecuted or threatened. From 1933, this was mainly the Jewish people. She saved many lives by helping people to escape from Germany. She was a true cosmopolitan, with friendships and working relationships in countless countries. Following the early death of her fiancé, she never married or had family of her own, but she immersed herself in working with children at work, and surrounded herself with friends and colleagues from the medical community. She was tirelessly committed to her work, exploring ways in which nature could benefit health and wellbeing for all. Ita Wegman lived during a time of great change, and she herself brought about great changes within her sphere of influence. It is thanks to Ita Wegman that the principle of working in harmony with people and nature has guided Weleda since 1921. Her hospital, Arlesheim Clinic continues to thrive today and Weleda continues to be partially owned by this non-profit organisation. A man with a vision The spiritual and philosophical founder of Weleda. His was the vision of a new healing process, following it through from the anthropological prerequisites to concrete remedy and medicine production. Director of Weleda for 35 years The initiator of the production of anthroposophic pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. A worldwide research method Anthroposophy was founded by the philosopher and natural scientist Rudolf Steiner, together with like-minded colleagues. Its impact can still be witnessed every day at Weleda.
