Notes from the Messy Middle (and the LinkedIn Spiral)

Let’s cut to it: I don’t have this all figured out.

I’d love to say I’m writing this from a thriving consultancy with a waiting list of dream clients, a virtual assistant named Sandra, and a sustainable skincare routine. But I’m not. I’m writing it in a hoodie I’ve worn for three days, next to a half-drunk mug of coffee that’s somehow both cold and a bit mysterious.

Rewired is still very much in build mode. I’m doing agency work to keep the lights on, carving out time to grow the business, and telling myself that next week will definitely, definitely be the one where I finally finish that strategy doc. (Narrator: it was not.)

There are good things happening—some lovely clients, some exciting conversations—but let’s not pretend it’s smooth sailing. It’s more like rowing a slightly leaky boat while also trying to knit the sails and teach your dog not to bark in Zoom meetings. (Clyde: unbothered. Thriving. Possibly running the business.)

He has developed a new routine: sighing deeply every time I open my laptop. Which is ironic, because I’ve been doing the same thing lately.

And then there’s LinkedIn.

Oh, LinkedIn.

I tell myself I’m “networking” or “doing business development,” but really I’m just doomscrolling. Everyone seems to be smashing it—scaling, pivoting, launching products, selling out masterclasses, writing thought leadership pieces before breakfast. Meanwhile, I’m over here googling “how to write a case study when your brain is soup” and wondering if eating a fistful of crackers counts as lunch.

Honestly? Some days, LinkedIn makes me feel like I’ve already failed. Like I missed the memo on how to be a founder. Like everyone else is on chapter 10 and I’m still on the prologue, furiously rewriting the introduction.

But I’m learning (slowly) that the messy middle is part of it. That building something meaningful doesn’t happen overnight—or over one well-lit productivity reel. It’s sticky. It’s slow. It’s full of half-finished plans and brilliant ideas you haven’t had time to launch yet. It’s not always thrilling, but it is real.

And despite the chaos, I’m still here. Still showing up. Still believing that recruitment can be better—fairer, more inclusive, and a lot less… cringe. I care deeply about this work, even if I’m currently doing it in between freelance gigs, dog walks, and staring blankly into space while holding a pen.

So if you’re also trying to build something while keeping everything else upright, here’s a virtual glass of wine and a high five. You’re not behind. You’re in the middle. And honestly? That’s where most of us are.

Messy. Tired. Slightly feral. But still in the game.

And that counts for something.