3 Things I Did Before I Quit My Corporate Job and 3 Things I'm Doing Now

Embarking on the journey from a corporate job to the unknown of entrepreneurship requires careful consideration and strategic planning. In this blog post, I share my personal experience of leaving the corporate world, outlining three crucial steps I took before taking the leap and three things I'm doing now to shape a fulfilling path.

Before Quitting: Preparing for the Leap

Reflecting on Dissatisfaction

Before bidding farewell to my corporate job, I took the time to identify the aspects that left me dissatisfied. Pinpointing key pain points allowed me to understand my motivations for leaving and set the foundation for future decisions. My goal has always been to have a flexible schedule. Specifically, to be able to travel as a family and pick my girls up from the bus stop every day after school (insert what I've referred to as my bus stop dream). 

As a business strategist, I 100% believe you can build a very full-time business on a very part-time schedule, which I will continue to do and share. If you're curious, I share more about my decision to leave my corporate job including how the timeline was sped up.

Financial Planning and Safety Nets

Financial stability is paramount during a career transition. Building a business while you work full-time is actually a bonus, not a burden, because you have an extra layer of financial security. You are not reliant on your business income for daily survival, which helps take the stress off. We had set the deadline as a family of one year, so at the end of one year of working for myself, we would re-evaluate. So the goal was to have a plan so that even if I didn't make any money at the end of that year, we could still make it. I evaluated my savings, created an emergency fund, and developed a budget to navigate the initial months post-quit. Exploring alternative income streams provided an extra layer of security.

Skill Development and Networking

Recognizing the importance of transferable skills, I invested time in upskilling and acquiring new competencies. Additionally, I built a robust professional network, ensuring a supportive community during the transition. I had a coach, my husband, and my family, who all knew what the goal was and the journey to get there. You don't have to and shouldn't do this alone. If your dream is just you, it's not big enough. For us, it was ultimately how this dream was going to support our family.

During the Transition: The Initial Phase

Embracing the Unknown

Dealing with uncertainty and fear is a natural part of the transition process. I embraced the unknown, cultivating a positive mindset to navigate the challenges that lay ahead. 

Establishing a Support System

Communication with friends and family played a pivotal role in maintaining my mental and emotional well-being. Seeking mentorship and joining communities of like-minded individuals provided guidance and encouragement that I will forever be grateful. Having a good support system is a continued part of my journey, both personally and professionally. 

After Quitting: Building a Fulfilling Path

Creating My Dream Schedule

As I stated above, one of the reasons I left my corporate job was that I wanted control of my schedule. I like working and actually enjoyed my corporate job, but anytime my girls had something at school or an appointment, it was impossible to get there. I want to work when it feels good and at times that I am productive and creative. After I left my corporate job, I had a really hard time with schedules. I almost had to re-train my brain to know that I don't have to work at 6 am or take weekends off. If I want to work weekends I can, because then I will have more free time during the week. I think so often we are programmed to what we think society wants us to conform to and we have done it for so long, we forget to ask ourselves, what actually feels good? What actually works for me?

I will also share that one of the most popular topics I get as a business strategist with my clients right now is unraveling what we are taught. It is OK to work weekends or at 9 pm, if that is what you want. Once you control your schedule, you control the outcome.

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Planning, Planning, Planning

Part of my CEO week strategy is sitting down every Sunday to plan my week. Every Sunday I ask myself:

1. What went well last week?
2. What do I need to change and focus on?
3. How do I want to feel?

I then adjust my calendar as needed. Navigating this has allowed me to achieve a balance between my work and personal life. Embracing flexibility became a cornerstone of my post-corporate lifestyle.

Personal Growth and Well-being

Prioritizing mental and physical health remained a constant focus. Continued learning and self-improvement became integral to my journey, fostering a sense of fulfillment beyond traditional career paths. I also started walking every day. I share more about how walking five miles every day was the personal habit that changed our entire business.

Reflecting on this transformational journey, I recognize the importance of strategic planning and resilience. For those considering a similar leap, my story serves as a testament to the possibilities that unfold when one embraces change with intention and courage. The corporate exit is not just an end but a beginning of a fulfilling and purpose-driven path.

Looking for more on this topic and your High-Level Action items? Check out the Strategy Lab in the Crush the Rush Club!