As you read this (at least if you are reading it as it’s published!), we have an incredible group of inspired, and inspiring, men and women over in the Facebook groupworking right now on crafting their very own Corporate Escape Plan. Together, we’re looking at why they want to leave their 9 to 5; what might get in the way; how they will make this important decision; where they will get the support they need; and when is the big day when they will actually make their escape. Don’t worry if you’ve missed it, as this week we have even more support available to you as you start to navigate your own journey One Step Outside the 9 to 5.
First, the good news!
It’s easier than ever before to take control of your career and chart a new course, even after many years in the same position. This is in sharp contrast to the linear career paths of the past, where you would stay in the same profession, and even the same company, for your whole working life.
Technology has evolved so that you can work from anywhere as long as you have a laptop and Wi-Fi, while society and business have evolved so that there are more opportunities than ever to leverage your skills in the ‘gig economy’ and provide freelancing or consulting services, or start another kind of business.
So whether you want to change to a different kind of organisation, find a new way of working that works for you, or set out on your own and launch your own business, the fact is that this is absolutely possible.
The bad news is that leaving behind a corporate role or career that’s all you’ve ever known since school is incredibly scary.
The entrepreneurial and freelancing world is completely unfamiliar and alien, and it’s hard to even know where to start. Building a business also takes time and the magical “six-steps-to-six-figures” formula simply doesn’t exist, while you may also have heard that bleak statistic that most businesses fail in their first year…
More good news!
If you find that the jump away from the comfort of a familiar job and stable salary and into the complete unknown is too scary, you don’t have to do it!
You don’t have to take a huge leap, quitting your job today to start a business from scratch that needs to bring in an income to support you and your family as of day one. You don’t have to work out exactly what it is you’re going to do right now and make the changes overnight, putting your loved ones – not to mention your own way of life – at risk.
You can take small steps, taking your time to explore what it is you really want to do, testing and validating business ideas, establishing yourself in a new field and developing a little business that fulfils your urge for learning and growth as well as bringing in an extra income. It’s up to you, then, if you decide to keep it as a hobby or an extra revenue stream, an oh-so-fashionable ‘side hustle’ – or if you love it so much and you’ve built up both the business and your confidence enough to take that big step and make it a full-time business.
Maybe the best news is that whatever you decide at that point, you definitely won’t regret having explored the different possibilities.
The reason is that learning about yourself, spending time finding out what you really love and what you’re actually good at, is hugely insightful and powerful. Starting a business is an incredible experience that is both challenging and exciting and will get you onto a steeper learning curve, bringing new ideas, new friends and all sorts of new and unexpected opportunities along the way. And simply having stepped out of your comfort zone and given yourself permission to explore other options will be hugely fulfilling and rewarding.
Whether you decide to pursue the business idea you decide on further, to scrap it and try a different idea, or to stay in the job you’re in and put that business plan away… I guarantee that you will have changed your life for the better.
So what are you waiting for?!
I’m excited to announce that the new group coaching programme to help you take your One Step Outside the 9 to 5 is about to OPEN FOR ENROLMENT!