
Whether you’ve been dreaming of starting an Etsy store or you’re just flat-out sick of where you work, thinking about quitting your job can be downright scary. While this might be a terrifying prospect at first, many times making a career change turns out to be just the thing you need to turn your dream job into reality. Scroll on for stories of people who took a leap of faith and quit their jobs for something greater.
1. Chances are, taking the leap isn’t as scary as you think it will be. “Since as early I can remember, I wanted to start my own business, but it had never seemed like the right time. I remember sitting in my office [a tech company] on a particularly stressful day contemplating leaving in search of something new. While thinking through all the pros and cons, a meeting invite came through my e-mail. It was a request that my team meet with our CTO and cofounder, a rare opportunity. I asked him, ‘What advice would you give to someone trying to decide between security and fulfillment?’ His response was — and I’ll never forget it, because I carry it around in my bag every day — ‘Take the leap. Give up your security and go find your happiness. Chances are it’s not as scary as you think it’ll be.’ The next day I quit my job, the following week I started Ruckworks and I’ve never looked back. I definitely ran into some roadblocks when I left that security, but I never regretted my decision because for once, I felt as though I had control over my life. I was ready to face any obstacle. I was empowered.” — Garren Heye, founder, Ruckworks
2. You can create a life for yourself anywhere. “In late 2007, I resigned as senior anchor for an international TV news station in Moscow. We were approaching another Moscow winter and [I] decided, ‘No.’ Between my shift work and my husband’s work travel, we barely saw each other. We decided to take six months off, and I resigned without another job lined up. My husband, Jon, said he’d go anywhere with good surf; I’d go anywhere that offered Spanish immersion. We decided on Chile, and six months became three years. I freelanced and began writing books. I established an independent publishing house and published four titles. In turn, the books sparked a speaker platform for colleges, corporations and conferences. I’m doing things I might never have envisioned had we stayed in Moscow. And we see each other a lot more!” —Alicia Young, speaker, author and journalist
3. Security isn’t everything. “I quit my job during a time when 99 percent of people would never even consider it. I had a 2-month-old baby, and my wife was completing graduate school and looking for a job. I worked for a large and successful digital agency and had a very secure position. Many people told me I was crazy, and asked why I would risk everything on such a decision. I was certainly nervous, and the fear of complete failure was always there. I was not quitting to take a new job at a new company; I was starting my own business, which had been merely a side gig for roughly two years before I made the decision to quit. I took this plunge toward the tail end of the recession, so the digital industry was starting its upturn, and companies were reinvesting in the web. It was a rocky road at times, but I am so happy I did this, and I’ve never looked back. Being your own boss can be a tremendously rewarding experience.” —Mark Tuchscherer, cofounder and CEO of Geeks Chicago
Are you ready to take the plunge and change your career path? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @BritandCo!
This post was originally published on Levo League by Corie Hengst. Photo via Getty.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.