I have to say that being my own boss is amazing. I love the freedom that I have to create, to learn and the option to decide how much I want to make each month. Most of all, I love that I get to share my gifts with the world and make a difference in the lives of others. Even though I love all of this, I wish someone prepared me for what happens after you quit your job.
You see, like most entrepreneurs, you've probably spent countless hours plotting your escape and getting your business off the ground. You are convinced that this is the best decision for you and that you will be completely happy after you quit and start doing your own thing. You've read tons of success stories and know what happens before and after you take the leap.
The truth is no one prepares you for the in between. You know... the 'WTF did I just do?' part.
Quitting your well-paying job to start your dream business is like breaking up with a boyfriend you weren't compatible with in the first place. If you're like most people who've been preconditioned to get a degree and get a good paying job with a steady paycheck, most likely you feel lost and you're not quite sure what to do with your free time. Plus, you have a million ideas you want to execute and have no clue were to start. Even though you are committed to your success, like most newbie entrepreneurs, you want to find your voice. You spent countless hours lost on the Internet looking for guidance, inspiration and fall prey to the comparison hang over.
It's time to snap out of it and get it together.
Instead of feeling helpless, you need to find your own voice in this new space you've created and start taking some action.
Here are three steps that I share with my clients on how they can find themselves after they've broken up with their 9-5:
1. Give yourself permission to take a break.
Yep, you read that right. Take a break already! I know, I know, you're your own boss now and you've got to make the money. The reality is that you've worked hard to get to this point. Technically, you were working two jobs; one as a full-time employee and the other as a part-time entrepreneur. It's time for you to take a break and relax already. Even if you don't have a big vacation planned, it's OK to take a few days off and unplug from it all. Take the weekend to visit family, spend time with friends -- heck, get a pedicure! Whatever you decide to do, you need to take some time off. This will help you recharge your batteries and help you get to a more creative state.
2. You need to have a support system.
Entrepreneurship is hard and anyone who says otherwise is a liar. You have to be really passionate and committed about this change that you want to make in the world. That's why you shouldn't do it alone. I highly recommend that you get out of your house. Go out and meet other world-changers like yourself; believe it or not, we are everywhere. Join an online group that supports your goals or a local Meetup group. Find a friend, get an accountability partner or a coach to help you get focused, stay on track and keep you motivated. It's up to you to decide, but like every breakup you need support, not a pint of Ben and Jerry's. So get out there and mingle a little.
3. It's time to get creative.
The whole point of leaving your job was to be FREE. Yes, I understand that you do have to work towards that freedom, but you need to rejuvenate your mind. You need a hobby, my friend, something that isn't related to your business. An activity that you love doing that allows you to be creative and express yourself. Make a list of all of the things that you love to do that you never got a chance to because you didn't have the time. You are the boss, so claim your time back, choose one thing and just do it. Start an art project, travel or take up yoga. It doesn't matter what you do; you just need a hobby.
Breaking up with a permanent position is hard to do, but you have to move on. It's time to say goodbye to the 9-5 blues and enjoy your new-found success and freedom. Let's get out there and connect, learn and grow. It's time for you to find your voice and do what you love. It's time to be free!
I love to connect with new people feel free to visit me at www.fabiolagiordani.com