As someone who now runs her own business after 15 years in corporate marketing, I often get asked things like: 'What's it like?' and 'Is it hard?'
And the answer is: Yes it is hard. Some days are so hard in fact, that it makes me question my choice to give up the security of my 9-5 (look out for Part 2 of this blog that details that).
But then I remember how 'hard' it was waking up every day to go to a job that sucked my soul and there's no comparison.
On the whole, I absolutely adore working for myself and wouldn't change a thing.
So if you're starting your own business, or want to feel inspired to do it, this is the article for you.
Why running your own business is friggin' awesome
1. You get to CHOOSE to do work that aligns with your values.
Why’s this important? Because your values are what drive you. If you’re currently unhappy in your job, then there’s a good chance that it’s conflicting with your values.
2. You can work with WHO you want.
Yep - you're in charge of picking everyone: your clients, your co-workers, your consultants. When you’re self-employed, you can surround yourself with people who get your vibe and share your values, people who light you up instead of drain your energy.
3. Pretty much every working day sparks some form of joy.
Whether that’s working with clients who inspire you, seeing them progressing or them telling you how happy they are with something you’ve created for them. Or even on the shit days (yes, some days can be shit), the feeling of knowing you’re making a difference in people’s lives through something that YOU’VE created is something you’ll never get while working for someone else.
4. You measure your success on things that actually matter.
Such as client transformations or audience growth, rather than stuff that 'matters' in the corporate world, like how many hours you put in, showing your face in certain meeting, or 'going above and beyond'.
5. You get to be your proper authentic self.
Not the wanky ‘corporate self’ they expect you to be in order to get ahead.
6. Every single bit of effort you put into your business benefits YOU.
No more working to make someone else richer.
7. You’ll never get made redundant.
Yes, running out of clients is possible, but at least you’re in control of making sure that doesn’t happen and it won't suddenly be landed on you without warning.
8. No more sitting through pointless back to back meetings.
Yes, you’ll still have meetings, but they’ll be meetings YOU put in your diary because you feel they’re important, not because someone else has something important to discuss and decides to cc everyone in.
9. You get to make your own hours.
Need to leave early to pick your kid up from nursery? Want to meet a friend for a long lunch on a random Tuesday? Or even take a yoga class at 11am. Your calendar is YOURS, so no more feeling guilty for wanting to have a life. There is a different way of working available that isn't tied to someone else.
10. The uncapped earning potential.
No more begging for payrises or having to leave and go to another company to get a payrise ‘because they just don't have the headcount right now’. When you stat your own business your income is limited only by your motivation, dedication and mindset.
11. No more Sunday night fear.
Once you quit your job to start your own business, the Sunday dreads are a thing of the past. Instead you go to bed happy, calm and content that the week ahead is full of work that you’re truly passionate about and where your clients value you.
12. Every day is a school day.
Sick of not growing or learning in your job? There’s an abundance of learning when you run your own business.
13. You can create a better work life balance.
Now I'm not going to pretend that the first year (or even 2) in business is all rainbows and unicorns, because balance can be tricky to find at first, especially when you’re super passionate about what you’re doing. But with good boundaries you will get to create that work life balance that just isn’t possible in a corporate career.
14. You get total flexibility to work from wherever you want.
Home office? Coffee Shop? Co-working space? Hell, even the pub. Your workspace can be whereever floats your boat, because it’s YOUR business.
15. You have 100% control over your life
No more attending meetings you don't want to go to with dickheads you don't like. No more trying to fit your beautiful square peg into a corporate round hole, so to speak. Working for yourself allows you to live life on YOUR own terms and if you’re not enjoying something, YOU have the power to change it.
16. Waking up every day thinking ‘I’ve created this’.
The unbelievable satisfaction and fulfillment you get from being completely self-sufficient is something that has to be experienced to be believed.
17. Every day is Dress Down Friday.
Nuff said.
I hope this has inspired you to stop hiding behind the myriad of excuses we all give ourselves and just get started. My life has changed unrecognisably since I started my side business and I want that for you too.
And remember - I'm no different to you. I had no special skills that you don't. Just a shit-ton of drive and determination to create a life that aligned with my values.
If I can do it, then so can you. And I'm here to help you with my 121 coaching.
So if you're ready to finally get that business started so you can find that freedom and flexibly you're dreaming of, then let's talk.
Meet Lauren
Business Coach & Side Hustle Queen
Hi, I'm Lauren. I burnt out from the corporate world, hit rock bottom and used the experience to create my dream life. I now help passionate and ambitious women start and grow businesses. I'm living proof that you can - and deserve to - have it all.
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