What I’ve Learned In The Year Since Quitting My Job
This Friday will mark one year since I quit my very stable, very reliable job to venture into the unknown of starting my own company. In one sense, the year has gone by so quick, and on the other hand, it seems like a lifetime ago that I was in that world. Perhaps the biggest reason it feels so distant from then is the fact that I have become a different person since leaving. I’ve grown in so many ways: the old version of myself seems like a fraction of who I am now.
Coming up on a year, I deem it important to take a step back and reflect on what the year has meant to me, and what I have learned. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day challenges and miss the bigger picture. Perhaps it’s just a cathartic exercise for myself, or perhaps it can give some value to someone else on the journey as well.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned since quitting, getting off the corporate ladder, and creating my own new world; things that one year ago, I wish I could have heard. They are:
· No article, conversation, or video can prepare you for the challenge of starting a company. You can read every article about what it’s like to run a marathon, but until you do it, you have no idea.
· The toughest part isn’t starting. The toughest part is forcing yourself to keep moving forward even when you feel you can’t.
· Being mentally strong is the best asset you have. There is no way to get through the sleepless nights, the nights where your mind is racing about whether you can do it or not, without having that strength.
· You’ll realize you took for granted a paycheck automatically hitting your bank account every two weeks, but you will feel no greater satisfaction than depositing checks you’ve earned for your own company.
· Don’t dwell on the loses, savor the wins. There will be more L’s than W’s in the year, so take it in stride.
· No one cares about your business as much as you do, so don’t wait for people to find you or for them to care about you. Go out and show them why they should care.
· Amazing things happen when you get out of your comfort zone. There is a world out there with tons of possibility when you’re willing to unplug from the matrix and take a chance.
· It’s so true that you can fake it till you make it. Don’t doubt your abilities.
· This is the best real-life MBA you could possibly put yourself through.
· Having an accountability partner or group is the best way to keep yourself on task. Don’t be afraid to lean on people. You can’t do this alone.
· You don’t need to hit home runs every day to win. A bunch of singles can get the job done just as well.
· Allow yourself to disconnect, and don’t guilt yourself into feeling like you have to work 24/7. Learn to love the process and enjoy the freedom that comes with owning your schedule.
· That being said, operate like a true business. Set work times, set a schedule and get things done.
· Get up early, shower, and read first thing every day. It’s amazing what this routine will do for your mental psyche and get you motivated for the day.
· It’ll be the toughest, most challenging, taxing thing you’ll ever do. You’ll have days you question going out on your own, and you’ll want to throw in the towel. You’ll feel like your beating your head against the wall. You’ll feel like you’re making no progress. But you are. Keep going. Don’t stop. Those days will make the good ones that are coming that much better.
A year ago I took a leap. I had no idea what to expect. It hasn’t been anything like I planned, but I think that is what has made it great. I don’t think I would change anything, and most importantly, I’m thankful every day I did it. Because in 30 years, no matter what this journey brings, I’ll be happy to look back and say ‘I’m glad I did’ and not ‘I wish I had’. So cheers to the start of year two.
Thanks for reading! Give it a like or share if you enjoyed it. For more information on my new venture, check out www.changepointconsulting.com.
