Take a second to think about yourself as an employee and your career. Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years? What do you want to get out of the corporate world? Are you truly on the path towards your dreams? These are important questions to ask yourself as someone climbing the corporate ladder. Just because you have already paved a path for yourself does not mean you can’t chart a new journey. If you feel like you are being called to follow your dreams and start your own business, consider taking that step. Now is an ideal time to dream big, as November is National Entrepreneurship Month. There’s no better time than now to pursue your aspirations.
There are many reasons why people leave their jobs, whether it’s because they found a better opportunity with more pay and greater benefits, or because they want to step into a different role within another company. But did you know that burnout is one of the major reasons C-suite executives are leaving their current roles to explore new paths outside their comfort zone? According to research, 81% of professionals say their well-being is more important than climbing the corporate ladder. A lot of this can be attributed to heavy workloads and unsustainable schedules, which is why starting their own business and becoming their own boss is appealing.
If you feel drawn to start your own business, evaluate your current standing and identify the best way forward. Entrepreneurship may be a key to finding balance and fulfillment both inside and outside of work.
“The first step to taking that big leap into starting your own business is to really understand why you are doing this in the first place. Are you looking to do something you’re passionate about? Are you driven by the need to leave a toxic work environment? Or are you burnt out and hoping for a more sustainable schedule? Asking yourself these questions can help you clarify how you want your business to operate and will set you on the right track,” says A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach.
Starting something new doesn’t mean you have to begin completely from scratch. The advantage of building a business after years of corporate experience is that you already have the skills to be a capable entrepreneur. Think about all the times you have managed and led a team or had to adapt to changes on the spot. These experiences can serve as a foundation for business ownership.
No matter what type of business you decide to create, there is substantial potential for growth. Starting a business is all about trial and error, and learning from your challenges is what truly matters. Staying organized and persistent in your business efforts will help guide you and your business toward success. Just because it’s a new journey does not mean it will lead to failure.
“Don’t underestimate yourself. Just because building a business may be new for you doesn’t mean you lack the necessary skills. When we encounter challenges, remember to see yourself as a leader, a listener, and a hard worker. Your corporate experience equips you to tackle the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. Obstacles will arise that may make you question, ‘What am I doing?’ but trust in yourself and your abilities, persevere through the tough moments, and you’ll navigate just fine,” Mizes adds.
If you’re feeling burnt out from your current job or are simply looking for a change, consider starting your own business. Confidence in your abilities and trust in your work ethic can guide you on a new path. No matter how long you have been in the corporate world, it’s never too late to make a change for yourself. This National Entrepreneurship Month is a great time to embark on a new journey and follow your dreams. What could you accomplish if you fully committed to your goals?
Published by: Annie P.
