Working a corporate job has plenty of benefits and perks, the foremost of which is stability. For employees who can consistently keep their performance up, they can look forward to steady career growth, consistent income and benefits, and a decent chance to save up for modest financial goals like a relaxing retirement.

While a corporate job can be a great fit for many people, some employees are also keen on getting themselves out of their supposedly safe office jobs and finding their own place in the world. They’re willing to exchange the stability they currently enjoy for opportunities to get out of the so-called corporate rat race or to realise their full potential as human beings.

If you feel the same way and you’ve decided once and for all that you’re done with your corporate job, then you know how difficult it is to make this decision. There’s the matter of taking care of practical concerns like supporting yourself financially, finding a new income stream, and hiring a coaching mentor for guidance. On the other hand, there’s this immense sense of excitement that—finally—you’ll be able to make your mark as a person.

1. Making the Necessary Preparations

Letting go of your corporate life is a big step, and it’s not one that’s to be taken lightly. It seems to be so satisfying to just leave and never come back to your desk ever again, especially if you feel particularly constrained by your job.

However, remember that drama is something that you don’t want when you’re changing careers or setting up your own business. As such, it’s a good move to plan your departure months ahead and make it a point not to burn bridges with your soon-to-be-former employer—unless that is exactly what you want to do.

Before you hand in your notice, you have to have a plan. What will you do once you’ve left your job? Do you have enough savings or an alternative income stream to support yourself while you’re making the transition? Given your current resources and immediate goals, do you have enough money to tie you over until you’ve set yourself up for success? Preparing all you need before you leave your stable working environment is key to making a smooth transition into your next calling.

2. Double-checking Your Decision

Going from having a stable job to setting up your own business is a huge risk, and you’d probably want to let the people closest to your heart in on your decision. This can include your partner, family members, or even friends. Some of them may ask you if you’re really sure about your decision, likely out of concern for your welfare.

While you don’t necessarily have to explain your decision to anyone, it’s best to be prepared for questions like this. During your transition from an employee to a business owner, there will be times when you’ll question your values, reasons, and resolve. The last thing you want to do is regret that you took your chance to make something that’s entirely your own.

Before making the leap, ask yourself over and over if striking out on your own what you really want, and whether you’re prepared to face hardships to give yourself a chance to reach your goals. This means being the person in charge once you’ve left the fold and started setting up the foundations of your enterprise. You have to love the hustle once you strike out on your own; otherwise, it will feel just as constricting as your current corporate job.

3. Test-driving Your Ideas

No, you don’t have to wait until you leave your corporate job just so you can live a little. Ideally, even before you’ve considered leaving your current place of employment, you’ve already planted the seeds that will help you find your own path.

Aside from building your emergency fund and capital for your new endeavour, it’s also a must to immerse yourself in the details of the business you want to start. If, for example, you’re planning on starting your own landscaping company, you should be enriching yourself with the skills needed to succeed in this new profession even before you hand in your resignation. Before you fully abandon one income stream for another, do dry runs first and see if your income as a landscaper will be enough to support your lifestyle and help the business get off the ground.

It takes a leap of faith and a lot of determination to exchange stability for a more fulfilling journey, but many people who’ve gone through the same transition will tell you that it’s worth it. Plan your next move well and plant seeds that will allow you to succeed in the future as early as now, and you’ll be able to find your road to living a more fulfilled and satisfied life more easily.

Are you trying to let go of the corporate life? Get in touch with MRS V today for a one on one consultation!