Embracing the Illusion of Freedom: My Journey Post-Job Exit
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Chapter 1: The Allure of Quitting
The idea of leaving my job felt like a gateway to liberation, yet it turned out to be a costly lesson.
I often sift through my data to find motivational stories. In my latest newsletter, I shared various links about individuals who have turned their passions into lucrative careers. Among them, a 29-year-old who transitioned his side hustle into a thriving full-time business, earning $114,000 annually, caught the attention of many readers.
I included additional links about others who have achieved six-figure incomes, but this particular story garnered the most clicks. Why? Perhaps it was the enticing notion of escaping the daily grind while working fewer hours. This begs the question: why do so many of us yearn to break free from the rat race?
Reflecting back on my decision to leave my corporate job four years ago, I realize I lacked the answers. I held a respected position and collaborated with incredible teams, yet I opted out of the corporate politics that came with it. I believed I had it all mapped out: start my own business and evade the political games forever.
At the time, I was engrossed in countless business podcasts, each promoting the idea of wealth through entrepreneurship. One host boasted about making $1 million in a year via Amazon FBA. Another shared how a mother of three managed to earn $30,000 a month from home. There was even a twenty-something charging $3,000 for coaching sessions, attracting clients effortlessly.
These success stories ignited a fire within me. If they could do it, why couldn't I? Why endure a mundane 9-to-5 when life is too fleeting to not pursue one's potential?
The Unspoken Challenges
What I failed to hear were the cautionary tales of people thriving in their corporate roles, only to lose their life savings on failed ventures. There were few narratives about those who built comfortable lives through their corporate jobs, saved diligently, and ultimately enjoyed a fulfilling retirement.
Equally absent were the accounts of entrepreneurs plagued by financial anxiety, unsure if their businesses would yield sufficient income in the coming months. The ease of starting a business in today's digital age creates a deceptive perception of simplicity, making it seem far more appealing than the monotonous commute to a cubicle.
However, once you make the leap out of the corporate world, the harsh realities become evident. You are solely responsible for everything. There is no IT support to assist with technical issues, no marketing colleague to brainstorm with, and if you dread spreadsheets, tough luck; that’s part of the gig. Hiring an accountant for your taxes may cost you around $1,500, and you'll quickly realize that you no longer have the benefits enjoyed as a corporate employee.
As my friend Tracy Collins aptly put it, “You only realize what you've had after it’s gone.”
The Illusion of Freedom
The belief that leaving the rat race will resolve all your issues can be misleading. Initially, the sense of freedom is exhilarating. You no longer need permission for personal appointments, and you can set your own work hours. Yet, this feeling is fleeting.
In the first few weeks after resigning, it’s liberating—no tedious meetings or worrying if your manager will support you during tough times. But within a couple of months, anxiety creeps in as you ponder when your next paycheck will arrive.
Despite claims that starting a business requires little to no capital, the reality is often quite different. As I embarked on my Shopify journey, I was initially drawn in by the $29 monthly fee. However, as I began to enhance my store, costs quickly escalated. My first bill was $135, far exceeding my initial expectations. Each useful tool or feature came with an additional price tag—$20 here, $50 there, or even a yearly subscription for $200. Before long, my monthly expenses spiraled out of control, leaving me overwhelmed and stressed.
When financial stability is at stake, the notion of freedom quickly dissipates.
Final Thoughts
I made the error of leaving my job prematurely, without fully grasping the financial hurdles of running a business. I focused solely on the immediate benefits and idealized the freedom that entrepreneurship promised.
If you're contemplating quitting your job to pursue a business venture, I urge you to consider the larger picture and think long-term. Ask yourself how you might feel if your monthly expenses tripled, leaving you without financial security for the next three years. Would you still proceed with your plan?
Sometimes, the answer lies in transforming your work environment and gradually constructing your dream life on the side. Gain clarity on this matter, so you can truly experience freedom.
This insightful video explores how quitting a job can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.
In this video, the speaker shares their journey of leaving a job to pursue self-worth and the realization that everyone deserves more.