Have you ever felt like reinventing yourself? Considered turning up somewhere nobody knows you? Being someone new?
That’s what ‘going freelance’ was for me, back before I started my editing business, back when I quit my job the first time. Freedom. A chance to be my true self, my now self. Not the perception of me that others held, keeping me where I was.
The moment I did so, I was in freefall. I knew nothing. About anything. Except that my life had changed for good.
Soon, I fell in love, went to exotic Brazil (because, with no ties, hey, why wouldn’t you?) and opened my mind to possibility. Then I decided to emigrate to stunning New Zealand.
Because, with no ties, hey, why wouldn’t you?
Without even trying, I moved on from so many unhealthy situations in my life.
When it came to the work I did and the decisions I made, I messed up along the way, for sure. But I felt differently about making mistakes. I made them as me. I stood by them. I wasn’t afraid of what would happen. I could move on.
I was no longer in a place of constant criticism.
These were my mistakes
I loved owning them, even when they landed me in sticky situations, because I was the decision-maker and that was precious. I could be proud, because at least I’d tried. I’d done it. Done something. I’d refused the status quo and sent out a message that I was looking for more.
Arriving in New Zealand, I took a job again. The idea of meeting people and having the security of a job made sense at that time.
It wasn’t for long, though. I was reminded this path wouldn’t take me where I wanted to go. Even knowing this, I stayed for a year. It wasn’t until my work visa ran out and I took some time to reflect on the year that I re-decided being in the office wasn’t for me.
Before you know for sure entrepreneurship is your path, you will be tested
Entrepreneurship Take Two has been different.
When I didn’t know what I didn’t know, instead of fumbling, I threw myself in the path of every education opportunity going. I found the right support. I – shock, horror – even know what I’m doing. Some of the time.
I have a purpose. I have a plan. I’ve written a book. I’m building a business. I’m going out there and meeting people.
It’s not freelancing any more. It’s business.
What’s the difference?
Both times I left corporate, it shook things up. These leaps led to huge growth in my life. Twice over.
But the first time I felt I was pushed. I was escaping. I played too small. I learned by doing, but I didn’t seek help, because I was trying to prove I could do it all on my own. That stint as a freelancer wasn’t free at all, by comparison to this. I felt I had no choice but to leave.
I was defiant.
Freelancing was a fresh start, yes. But was it freeing? Only to the extent I was able to be me fully and completely.
Entrepreneurship has a whole different vibe. Not one of being repelled by something, but of being pulled towards something. Not escapism, but contentment in myself. Not time for money, but creation and value.
That’s my story. That’s where I started.
What’s yours?
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