After spending 20 years in the corporate world, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own company. The journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with exhilarating highs and challenging lows, and through it all, I’ve gained invaluable insights that I want to share with you.
Key Reflections:
- Sense of Belonging: In the corporate world, you’re part of a big family, a team with a shared goal. The corporate culture fosters unity and purpose. Leaving this “family” means many connections fade, and maintaining relationships takes effort.
- Authenticity of Corporate Bonds: Is the corporate family a genuine bond or a construct to keep us engaged? Once out of the corporate structure, interactions and support become scarce. It’s like a drug addiction; the brain tells you it’s not important, but the feeling of withdrawal is hard to shake off.
- Leadership and Engagement: As a people manager, leading teams and receiving constant engagement was fulfilling. Once out of the picture, interactions become rare, reinforcing the notion that we are replaceable. If we achieve what we set out to do, maybe it’s okay to be replaceable.
- Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Building your own thing and stepping away from the system is a bold move. It comes with challenges, including a sense of isolation. As an entrepreneur, you’re more alone than ever, but this solitude brings clarity and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.
- Redefining Purpose: Work is not the only purpose in life; we are not defined by our job titles but by so much more. These reflections are about sharing an honest perspective on the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, but ultimately, it’s about finding your path and embracing the change.Conclusion:
Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship is a bold and challenging journey. It comes with highs and lows, but ultimately, it’s about finding your path and embracing the change.
