Making the Unexpected Leap from Employee to Freelance Professional

January 12, 2023
|
Terri Maxwell

Making the Unexpected Leap from Employee to Freelance Professional

Many professionals are finding themselves in the midst of an unplanned career shift and have wondered, “What’s next?” Some are choosing to take their skills to the freelance marketplace, albeit reluctantly.
Ready for a new adventure? Let us help you get started with our Free Tools!
LEARN MORE!

2022, and so far 2023, have been signifcant regarding layoffs, particualrly in the tech sector. As we look toward more disruption and discord, it's starting to feel like a giant Who Moved My Cheese skit, only it’s more than cheese that moved.

Many professionals are finding themselves in the midst of an unplanned career shift and have wondered, “What’s next?”

Some are choosing to take their skills to the freelance marketplace, albeit reluctantly.

Having made the leap from employee to being my own boss over two decades ago (after 9/11), I have three recommendations to ease the transition:

1.  Trust the process.

Big changes like this don’t happen “to us” but rather “for us.” Change becomes difficult when we struggle to hold on to what was.

The fear isn’t because of what’s ahead, but rather what is unknown. As humans, we fear what we don’t know. We fear what we have yet to experience.

Change can be scary, because it is unknown. Let go and trust.

2.  Follow your passion (and promptings).

Building a business is hard, but less so when you love what you do. Today, you can build a business on just about anything, so let go of any thought that your passion isn’t a worthy business pursuit.

You can also approach it by thinking about who you want to serve, as much as what you want to do. This will lead you to a purposeful and passionate path.

Mostly, trust your intuition. Listen to the promptings. They are not random.

3.  Find a path that serves others.

You don’t have to sacrifice money to have meaning. Purpose and profits can easily co-exist, and there are now thousands of examples to draw on, as Conscious Capitalism and the B-Corp movements have taken hold.

Conscious entrepreneurship is about the “and”. Making a difference AND making money. Success comes from service. We do well by doing good. It’s not an easier entrepreneurial path. Just way more meaningful.

If you've found yourself in a position you didn't expect and are now considering other options, Succeed On Purpose is here to support your transition. Check out our Free Tools page to get started.

With the soulfulness of Wayne Dyer and the entrepreneurial spirit of Richard Branson, Terri is a world-class business growth expert, social impact investor, and serial entrepreneur whose purpose is to inspire potential. With her own money, Terri built a portfolio of purposeful companies, Share On Purpose, Inc., and now invests in and creates mission-driven start-ups.

In a career that spans more than 25 years, Terri has launched, owned, sold, rebranded or turned around more than 40 companies. She is known for her game-changing business models and personal transformation frameworks.

Everything she built came directly from a wellspring of perseverance and soulful resiliency, which she openly shares through her first purposeful brand, Succeed On Purpose.


Get Career Clarity
Your career plays a significant role in your life, but what if you’re unhappy with your chosen path? Or you aren’t sure what path to even take? That unease can have far-reaching implications. It’s time to get career clarity.
What Is the Definition of Success in Life?
Success doesn’t have an exact definition. It doesn't have to be about money or a job title unless that matters to you personally. But, how do you identify your own definition of success?
Mindset Matters: 4 Strategies for Fulfillment
The key to maximizing the quest for more is to focus on mindset. Consider these Mindset Tools to achieve goals and overcome obstacles, accepting massive setbacks along the way as part of the journey.