Is quitting 9-5 the only escape out of the rat race? - I've been there and done that.
“Be your own boss” is only half the story 📖
They Said...
"The rat race is keeping you behind in life."
"You can't be successful by working at a job."
"Become a freelancer, start a business, be your own boss!"
So, I did.
The Truth About Freelancing
As a freelancer, I was happy—but barely making a living.
I was lucky to live with my family, so no rent and no grocery bills. Working remotely meant no commuting costs. I saved some money because my fixed expenses were low.
I tried to help out with the household as much as I could, but at least none of them were landlords demanding rent by the 5th of every month!
Most of my work was solitary.
I had a few clients who came through referrals, and they kept coming back. I had built relationships and trust, which gave me creative freedom. There weren’t too many deadlines or urgent projects.
Startup Life: Not What I Expected
Then, I became a business owner—a startup co-founder. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone. I had a partner. We got an office.
I became the "sweat partner," investing my time and effort instead of money. But this meant double the pressure to succeed, driven by guilt.
I moved to a new city. Initially, I stayed with my co-founder, so no rent yet. But I had other bills, and I was looking to move out, which meant finding a place and more expenses.
We decided to expand. That meant interviewing, hiring, firing, promoting, and making sure everyone got paid.
I didn’t even look at my bank balance as it slowly disappeared.
The Illusion of Titles
I was busy romancing the title of "Startup Co-founder."
Everyone was impressed by it. Every time I introduced myself, I saw the raised eye brows, the “Oh Wows!” and the facade of respect.
I thought that was my currency, my real win.
Until everything fell apart. I crashed hard.
I had to go back to a job, being employed, no longer my own boss.
But was I ever really my own boss? Did I actually enjoy it?
Learning What Makes Me Tick
Turns out, I don’t like admin work. I don’t enjoy managing a team. I don’t want to handle finances. I don’t like earning fake-it-till-you-make-it money.
I felt like a fraud. And I most definitely don’t like feeling like that.
What I do love is connecting with people, having meaningful conversations, doing work that matters. I like working from anywhere, traveling for work, working solo.
I enjoy being an independent contributor, speaking to large audiences, and skipping the one-on-one sales pitches.
My Career Happiness Checklist
So, I made a checklist.
I found a job that checked most of the boxes and started a side project to keep my creative energy flowing. This way, I didn’t expect my employer to fulfill all my dreams.
I chose the best of both worlds.
Here’s How You Can Do It Too
Don’t quit your job until you’ve done the following:
1. Figure Out Why You Want to Quit
Is the pay bad?
Are there no opportunities for growth?
Are you bored or don’t enjoy your work?
Do you dislike your boss?
Are your coworkers a problem?
Are you struggling with the skills needed for your job?
Is the job not what you expected from the interview?
Does the company’s values clash with yours? Bad products? Poor treatment of employees?
Are you mistreated at work? Discrimination? Insults? Lack of recognition?
2. What’s the Next Plan?
Start a Business: Have you done it before? Do you have a solid product or service? Money to invest? Can you manage a team? Pay salaries?
Become a Freelancer: What’s your skill? Where will you find clients? How much will you charge? Do you have savings? Do you need a website? Is the market too crowded?
Be Your Own Boss: Is this really true? You’ll answer to clients, your team, investors, and even your family. There’s no fixed salary. You might even work for free sometimes.
3. What Do You Really Want?
Freedom?
Creative work?
More skills and opportunities?
A boss and team that motivate you?
Selling something you believe in?
Financial security?
Recognition and respect?
Leading a team?
To be heard and valued?
Being your own boss sounds cool, but finding a career that truly fulfills you is even better. It’s about knowing what makes you happy and building a work life around that.
So, before you decide to QUIT, remember this:
Q – Question why you really want to leave.
U – Understand what truly makes you happy.
I – Invest time in exploring all your options.
T – Take action that aligns with your long-term goals.
Remember, no employer, manager, or boss can be in charge of your happiness.
They can't read your mind, either. You have to start by asking yourself the right questions instead of expecting the world to give you all the answers.
Put yourself back on the drivers seat!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hi new & old friends! I’m Sonali, professionally I speak for a living. I am an introvert turned who was once one of the quietest kids in class. Over the years, I’ve found my voice as a Speaker, Author, and Coach.
I have been featured on Josh Talks, where my session reached over 1,00,000 viewers across YouTube and Facebook. My speaking engagements have taken me to renowned events like the High Traffic Summit, E-Summits and other Business Summits. I have been invited as a Chief Guest to prestigious institutions such as NIT, ABBS, and Christ University. Additionally, I co-authored 2 books, one of which earned a spot in the India and Asia Book of Records.
Currently I’m thrilled to be writing my first solo book on insecurities, how they shape your reality, and how to break away from them. If you’re passionate about self-help and non-fiction, I’d love to hear your book recommendations!
I’m also honored to be a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking. If you’re interested in levelling up your presentation skills, my waiting list is open—just sign up through this link. I write this newsletter every week, so stay tuned and let me know what you’d love to see in future issues.
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