From overworked corporate guy to running my own business

Aug 21 min read

Spent 15 years climbing the corporate ladder, sacrificing everything, and I was miserable. Quit last year and started my own thing. Money is tighter right now but I have control of my time and I actually like who I'm becoming. I'm the guy who coaches my son's soccer team now instead of missing games. I still work hard but it feels different when it's yours. What I miss is the stability and the paycheck, but I don't miss the person I was pretending to be.

10 comments204 views

Comments(10)

RRyan M.RegularAug 3

Running your own thing means you can actually set your schedule around your family which is the dream. Still stressful in different ways but at least it's your stress, not some company's.

CChris M.RegularAug 3

The miserable part is what gets me. You spend 15 years sacrificing for a company that wouldn't think twice about replacing you. Glad you found something that actually makes you happy instead of just busy.

CChris M.RegularAug 3

Fifteen years climbing that ladder just to realize it was leaning against the wrong building. I respect the move. The corporate world will burn you out if you let it. How's the work-life balance treating you now?

GGarrett M.New DadAug 4

Running your own thing is a different kind of stress but at least it's on your terms. Your kids probably see a way happier version of you too, which matters more than any promotion ever will.

BBrandonRegularAug 2

Sounds like you're figuring out what actually makes you happy. Being your own boss and having more control over your schedule is something I respect, even if it's not the easier path.

RRick H.RegularAug 2

That's a big move, man. Weekends with my boys are when I actually feel like I'm doing something that matters, so I get why you made the switch even if finances are tighter.

TTyler H.RegularAug 2

Respect for making that jump. Money gets tight but the freedom to actually be here for your kids is worth it. How's the balance treating you so far?

SSteveRegularAug 2

This is the dream but also the nightmare at first, right? I've thought about it a hundred times. Did you take a hit financially those first couple years, or did the business take off pretty quick?

FFelix R.RegularAug 2

15 years of that grind would kill me. How did you know when to jump? Seems terrifying to walk away from corporate but I'm guessing being around for your kids during the day was worth it.

SSteveRegularAug 2

This is what I tell people about balance. Sometimes you can't have both at the same company. Takes guts to rebuild but sounds like you found something better than the ladder climb.