Quit my corporate job and became a contractor

May 131 min read

Left a soul crushing marketing job 8 months ago to do freelance work and honestly I'm scared most days. Some weeks are amazing, other weeks I'm terrified I made the worst decision ever. Gained back time with my kids, can actually pick them up from school now instead of paying a babysitter. Lost the stability and that 401k match though which keeps me up at night. My identity was always tied to that job title and without it I feel kinda lost. But when my 4 year old asks me to play during the day and I can actually say yes instead of checking my email, I know I made the right call. Just figuring out who I am outside of being a corporate guy.

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Comments(5)

PPhil M.RegularMay 13

Respect for making the jump away from soul crushing work. That takes guts especially as a parent. The ups and downs are tough but at least now you're working for yourself, that's worth something.

TTom P.RegularMay 13

The scary weeks are real but you're already 8 months in which is huge. I've been juggling two households and co-parenting so I get the financial anxiety, but the fact that some weeks are amazing tells me you're onto something good.

SSean M.New Dad3w ago

Eight months in and still scared is actually normal I think. The soul crushing part being gone probably means something though. What's the scariest part right now?

TTrevorRegularMay 14

Props for getting out of that situation. Most guys stay stuck because the fear wins. You already beat that part.

RRonRegular3w ago

Made a similar move. The fear doesn't go away but the freedom is worth it. How are the finances looking? That's usually what keeps me up at night.

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