in the middle of january 2017, i embarked on a journey with no directions, no definitive destination and a large sense of trepidation. i was entering what some referred to as the career unknown, or a brave new world.

to me it was the stark reality of self-employment.

having always been an employee – circa 20 years – i would no longer be able to tick that box on forms and happily say who I worked for and how long I had done so. the sense of absent security and abject fear was real.

as so many people encouraged me to take the step and enter this world, I truly had no idea what I was going to do and if it was going to work.

you see the thing about being employed is that you rarely consider your ‘status’. it is part of who you are, whilst it probably doesn’t define you – well most of you – it is there, constantly. to step away from everything you had ever known, a regular salary and monthly pay slip, your team mates and friends and the corporate benefits – not to mention the regular international travel – was probably deemed by many to the madness. although few said it to my face!

so now almost six months on, I felt compelled to think about why I made this decision and what it means in real terms. without going into an emotional and cathartic outpouring of my reasoning, i had become totally disillusioned and frustrated with the corporate world – a place I now recognise is probably not cut out for me, or perhaps i'm not cut out for it!

whilst I hold a degree in politics, corporate politics don’t interest me. i simply want to do a good job, get on well with people, develop, learn and feel like my efforts are recognised. simple, right? well not so much. you see the thing I have realised about working in big businesses is that you are powerless; a cog in the corporate wheel who is as dispensable as the day it long. a stark reality that no-one really wants to face head on. combined with limited flexibility or career development, i actually realised I had run out of road.

but now on the ‘other side’ or where the grass is greener, that world is in the past, and actually has positively shaped my future. there is no anger, bitterness or regret. the brave new world is pretty decent. i feel in control of my life in a way that i’ve never previously felt. the sense of liberation people spoke of is both fascinating and motivating. i genuinely feel like i’ve stepped out of the darkness into a place filled with light, rather a cliché I know.

so what now? well the quest to become a viable consultant is happening. the overwhelming sense of solidarity and support from other consultants, agencies, former clients and colleagues has been nothing short of inspiring. but that alone won’t pay the bills. the steep learning curve is real, and scary. build it and they don’t come. it is a never-ending list people to connect with; meetings to be had; creds to be refined; potential clients to impress and confidence to be maintained. its truly about making a mind shift and adopting an entirely new outlook. the ultimate learning curve and journey of self discovery. I'll get there, but for now its about focusing on one day at a time.