Personal story of Suzanne, Author
- Employee to entrepreneur:
I was so determined to stay in business that I returned to school in 1993 to earn an MBA. Two years later, I graduated and got a job that paid more than ever before. I thought I had it all. The problem was that I was not fulfilled.
While trying to make sure I was really happy with my work, I came across a very disturbing message the other day that what I was doing was not "wrong." I realized that I wanted to be or do something else. I just didn’t know what it was. For two years, I struggled with the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction with my job, but I still felt dissatisfied. Sometime in the third year, I granted this request. I started an idea journal - writing ideas and spent time thinking about becoming my manager.
This phase of testing came to an abrupt end when I experienced work experience that left me feeling dejected. I was offered a job as a sales manager and was taken away because I did not pass the exam. I have worked with this manager for 2.5 years at two different companies, and I know you know me better than test answers. I was so angry that I issued my notice the next day. I became self-employed, perhaps for the first time in my career.
When the anger subsided, panic quickly subsided. I was shocked. I realized that in two weeks' time, I would no longer be paid. Paychecks have become like a way of life for me. Here I was raising two children on my own. Thoughts and feelings about not having a check and being a bag lady were very difficult. I was so scared that two days later my stomach ache, I felt more scared than I thought, I overcame my fear and accepted my job. I have been offered a sales position in a new location. I was relieved. However, when the relief was over, the longing continued.
I realized I was back to where I started. He got stuck in a job that I did not want. I felt trapped and did not know how to escape. I thought that the next time I quit, I would be better prepared. So I went to business start-up conferences. I’ve learned two things from these conferences - that I need to save money and write a business plan.
I was on a mission now. I decided to find out which business I should start and write a business plan while working full time, managing a home, raising two children and saving money. I decided to start a magazine. I have worked in the publishing industry for years and love the industry.
Five months after my first unsuccessful attempt to quit my job, I met with my supervisor and gave him a second notice. I left that meeting feeling depressed as he told me that I needed a million dollars to start this business and said without words that I was stupid for thinking and starting such a business. I never quit my job.
I was depressed, my emotions were hitting me - I hated my job and I did it anyway because I couldn’t walk. I planned, but I couldn’t go. In a moment of humility and despair, I asked myself, “What should I do?” I got the answer. I needed to change and grow. I realized that everything I had done to prepare for this change was out of my control. I did nothing to alleviate my fears, to develop self-confidence and, ultimately, to face the unknown.
So this time, I was busy with myself. I started the inner journey. I looked at my fears and had some “so-called” situations I could live with. I started to do something different every day, so I got used to changing. I asked for spiritual guidance and meditated daily. I have read books like Deepak Chopra, Seven Spirits of Success. Gradually, I began to change from the inside out. My business plan for this has been a difficult framework for being a consultant. I was indeed trampling on an unknown place.
Nine months after my first attempt to quit and four months after my second attempt, I gave my third and final notice. The night before I gave this final notice, I had a dream that indicated I was free now. This gave me confidence because I was not sure if I would be able to succeed within two weeks and get my job back.
I took a month off from work. I was exhausted, mentally, physically, and emotionally. During my meditation period, I began to see myself working as a mentor and started a project the following month. The opportunity presented itself before I made business cards. I went to the library to learn how to write a contract, I signed it as I was on my way.
It has been more than eight years since I left my job and started my own business as an entrepreneur.
I would never have dreamed of six years ago that today I would be an award-winning author, a world-renowned paid speaker and talk show host. My experience has taught me that anything can happen with enthusiasm, patience and perseverance.
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