Maybe It's Not a Promotion You Want, But an Exit: Three Signs You’re Ready to Do Your Own Thing

Maybe It's Not a Promotion You Want, But an Exit: Three Signs You’re Ready to Do Your Own Thing

Last week, while perusing LinkedIn.com, I ran into Jade Buffong-Phillips, founder of ManeHookup.com. Jade and I have been friends for a while; she's marvelous. Anyway, in one post, Jade mentioned that she recently made the decision to leave her full-time position to focus on her own brand. It reminded me of when I had to make the same decision. I have always felt that I waited too long to start my brand, five years too long, to be exact. I don't think I'm unique in my assessment; I believe many women face the same decision and have the same anxiety about embracing entrepreneurship over a steady paycheck. So, let's talk about it: the three signs that say, "Maybe it's time I do my own thing."

1. You're No Longer Passionate About the Organization, but You Are Passionate About Certain Facets of Your Job

A waning passion for your organization is one of the most telling signs that you're ready to leave the corporate world behind. Over time, you might find that the company's mission, values, or culture no longer resonate with you. However, despite this disconnect, you still find joy in specific aspects of your job. Perhaps it's the problem-solving elements, the technical challenges, or the creative projects that keep you engaged. When these passions align more closely with entrepreneurial activities than your current role, it might be time to consider a different path.

I, too, experienced this shift. I found myself deeply invested in only certain parts of my COO position, such as project management and creative strategy but felt disconnected from the organization's larger goals. These were clear indicators that my true passions lay elsewhere.

Why This Matters

Passion is a significant driver of success in any endeavor, particularly entrepreneurship. When you're passionate about what you do, it fuels your motivation, creativity, and perseverance. If your current organization no longer ignites that fire, it's worth exploring how to channel your passion into a venture where you have complete control and responsibility.

Reflective Questions

• Which tasks or projects do you enjoy the most in your current role?

• How can these activities translate into a business idea?

• Are there aspects of your job that you wish you could change or improve? How would you address these challenges if you were in charge?

2. You Don't Feel Heard When You Suggest Ideas That Could Improve a Product or Service

Another clear sign that you might be ready for entrepreneurship is the feeling that your voice isn't being heard. In many organizations, especially large ones, innovative ideas can get lost in bureaucracy or dismissed by management. If you consistently find that your suggestions for improving products or services are overlooked, it can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing.

This was a significant turning point for me as well. I remember proposing several initiatives to enhance our customer experience, only to see them shelved without serious consideration. That sense of having valuable contributions brushed aside made me realize I needed a platform where my ideas could flourish.

Why This Matters

Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to implement your ideas without navigating layers of approval. As a business owner, you can directly influence the direction and growth of your company. This autonomy is particularly appealing if you're someone who thrives on innovation and continuous improvement.

Reflective Questions

• Have you proposed ideas that were shot down or ignored? What was the impact of those rejections on your motivation?

• How would you implement those ideas if you had the power to do so?

• What potential do you see in your ideas? Can they form the foundation of a new business?

3. You’re Experiencing Burnout and Craving Autonomy

Burnout is a common experience among mid-career professionals in high-demand fields like health IT. The long hours, constant pressure to perform, and lack of work-life harmony can damage mental and physical health. When burnout becomes unmanageable, the desire for a more autonomous, flexible work life grows more robust.

This was another significant factor for me. I found myself exhausted and emotionally drained, struggling to maintain a healthy work-life harmony. The rigid structures of corporate life left little room for flexibility, exacerbating my burnout and pushing me towards seeking a more autonomous career path.

Why This Matters

Entrepreneurship can offer a reprieve from the rigid structures and demanding schedules of corporate life. As your own boss, you can design a work environment that suits your lifestyle and priorities. While starting a business comes with challenges, setting your schedule and working on your terms can significantly improve your overall well-being. Oh, you won't work any less, but you will be able to manipulate your schedule to fit your lifestyle.

Reflective Questions

• Are you frequently feeling exhausted or emotionally drained by your current job?

• Do you crave more control over your work schedule and environment?

• How important is work-life harmony, and how can entrepreneurship help you achieve it?

Here's the thing ...,

Transitioning from seeking promotions to exploring entrepreneurship is a significant shift, especially for women. It requires careful consideration, planning, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. However, if you find yourself resonating with the signs mentioned above, it might be time to take that leap of faith. By identifying your passions, valuing your ideas, and addressing burnout, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial journey.

Next Steps

If you’re contemplating this transition, keep a journal of what you like about your current position. Journaling about your passion for work can help identify your entrepreneurial idea. If you want to know how to start and use a passion journal successfully, check back on Friday; there will be a downloadable eBook. Next, start conducting thorough research and talking to other female entrepreneurs in the health IT field. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. Consider taking small steps initially, such as working on your business idea part-time while maintaining your current job. This approach allows you to test the waters and build confidence before fully committing to your new venture.

Remember, entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it's about creating something meaningful that aligns with your values and aspirations. Trust your instincts, leverage your skills, and confidently pursue the path that excites you. And when all else fails, be sure to lean on your friends in the LikeAGirlMedia Slack Community.