Burnout, seeking work life balance, and layoffs are all valid reasons people close the door to their corporate gigs and strike out on their own — but they weren’t mine.
Over the last few years, the corporate world has seen some dramatic shifts, including a mass adoption of remote or hybrid work and a historic boom in new business ventures.
But let’s back up for a moment to 2017, when I joined a big financial technology company. While at the company, I had the chance to work with the global head of social impact and the company’s foundation lead, who taught me so much about the importance of supporting small businesses.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economies. When you support a small business, you’re investing in that person and their community. You’re fostering economic growth and preserving diversity and innovation. You’re prioritizing creativity and craftsmanship. And (in most cases) you’re making a positive difference for the environment.
My experience at this company was transformative. Not only did I gain an appreciation for the small business ecosystem, but I developed a passion to help entrepreneurs thrive (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 1 in 5 U.S. businesses fail within their first year of operation).
Today, I’m proud to be an entrepreneur helping other entrepreneurs scale their businesses by aligning their purpose and their passion through integrated marketing and communications (or PR).
Let me take you back to early 2022 and walk you through the top 4 reasons that inspired me to make the leap from my corporate gig into entrepreneurship, and why they might just be your reasons too.
Reason #1: You are too far from the ground work.
Small businesses are deeply rooted in their communities. When you support local businesses, you contribute to the growth and development of your community. Small businesses often sponsor local events, donate to charities, and reinvest in their neighborhoods — so, by supporting them, you help create a sense of community, strengthen social connections, and improve the overall quality of life in your area.
Since I worked for a global company, my team didn’t serve one community — we served the world. This had a major downside: it was impossible to tangibly see the difference I was making in my work or in my community through my professional efforts because I was so far from the ground work.
We all know that giving back is important — and these days, it’s not just a smart business move. Building social capital is critical to reach today’s consumers and build goodwill among employees.
If you are craving that sense of community building that is not present in your corporate day job, it may be time to find something more… just like I did.
Reason #2: You feel inauthentic to yourself, serving a big company with your gifts and time.
Although I knew the corporation I was working for invested in serving small businesses and communities, I didn’t feel like I was directly playing a part in that. Instead, I felt I was increasing its carbon footprint by driving three hours a day multiple times a week to get to the office or indulging in all the amenities it had to offer, including free, constant swag and brown bag lunches that often left food wasted.
Fast forward a few years: through my small business Plum & Parcel, I’m able to work directly with individuals who are running extremely efficient and intentional, low overhead, sustainable companies.
Surrounding yourself with clients who share your vision and values can be incredibly rewarding. It can bring back that sense of authenticity you might be missing in your corporate job.
Reason #3: Working with small businesses can benefit your work in more ways than one: the first being forever relationships.
When you choose to shop or work with small businesses, you are more likely to get to know those individuals on a deeper level.
In my business, I’m building what I like to call ‘forever relationships’ with my colleagues, clients and customers. This is leading to more fulfilling work experiences than at my corporate job, as I can directly see the impact we are having on each other’s lives and we’re building long-lasting connections in the process.
Forever relationships can look like regular get togethers just to catch up, annual holiday cards, and mutual support for each other’s careers — not the ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’ transactional mentality all too common in the corporate world.
If you are looking for forever relationships that challenge you, starting your own business might be your next career move.
Reason #4: You see the major professional and personal growth advantage serving small businesses with your own small business can have.
Small businesses have the potential for significant growth and scalability.
When re-launching my business, I realized that if I align myself with like-minded small business owners and entrepreneurs and follow their growth trajectory, I can position my own company’s growth alongside them. As their needs evolved, I can adapt my services and offerings accordingly, capturing more business and revenue opportunities. And, that’s exactly where I’m heading today.
Working with other like-minded small business owners can expand your skills and knowledge across various domains, making you more versatile and marketable. Case in point: I’ve since started my own podcast and created my own online course, bringing integrated marketing communications wisdom to aspiring entrepreneurs all over the globe.
Beyond professional development, you can gain incredible skills around time management and productivity that are absolutely necessary for all aspects of life.
I’ve been off on my own running my business (for the second time) for two years now and while it hasn’t been easy, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Ready to make the jump from your corporate gig? Small businesses play a pivotal role in our economy. Join the movement and make your purpose and passions your business.
