case study
United
Kingdom
Made redundant and thinking about going it alone
Background
J had been made redundant. He'd seen it coming and was enjoying some time out. He was thinking about starting his own business, with the potential to work with two other guys: separate ventures, coming together if a client needed it. Great idea.
He could afford to step away from corporate for a bit, but was nervous. Starting on his own with three kids wasn't just about the money. He had seen my content and wanted to chat.
Observations from the call
I've walked away from the system myself, so I understood. We talked about the advantages and pitfalls of going out on your own.
While I have walked away from the system, I'm not against it. It's OK to use it for a steady wage. You just need to see it for what it is and use it to your advantage. There's no shame in wanting a steady wage, and it can be less stressful to build something while you're earning one.
The biggest thing was helping him see how the system ties you, and that he needed to focus more on his life and his kids, and enjoying things.
What changed
I sat with the conversation after the call and realised he was looking for permission, approval. I shared this back with him.
He messaged me last week: 'You'll kill me, but I've gone back to corporate.' He had received an offer that was too good to turn down. He said his mindset had changed completely, and that was down to our conversation.
The decision was always his. It's his life. I had no intention of killing him, LOL. But I did go back and ask: was that message still him seeking my approval?
You're going to kill me. I've gone back to corporate.