Check Your Pulse: The Advice I Wish I Had 11 Years Ago

I am officially unemployed an entrepreneur. Eleven years ago, I started my “big girl” corporate job, and that’s what I’ve been doing since… until now.

If anyone entering the workforce asked my advice, I would tell them to go ahead and pursue the corporate ladder if they’re interested. Be ambitious, work hard, demonstrate leadership, and impress your boss. Just one caveat: don’t get so caught up in that life that you forget why you got into it in the first place. Check your pulse now and then. Make sure your motivation still comes from within and is not fueled by some reward that you have been convinced to value.

Now let’s talk about the hard part. Live beneath your means financially. Nobody wants to hear this, but the paycheck and resulting lifestyle expectations can keep you stuck. Don’t misunderstand me, there’s nothing wrong with getting paid! Hear me on this, though - no fancy vacation or house or clothes will ever make you happy if you dread your existence every Monday through Friday, nine to five. I understand, sometimes you have to make a living, but keep in mind that there are many, many ways to make money.

Would I recommend that everyone start their own business? In a sense, yes, but please don’t turn all your hobbies into “Side Hustles”. I would advise anyone to keep an eye out for opportunities. Look for activities that fit easily into your life and make money. Think of yourself as the boss, the person who oversees the bottom line, because you are. The leadership experience you will gain from 3 months of walking dogs, flipping furniture, stocking a vending machine, managing a rental, writing a novel, etc., will blow any corporate internship or mentoring opportunities out of the water. More than that, you will learn so much about yourself, your working habits, and your strengths.

Scared of networking? Let me commiserate with you from my own very personal experience. The word “network” used to make me gag. As a business owner, networking means finding people to solve your problems. That’s it. Now I network from a place of self-possession. Not only that, I’m meeting so many creative, powerful, and interesting individuals these days that I actually want to talk to them. The idea of building relationships with these people isn’t transactional; it’s genuine. If it ever feels greasy or forced, I take a step back.

This is the advice I wish someone had given me. I’m so grateful for this exact moment in my life and career, and I’m here in part because of the wonderful humans who read this blog. Thank you, and I hope you find some encouragement here.