Embracing the unknown

Have you ever found yourself sitting at your desk, daydreaming about pursuing your true passion? Maybe you've asked yourself, "What if? What if I could leave my current role and dedicate more of my time to doing what I love?"

If these thoughts have ever crossed your mind, then you'll relate what I'm about to share....

Because here's the thing: I stopped daydreaming and wishing, and I started doing....I recently took a leap of faith and ventured into the unknown by launching my own small business, Amplify Growth Consulting

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

In this article, I want to invite you to join me as I reflect on the conversations I've had with myself and others over the past few weeks. My goal is to provide you with valuable insights into my journey so far, and most importantly, inspire you to focus on achieving your own career goals.

So....are you ready to take a leap into the unknown with me?

Aren’t you terrified?

Yes, absolutely. More than feeling terrified, I feel excited. Because I am following a passion: helping others develop, grow, and succeed in their careers while supporting their mental health and wellbeing at work.

Are you sure it’s a good idea?

Honestly, no. I’m not 100% sure it's a good idea. There are moments when starting up a small business feels daunting, especially when I see others doing similar things and face the challenge of not receiving a consistent salary. At times, I've felt stuck, not knowing what my next steps should be.

What are you doing when imposter syndrome starts to creep in?

I change the story I am telling myself. Yes, there are others doing similar things, but I have unique selling points too. Whilst taking this risk comes without a consistent salary, careful planning has made me feel financially ready. And even though I may be on my own, I have a supportive network I can turn to in moments of uncertainty.

Did you decide to “go out on your own” because you didn’t like your job?

When you leave an organization and start your own business, it may appear from the outside that the decision was made hastily. But the reality is that I have been contemplating my next career move for over 12 months. My decision wasn’t made rashly or because I was unhappy. In fact, this is the worst time to make a career move.

To gain clarity on where I was at in my career, I conducted a "job audit," reflecting on my current role. Through doing this it became clear that I was no longer feeling challenged at work. So, I explored opportunities within my organisation and engaged in meaningful development conversations with my manager. This exploration opened up new pathways I would have never considered before. It also helped me solidify what I didn't want to do (climb the corporate ladder). And helped me highlight when I am happiest at work (helping others).

Ultimately, I decided to "go out on my own" because I wanted to amplify more of what I knew I was good at and enjoyed, whilst embracing a new challenge.

Did you apply for other jobs or interview elsewhere before making your decision?

I believe in "career hygiene" which means regularly applying and interviewing for roles. It's important to stay informed about the market and understand where your value lies. By actively engaging in this process, I gained insights into potential consultancy roles and where I could fit in.

And you should too! Even if you're not considering starting your own business, or changing roles, actively engaging in the job market can provide valuable insights and help you discover new paths for growth. Never shy away from exploring new opportunities and putting yourself out there.

Once you decided to start your own business, is that when you resigned?

Nope! Once I had made my decision, it was time to plan. I conducted a thorough audit of my finances and considered other personal factors to ensure I was in the best possible position to focus on myself for a while. Navigating this headspace while still "showing up" at work can be challenging. Fortunately, I genuinely loved my job and had an incredible team.

It's important to remember that current colleagues may become future colleagues or clients, so giving your best at work will always benefit you in the long run.

It sounds like it has been a demanding time for you. How have you been looking after your own wellbeing?

Right now, managing my own wellbeing has not solely been about focusing on diet, exercise, or good sleep (though these are all important factors too), which is what often comes to mind when we think of managing wellbeing.

Instead, I have been focusing on consciously surrounding myself with positive influencers from my support network and actively avoiding those who may detract from my journey.

Having the confidence to reach out to these positive influences and trust in their support has been pivotal. I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received so far. Examples have included being put in touch with a good Accountant, having advice on my logo design and regular fortnightly check ins, allowing me to reflect on my progress. This is all through people in my network that are cheering me on. It’s a wonderful feeling and has greatly supported my mental wellbeing.  

So now that you've started your business, you've got it all figured out?

Not at all. Building a business and working as a coach and consultant is a journey of continuous discovery, growth, and development. While I'm thrilled about this new chapter, I acknowledge that there's much more to learn and accomplish.

I invite you to join me on this journey. If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your own career goals, I'm here to help. As a Career Coach and Wellbeing Specialist with years of experience, I've supported numerous individuals in their career growth and development. I have the expertise to assist you in crafting a personalized plan that amplifies your career and enhances your overall well-being.

Thank you for joining me on my first steps into the unknown!