The Start of my Journey to Entrepreneurship
B.E. (Before Entrepreneurship)
“It really was just a matter of me listening & following my heart”
There were moments where I felt strongly that I wanted to do my own thing but didn’t feel like I had what it takes or even knew what to do to make it happen. I was so drained and defeated by what felt like a vicious cycle of bussing my ass at work and not reaping what I deserved. I could bet that there are at least a handful of you who feel something similar, this post is for you!
The other day, I found myself reflecting on how excited and scared I felt at the same time whenever I was about to start a new journey in my career. When I received the offer for the last job that I accepted, I had been working at American University (AU) for 3 years. I started out at AU as the Dean’s assistant, and a year and a half later Inclusion Coordinator was added to my role. There was a need for this work on campus and my team knew my passion for this work. This was the first staff position of its kind at the school. By the time I made it to year 3, I started to feel the strain of the dual role. I wasn’t making enough for the amount of work that I was putting in (remember this was two roles in one and the first of its kind) and on top of that I was teaching and serving as a campus-wide AU Connects Facilitator. I was living in DC, which was way too expensive for me as a single woman, in addition to paying my loans. I was also in gradschool full-time, I hated the weather, and aside from living paycheck to paycheck, I was using up my vacation time to travel home every 3 months. Basically, I got to a point where I was just tired, and tired of being tired. I was ready to be home, so once I graduated, I decided to shift my focus on applying to jobs back home and received an offer at the Department of Education. I would be helping to rebuild the schools after the devastating Hurricanes Irma/Maria. I felt honored to have the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity.
As excited as I was to accept the position and as ready as I was to take my ass back home where I belong, I had mixed feelings about leaving my job at AU. I loved my AU fam and had grown so much in my time there. This position was like my baby! How could I leave? How would I even tell people that I’m leaving?? My work there wasn’t done. I felt so torn! Synchroniciously (because theres no such thing as a coincidence) my boss announced to us that he accepted a job offer. This made it so much easier for me to break the news to them because leaving him would have been the hardest part. It still wasn’t easy, but it helped me feel a bit better about making my announcement. I mentioned all of this to say that I remember being so excited for the new opportunity and was thinking about that and how burnt out I felt at the end of my time there too 😂. By the time my position at the Department of Education expired, I was beyond ready to leave. I actually felt relieved that the contract ended because I felt like I just needed a break. That’s a story for another day, but all of this led to the start of my entrepreneurial journey. I began to notice that my exhaustion in the workplace was a pattern that I no longer wanted to condone. It is really a journey yall, and it won’t always feel easy.
The transition and the way I attracted opportunities
I transitioned to starting my own biz by helping one of my best friends with their small biz, and eventually I ended up also helping a family member get their biz up and running. The opportunities partially came to me. I had to know my strengths and what I have to offer, be comfortable offering them, and genuinely want to help. I would say in addition to those three things, I really had to be open and pay attention to the possibilities that exist around me to use my gifts. I noticed what the people around me needed, and offered my unique solution.
I made the choice not to settle for another job opportunity even though my mind preferred the consistent income. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically, I already knew the type of working environment that I wanted and I had a minimum figure in mind for my annual income. If the offer didn’t match that, I didn’t want it and I made that clear. Instead of settling (which I feel we are socialized to do), I chose to pursue interests that I never made the time to pursue, I took the break that my body was telling me I needed, and I did what I had to do to start my own thing. That’s how my entrepreneurship journey started out. I can write more about taking the actual leap if ayo interested in hearing that part of the story 👀 let me know in the comments. I wrote this blog post previously on my consulting biz page that you can also check out if you need some additional inspiration.
That’s all for now folxs! ✌🏾
Need support on your journey to entrepreneurship?
If you resonate with feeling tired of being tired, feeling burnt out from giving your all to a job that doesn’t pay you enough for your effort, or you just feel ready to move on to something new, my 6-month coaching program is for you! Are you ready to crush your goals and feel your best? I am currently accepting clients to start this December!
My 6-month program consists of personalized 1:1 coaching sessions where we meet twice a month for 6 months. By the end of our program you will have:
Clear action steps to achieve your goals
Tools to navigate your unique life challenges
More flexibility, freedom, and joy
More confidence, energy, and discipline
A clear vision of a lifestyle that aligns with your passions and values
Does this sound like something you could benefit from? The only way to find out is to get on my calendar for a free info session using my booking link.
You can learn more about me on my website and follow me on IG for inspiration or to stay updated on my journey and offers.
You have everything you need to start.
💚 Trev