One of the good things that came out of my job loss was starting my own business. It is something I might not have ever done otherwise. Even better was when I remembered that the Proverbs 31 Woman also had her own little business. (Proverbs 31:24). It is another of her attributes that I could check off. Now it’s your turn; in this article, I hope to inspire you to start your own Proverbs 31 Business, too.
Do you find yourself in uncharted territory? If so, you are not alone. This pandemic has dramatically changed a lot of lives. Let me encourage you by reminding you that God always takes what was meant for harm and works it together to the good of those who love Him. Whatever loss you may have suffered, there is an opportunity for you to do a new thing. With that in mind, I decided that I would interview my blogging friend, Daphne, who has also left the corporate life to become a blogger. Even better, her blog is about supporting others to transition from life in the corporate world to becoming your own boss. If you have been interested in becoming a girl boss, but do not really know how or need some inspiration, then this Q & A is for you.
Corporate Life
1-What did you do before becoming a blogger?
Since college I’ve worked in politics (from intern to Legislative Aide to Deputy Chief of Staff) then moved into small business, helping the doctor/owners of an optometry practice manage the business, and finally into a national organization that was bought by our biggest vendor a few years ago. There I ended up running a national staff training program for years and ending my corporate career (for this company) as a marketing director. My last 10 years in corporate life were filled with travel, presentations (stage and webinar/Zoom) and leadership (training leaders across the U.S. and for a short time Canada).
2-Why did you decide to become a blogger? How long have you been blogging?
When I was laid off in May of 2020 due to our corporation’s restructuring as a result of COVID budget constraints, I knew I was over it. I didn’t want corporate life, nor any kind of life working for others. After 30 years, I decided I needed to follow a passion, not a job description. Writing is something I’ve always loved, naturally because I love reading. In fact, shutting down my devices and diving into a book is my favorite self-care ritual. The FreeAt50 blog was launched at the end of August 2020.
3-So, Freeat50? What about no longer being in corporate life feels freeing?
Literally everything. 1) I no longer have to wear men’s shirts with the company logo, no matter how bad they fit 2) I no longer have to jump on calls or webinars at 9pm. 3) I no longer need to ask for time off for personal needs/family issues. 4) All of the above plus a million other examples of owning my time.
The Blogger Lifestyle
4-How is your life different now? What is your routine as a blogger?
My life is SO different. No flights, no required meetings that have little impact on my actual work, no schedule. It is much more goal-oriented. I do have a calendar on my blog so people can schedule a virtual coffee, discuss collaboration opportunities and so forth, but I control the calendar. I write as I am inspired and I use a blog planner to set deadlines, create goals, etc. For me, the quarterly and monthly approach works best. Structure is important to succeed but I believe that we need to find what works best for each of us and must not sacrifice the most valuable asset we have: time.
5-What is the mission of Freeat50? What are your plans with your blog?
To inspire others to escape the 9-5 life for health, happiness and well-being and to share the resources to make it happen. This includes stories of others (including yours Robyn) and tools I’ve discovered along the way. Shortcuts, ideas, inspiration- it’s all there. I will be building an online Facebook community as well as continuing to share articles on the blog. My plan is to keep writing as long as I can help others.
6-How did you get started?
People have always been my biggest inspiration. After my layoff, I spend a lot of time catching up with friends and former colleagues (over the phone or Zoom mostly of course!). One recommended I check out the 4-Hour Workweek. It was an affirmation that you (I) can design a lifestyle of professional freedom. My head was already there and now I saw a way to make it happen. I followed the book’s ideas and processes including sitting down and listing out my passions as well as my skills and researching how to marry the two. I also used the concepts in the book regarding financial stability. When you figure out how much money you actually NEED each month, the process of figuring out a path to paying your bills feels a lot less stressful. At age 49, I was fortunate not only that I received a small severance with the layoff, but that I had savings in the bank. My 29 year old self would not have had the luxury of time I have to move forward into blogging.
Getting Your Business Started
7-What advice would you give someone who is considering leaving the corporate life?
Barbara Bush said it best (and yes, I paraphrase of course!) that we will not regret missing a meeting or a conference call but we will regret time not spent with the ones we love. Go for it. Use the skills you’ve earned and learned working for others for yourself and your family. You have more skills than you may realize. Dive in, research the options and move forward. (PS A coach is a huge help).
8-Would you recommend blogging to someone considering leaving corporate life? Why or why not?
Yes, if you like writing. And if you are willing to learn how to do business online. I think it is an excellent opportunity to take the best parts of your corporate life, the skills you’ve obtained, and share something that someone will enjoy and benefit from. Blogging is a great way to do that.
9-What are some things someone leaving corporate life should consider?
Finances. Do not leave your job (unless your health is at risk) without assurance you have the funds to get you through a year. Some will say 6 months, but I’m more comfortable recommending a year. Time where you can research, decide what you want to do and then build your business without the distraction of a J.O.B.
Daphne Reznik is the blogger behind FreeAt50. Check out her cornerstone post: the heart of FreeAt50 with links and an in-depth discussion of the concepts: How My Covid Layoff Was Actually A Blessing: It Was The 1st Step Of 6 In Escaping The 9-5.
Do you have any questions for Daphne? Please drop them below, and I will make sure to get them to her.
Until next time,
Happy Spring! 🌸
“She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants.”
– Proverbs 31:24 AMP
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Can I start by saying YOU my friend do not look old enough to have been in the corporate world for 30 years? You look like you are in your twenties or thirties! You are very inspiring and I love how you said God can take things that are meant for harm and work it out for our good! SO very true!
I too began blogging after having been medically retired from the Dental Field. It has been SO awesome to work directly for God!
Many blessings to you in this new journey of yours!! God bless you bunches … ❤
Hi Donna, I am so glad that you enjoyed our article! I wrote the introduction, and yes, God is awesome that way, isn’t He?! 🥰 My friend Daphne is the one who has 30 years in the corporate world and shared all of this inspiration with us. I am sure she will be so happy to know how young you think she looks! I will let her know. 🙂
Thank you so much! My last decade was in corporate. I spent about 15 years in government and the time in between the two with a local independent optometry practice. I have had a lot of “bosses” and while some were amazing, not having one now is completely the best scenario.
Important reminders about sticking with structure and schedules.. it’s exciting, at first, not to be tied down in a traditional sense, but keeping a schedule will lead to more productivity. Thanks for the reminders.
Very true, and you are welcome. 😊
An interesting read! I’ve never really been in the corporate world so I don’t understand a lot but I definitely cannot do routine/9-5 jobs. It’s simply not for me. Thanks for sharing this Q&A with Daphne! xx
Lynn | http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
You are welcome. I am so glad you enjoyed this read, and I can totally relate now that I am no longer part of corporate life! 😊