GUIDE TO: Stepping out of the corporate world + making the leap
It still feels like it wasn’t long ago when I left my extremely corporate job at Colourpop Cosmetics to become my own boss–A freelance graphic designer and business owner. I am always focused on my career, even though I am in the midst of growing a family and creating a brand new home together with my husband (he’s doing the dirty work). It’s something I never believed it was a possibility–to just work for myself. But let me tell you, it has been the most freeing thing I could have done for myself and my family.
I loved to work in the corporate world–don’t get me wrong. That’s where I got thrown into huge projects with unrealistic deadlines. Where I stayed up super late and woke up early to finish tasks. Where I got tested on the spot and had to think quickly. Where I met amazing and talented people who I still am working with today. And most importantly, where I realized the value of setting boundaries. I knew I couldn’t do it forever, and it wasn’t going to be a fit for my life as a mom and wife, either. With those things in mind, I had no choice but to leave. I was too focused on the business and freedom I could build on my own, with the skills I learned from having corporate jobs, of course.
6 THINGS I DID TO MAKE MY LEAP:
+ Made lists
I feel like all I did was daydream about my future when I was at Colourpop. Whether it was thinking about how I could grow there or how I could be my own boss one day. I was always thinking and writing things down. Writing, I believe, is the best form of manifestation and getting what you want in life. Sometimes listing out small, simple tasks helps with getting you through a day. Quick tip: Start small, as in list out/time block random tasks (even free time) and end with bigger goals and tasks.
+ Reached out to people that I believed were my future
Before I left, I talked to many colleagues & co-workers about what my plans were. I had taken on freelance projects before I left, so I had a few connections before that. And when I first started out, I said yes to every project I was asked to do. It may be a contrary belief, I think it’s OK to be the yes girl sometimes, especially in the beginning of your career when you are building your clientele and figuring out which projects you are enjoying. Quick tip: use your resources and think of people that you know that have strengths that are your weaknesses. Ask them for resources or connections that they may have. Word of mouth is the best way to grow yourself + your business
+ Researched ( A TON ) and asked fellow designers how much I should be charging
I have met many designers and creative friends over the years of school and work that I look up to today. It’s important to constantly bounce ideas off of people you look up to, and if you’re comfortable enough, ask them their rates as a freelancer. At the end of the day, you have to charge what you believe is worth your time and energy. Take into account your experience; whether or not you’ve been in school, interned, worked for corporate companies, and/or freelanced in the past. Quick tip: You can also read free articles and listen to podcasts on this topic. One of my favorite entrepreneurial podcasts is the skinny confidential him & her podcast. They have all different types of people talk about this topic, their personal worth, and how they started.
+ Had a financial chat
I understood that making the jump to becoming a freelancer could take a hit financially at first. I made sure to have a long and open discussion with my husband regarding our finances, what our plan was, and how we could budget during the time of transition. Thankfully, we were able to pay off our debts and buy our home before I quit my 9-5. Let me be completely transparent—I couldn’t have done it without him. If you don’t have an SO and you make all the financial decisions on your own, I highly recommend bouncing your ideas off close friends or family members, parents, etc. These chats can be difficult and uncomfortable, even with the person you love the most. BUT, it’s so important to have an open line of communication and make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to big financial decisions. Quick tip: We highly recommend downloading the Mint app, that way you can see everything thats coming in and going out. I used to be so uncomfortable checking my bank account. Just having this app and being aware of everything makes me automatically save more money.
+ Saved for my own equipment
Before I quit my 9-5, I made a list of the things I needed to “start.” Basically as a designer, it was my laptop computer, AKA my baby. The thing I work on every single day and the thing that I knew would cost me the most. I knew I needed to purchase my own, since I would automatically lose all equipment that belonged to Seed Beauty. I made sure I saved enough in my account to splurge on this to start, and in my head this motivated me to get working right away so I could pay it off quickly.
+ Made tough sacrifices with time
Lastly, and most importantly, I thought about my time. How was I now going to be a freelancer and a mom? When was I going to “turn off?” It always felt like I didn’t have the choice to “turn off” at my 9-5. After many discussions, I decided that I needed to make sacrifices. I could no longer be with my kid and work at the same time, because I was ultimately failing at both. I would pay for part time childcare and be able to put all my energy toward work during those hours. Don’t get me wrong, I am still trying to figure out how to navigate this whole thing. But I will say, once I admitted I couldn’t do both at once, I became so much more free. Quickest tip there is: Ask for help. Surrender to that.
xoxo