Self-Worth
As a professional, you might feel that you already have a healthy sense of self-worth. But if a big part of why you stay in your corporate job is because of what it might look like to other people if you quit, I’d beg to differ.
It feels good to feel like you’re going somewhere, and what’s more satisfying than “making it” ahead of your peers? There’s not much more a person needs than to feel like they’re somebody, and that’s what it feels like to be you when you sign your name with your title at the end of every email.
But let’s be honest. How often do you remember you’re a big kahuna in this vast open sea? The thing that really keeps you going is how great it feels to be pumped up by your boss (and your boss’ boss) about how they see you headed for big things in this company. Just hold on for another year or so. You’re still missing crucial experience and/or “executive presence” before they can really put you up there.
That might’ve been good enough 30 years ago, but we both know the story can change on a dime. Markets shift. Companies lose money. And at the end of the day, the shareholders have to get paid. And maybe there’s a TV reboot being made that features the death of a favorite character and your company’s stock price plummets 10% in overnight trading. What’s a girl to do then?
Look, I love my Peloton but I love it even more that I bought it with money that I made from being of service to my clients who value the way I help them solve their problems. I don’t have to attend pointless meetings or submit reports or do end-of-year performance reviews. I don’t have to put on a smile and be nice when I’m actually frustrated, and I definitely don’t have to give one shit about who won the playoffs last night.
In other words, the stuff I want doesn't come with the price of my soul.
The only thing stopping you from going off on your own path is that you think you need other people’s high praises to keep you moving. It’s not true.
Take it from somebody who never thought she’d feel good enough about herself to leave corporate, and who stayed because the vanity of a fancy title was more valuable than her freedom.
Let’s talk soon, ok?