From Corporate Boss Babe to Solopreneur: My Journey and Why I Took the Leap

You’ve likely heard this before: the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." While this may not be the literal or clinical definition, it resonates deeply when reflecting on life and career choices.

That’s exactly where I found myself when I left my corporate role. After 10 years in administration and eight of those in Oil and Gas Logistics, I realized I couldn’t do it anymore—my body and heart simply wouldn’t allow it. Every time I thought about a different path, fear of instability and failure kept me playing small. My confidence in myself as a photographer wasn’t strong enough—yet.

But here’s the thing: confidence comes from commitment. When I first stepped into solopreneurship, I didn’t fully understand this. A year in, I realized that my growth as a photographer was directly tied to the time I invested in honing my craft. That opportunity truly presented itself when I transitioned from being a weekend photo warrior to a full-time, empowered creative. As they say, practice makes perfect—or, at the very least, practice makes progress. And that progress, however slow, builds confidence.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for my corporate experience. It taught me professionalism, structure, and how to operate within a larger business framework. Those years were invaluable in helping me understand business operations, effective communication, and the discipline required to manage projects efficiently. These lessons have been instrumental in running my own business and approaching entrepreneurship with a strong foundation.

Now, as I enter my third year as a full-time solopreneur, I’m reflecting on some key lessons that have shaped my journey:

1. You Must Honor Your Boundaries

In my first two years of running my business full-time, I struggled with setting and maintaining boundaries. I feared that if I didn’t overperform, overdeliver, or say yes to every opportunity, I would be seen as unprofessional or unwilling to go above and beyond. But the reality is, while dedication and excellence are crucial, there is a fine line between giving your best and sacrificing yourself.

Early on, that line was blurred. I gave too much of myself—personally and professionally—until I realized that setting boundaries isn’t about saying no; it’s about protecting the energy and passion that fuel your business.

2. The Corporate Mindset Still Lingers

Having spent years in a structured corporate setting, I still find myself tied to the 9-to-5 grind mentality. Even now, I struggle with guilt on days when my productivity doesn’t match a traditional work schedule. I’ve conditioned myself to associate success with long hours and constant output, but the truth is, I built my business to have freedom and flexibility. And yet, three years in, I still wrestle with the ingrained belief that working longer means working better.

3. Burnout Is Inevitable If You Overcommit

Many of us leave corporate roles to escape burnout, only to find ourselves experiencing it in a new form as business owners. In my first year, I said yes to nearly everything—amazing opportunities, but ones that left me drained. The holiday season ended, and I had nothing left to give.

In my second year, I recognized the need for boundaries and started saying no, but even then, I overcommitted. Between business demands and personal hardships, burnout found me again. Now, as I step into year three, I’m learning to balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that my commitments align with my well-being.

4. You Must Grow With Your Business, or It Will Outgrow You

I recently heard a phrase that resonated deeply: "If you don’t grow with your business, it will outgrow you." As entrepreneurs, we pour our hearts into our work, but if we don’t prioritize our own development, we risk feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.

For me, this realization reinforced the importance of continuous learning. Whether it’s improving my craft, refining my business strategies, or investing in personal growth, staying aligned with my business’s evolution is key to long-term success.

5. You Can Do Hard Things

When I first started full-time, my mantra was, "You have done harder things than this—you can do this too." I repeated it constantly, especially in moments of doubt or imposter syndrome. Over time, this mindset became my anchor, reminding me that challenges are part of the journey and that growth happens outside of our comfort zones.

If you’re on this path, find your own mantra—something that keeps you pushing forward when things get tough. And don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted confidants. We’re in this together.

The Reality of Entrepreneurship

Statistics show that around 80% of small businesses survive their first year, 50% make it past five years, and only about 30% last a decade. In Canada, approximately 58.8% of businesses survive beyond five years. The first five years are undeniably the hardest.

So, if you’re an entrepreneur—whether just starting or well into your journey—I want you to know that I see you. I know how hard this is, and I know the self-doubt and exhaustion that can come with it. But I also know that you are capable, resilient, and worthy of success.

Your journey will have highs and lows, but through it all, remember this: You are doing great. I am proud of you. And you’ve got this.

Sincerely,

Miss Friend