I know first-hand that working a 9-5 is not for everyone. I worked in corporate America for nearly 20 years, but despite my success, I eventually realized that my every cell was begging for something different. While I may have been thriving professionally, my soul felt malnourished. 

There are a lot of pros and cons to working a corporate job. If your cons are outweighing your pros, I understand why you might be considering changing your career path. Still, deciding to leave for good isn’t easy. That’s why I want to share my own experience leaving corporate America. I promise, saying goodbye is not as bad as it might seem!

This has been a huge theme with clients this month and I want to share some free advice on the topic. If you are looking for a partner to help with the transition, please check out my Magnetically Me Mentorship.

Leaving Corporate America

I spent 18 years working for a Fortune 100 Retail company. As a corporate executive, I lead large, cross-functional teams for global brands. I was very good at what I did. I was successful. But, I didn’t feel fulfilled. 

Admittedly, my journey to wholeness wasn’t always pretty. It took a grueling work-life schedule, the ending of my marriage, and eventually, a very disconnected soul to finally realize that I needed a change. But, achieving that goal was intimidating. I wasn’t sure how or where to start if I really wanted to leave corporate America and heal my soul. I did know it was time to choose my integrity over acceptance, even if that meant ruffling the feathers of those closest to me.

I can confidently say that I understand how hard it can be to leave an environment you’ve known for a long time. But I can also say, just as confidently, that deciding to follow your heart leads you down a powerful personal journey. 

So, if you’re lost and wondering where to start, here are my tips:

How To Leave Corporate America

Create a plan.

Transitioning into a different lifestyle can feel a lot easier when you have a plan to follow. 

Write down your short- and long-term goals. Then, come up with steps you will take to achieve those goals. For motivational or organizational purposes, you can also add timelines to each step. 

With a plan in place, you’ll feel better prepared as you exit the corporate world and transition into a lifestyle that looks and feels different. 

Often my clients planning an exit will tell me they don’t hate their job, it’s secure, they know they should be grateful – what we eventually unlock is they don’t LOVE their job. Don’t settle for mediocre. If you are spending the majority of your life in the confines of a corporate structure, you better make sure you love it, otherwise you will slowly whittle away, waking up one day unsure of what you are even passionate about.

The number one reason people don’t leave their jobs is because it is ‘hard’ to walk away from the Golden Handcuffs, but let me tell you a secret. You are the source of your financial abundant no matter what you do. Yup. You get paid in your 9-5, because you show up and do your job. It’s time to feel safe in yourself, you are the source of your abundance, you are worthy.

Manage your finances.

Regardless of how high your income is at your corporate job, maintaining financial security is important to feel rooted in your life. Before you walk away from your current position, you should take a close look at your finances. 

Managing your finances involves more than just budgeting. It’s important to know how much money you’ll need to remain financially stable. I recommend saving extra money while you still earn income in your current role. This way, you’re sure to be financially stable as you transition into your new role.

Also, keep in mind that any type of change that promises any amount of money fast, is likely too good to be true. Be conscious of how and where you spend your money as you leave your current position for a new one. 

Hone your skills and get clear.

If you’ve been in the same role for several years, or more, like I did, you likely focused only on the skills needed to succeed in that role. There’s nothing wrong with that! But, as you transition into a different role, you may want to enhance additional skills. With a well-rounded skill set, you are more appealing to small business owners or other kinds of clients that you might be looking to work with down the road.

Get clear on what you do want. Take time to dream into your ideal and remember to do this from your heart where your divine self resides. Quiet your mind where you human self lives with fears, worries and to do lists and trust what comes through.

Network with other professionals. 

It’s important to remember that you do not have to do this alone. In my experience, networking with other professionals can be a huge motivating factor. As well as a much-needed reminder that we’re all just doing the best we can. 

Personally, I love the accountability, support, and personal and professional growth that comes with networking with like-minded people. You can read more about my experience and the benefits I have realized with my amazing female entrepreneur community here.

Stay positive.

There are going to be moments when you’ll start to worry or feel overwhelmed. In those moments, following your INNHER voice is more important than ever. 

Leaving a position you’ve known for a long time is never easy. When you feel your frequency begin to shift, try to stay positive. Remember your goals and focus on the steps you are taking to achieve them. 

Leave on good terms. 

When it comes time to leave the corporate world, try to be as professional and polite as possible. Talk with your boss and explain your reasons for leaving. Submit your letter of resignation in person with at least two weeks’ notice. Share your gratitude and appreciation during your meeting. Doing so ensures you leave on good terms.

How To Make Money Without A Job

• + Sell 1-on-1 courses with your expertise 
• + Join a temp agency (great for trying out new jobs!)
• + Become a virtual assistant
• + Start a blog
• + Consider affiliate marketing
• + Try your hand at freelance writing
• + Sell items through Facebook Marketplace
• + Rent out a spare room or put your place of Peerspace
• + Pet sit / house sit 
• + Complete online surveys on survey sites

Deciding to leave your corporate job isn’t easy, but it can be exactly what your soul needs.

If your inner self leads you in a different direction, don’t be afraid to follow it. A 9-5 isn’t for everyone, no matter how intimidating the process of leaving can be. 

If you’re looking for further guidance, check out my book “Turning Point: Empowering Stories to Activate the Divine Feminine Within.” And, if your frequency is telling you it’s time for change but you’re not sure where to start, connect with me. Let’s change your frequency and your life together. 

K