7 Months After I Left Corporate World

I started my business 7 months ago which did not technically allow me to leave corporate until I had put in and completed my months’ notice (yes, that is a long notice! They tried to get more time!). It was easily one of the most difficult decisions I had decided to do. Because not even one year prior, I found myself as a single parent again. I’ll just say financial anxiety is a very real and difficult thing.

When I started working outside of the food industry, I worked in several non-profits. I then worked for a private practice, then a for a hospital. From day 1, which was over 10 years ago, I began to notice issues that everyone else was noticing as well.

Let me start by saying that the non-profit world is one of my favorite places. There are SO many kind humans that impacted my life so much that when I think of them or see one of them like my social media posts, my heart feels so warm. Those people built a huge portion of my foundation as a therapist; and it eases my grief around the world to know they are in it making a difference for so many.

Yet, the non-profit world also draws in many who look to gain power and control. I witnessed a man (the CEO of the non-profit) stand in front of all of his employees and state, “there is no such thing as PTSD, especially secondary PTSD, so stop acting like your work is hard.” Keep in mind, our work consisted of assisting victims at the hospital, hearing there stories in sessions, helping keep people safe from their abusers and so forth. It was not an easy job. I also witnessed harassment (both sexual and non), bullying and financial manipulation.

With all of that, it was still difficult to leave due to the amount of those who need support and the amazing souls that provide it. This, I was still able to witness in the private practice and hospital. I am still in contact with those with genuine hearts and love them dearly.

But in the corporate world, the care is not focused on humans. It was about raising money and making it as a company. Human Resources is often there to protect the company which leaves the employees feeling stuck and potentially isolated. Thank goodness the pay was better, but the number of ethical issues (in the hospital world) was astounding, and I could not take it.

I also forgot to mention that I had experienced an interesting amount of stress throughout the last few years (both work related and personal) that I hit a breaking point which made the decision of starting on my own even scarier. Yet, life kept giving me signs and I am so grateful that I listened.

The kids went back to school yesterday which freed up some time for myself; which after working remotely from home all summer with both my kids here, I am so thankful. The first day, I spent the day with amazing businesswomen and hopefully found an amazing opportunity for myself. I then completed my sessions, saw my kids for a bit, and went to bed early.

Today, I woke up very early due to going to bed early. I played my phone games that I realized I had an addiction to due to stress for some time (something I am not allowing so much anymore), ran better than I have in years, did some yoga and now I write this in my swim suit as I wait for my friend to come sit by the pool for a while before I do notes.

It has been 7 months since I decided to leave corporate world, probably 5 since I actually left. My body is feeling better (and actually starting to get toned which is something I have always struggled with), my mind is clearer, I feel more present as a mom and therapist; and now, I have time for me to grow as a human and therapist.

Corporate world works for some, don’t get me wrong. I know people that appear to be thriving in it. They love it and cannot imagine not being in it. I love that for them…or you. Like genuinely. But it was not for me.

It has taken me so long to figure out myself and how I work best. I have always felt like there were obstacles to me succeeding and I could never understand why. Then I learned I have ADHD (undiagnosed because why) and I learned that I want to be a good leader. I wanted to get creative and not have my ideas necessarily fit in a box. I wanted to try things. I wanted to fail at things and learn how to do better. And I did not want to ever be in a position of power that required me to change myself. I also learned that I am pretty good with a weird schedule.

The biggest thing that makes the difference for me though is that I now have time to care for me. I told my 7 year old niece the other day that I work for myself and she thought that was the coolest thing, which it is. But it is a lot. Being a mom is a lot. Being a human is especially a lot right now and having time to get back in shape, clean my apartment and spend time with my kids in between sessions has been one of the most beautiful gifts I have received.

If you feel like you have been stuck and “don’t belong” in the working environment, there can be so many beautiful opportunities. Joining the chamber of commerce this year has allowed me to meet people of all different fields who have felt similarly to me and started on their own this year as well. It is a hard and scary journey, but if you want to entertain the idea, speak to your therapist or feel free to reach out ❤

#1111therapy #ileftcorporateworld #mentalhealth #selfcarelooksdifferent #selfcare #private practice #bossbabe