This year marks over 7 years since I left the day job and have been at Inspire To Thrive full-time. Many people think I work from home in my pj’s but those that know me will tell you that I’m out and about quite early with clients on many days since I left the day job.
I incorporated the business on July 17, 2017 as I prepared to go full time after leaving my long day jobs.
Table of Contents
The Beginnings
Of course, there are a few days I’m home and can be found on my side deck or desk with Hunter by my side working away on the laptop. Alas, those days have become fewer over the past year as I gained more clients and worked from their locations.
When I first started, I planned on being home on Mondays and Fridays to do work on the computer and meet with clients Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. That quickly altered as appointments changed and clients’ needs developed.
Then a year later I moved away from the area and become a real remote worker. I sure miss Hunter these days as he passed several months ago now.
So much for the 4 day work weeks working from home. These days I do work almost 7 days a week.
But take today as an example, I have a doctor appointment 2 hours away. My husband I will leave by 11 am and make a day of it shopping and having a bite to eat before coming back. (We moved to a rural area 4 years ago and there are not many places nearby.)
However, I got up at 5 am and will work until 10 am. So for me putting in a 5 hour workday is not much.
So what I have done and learned after I Left the day job at a cubicle?
Outsourcing To The Rescue!
Oftentimes in interviews, people ask: What is your greatest challenge as a new business? My greatest challenge was keeping up with the workload. I learned that outsourcing a few tasks really could make a big difference.
I’ve hired several freelancers that would come up with ideas for me, others that would ghostwrite blog posts, and others to schedule.
I hired a knowledgeable person for SEO, and I kept my techie Mayura DaSilva busy from time to time. He’s been with me for quite some time now and I couldn’t have thrived here without his quick and phenomenal help.
Many bloggers may know Brenda Pace and she’s helped hold down the fort at the blog when I go away on vacation and/or travel. You can see my latest travel adventures from the Riverboat Cruise we just got back from over on Instagram.
It was a lot of work scheduling everything prior but it was worth it! That’s another tip: Do take some time off from your business.
Today in 2024 Mayura is still with me but I do my own SEO as I’ve learned so much over the years about it.
Using the Right Tools to Help Inspire To Thrive Grow
The one tool that really propelled my business was Agorapulse. I use it for scheduling, some monitoring, and more importantly, for reporting. It’s been invaluable to me as it helps save time with social media management.
Moreover, if you know how that goes, social media takes a LOT of time.
Another vital tool is Paypal. It is great for doing invoicing and getting paid of course. The invoicing day used to take me hours and I’d work 18 hours on the 1st of the month but now with Paypal, I have shaved off some time and start on the 31st.
I generate reports to send along with them via Agorapulse. These reports can show clients how their social media pages are performing.
Some other tools I’ve invested in are Premium Canva, Camtasia for Video, and of course The Right Blogger and Fliki AI for Pinterest videos just to name a few. Notice I used the word invest?
Yes, if you are in business you must invest some money into tools and training.
How the Daily Schedule Goes Being in Business For Yourself
Oftentimes, I am asked by friends how long I work and what I do, etc. I typically put in 10-hour days, sometimes up to 14, and a rare 18. However, I do work sometimes on weekends and try not to work for too long on Sundays.
I love doing most of my work, especially the creative work in the early hours of the morning. It’s my most productive time of the day.
You will rarely find me working after 8 pm. After 9 pm I’m really no good and need to hit my pillow. However, today in 2024, I usually don’t go over the 10 hour day.
I don’t take on demanding customers that require things all hours of the day and was able to grow my affiliate business with the proper use of SEO.
What I Don’t Miss At The Day Job
I love not having to deal with traffic to and from a city every day. I make most of my appointments after rush hour or before rush hour. It’s really to manage my time better. Why sit in traffic when I get other work done?
I do not miss constant meetings and reports that do not generate results. Reporting is still needed, but they are for me and they are useful ones on the day job.
I still have a pipeline and am thankful for my sales background. I’ve always been very goal-oriented and know what needs to be done.
I also love working my own hours and not having to be inside all day. I can work outdoors when the weather is nice unless I’m with clients.
Recently I got a little sick and it is so much easier working from home when feeling sick than going into an office coughing away.
Sometimes, it’s the little things you really need.
What I Missed After I Left the Day Job
At first, I missed connecting with others but as things have progressed as I left the day job. I talk to people every day on the phone if not in person and I feel I have the right balance now.
No matter what you do, you must get off “the island” because you can’t do anything today in this world all alone. We all need people to help us, whether it be just to say hello, give advice or do business with you.
That is something I learned a long time ago and then again with my blogging aspect of the business.
Always Learning to Stay Ahead
Another thing I do for myself, my clients, and my business is to constantly learn as social media is ever-changing. I attend workshops or seminars to learn more so I can train others better.
It’s a never-ending process but I always love learning new things. Ever since I left the day job I put aside hours a week for this purpose.
Many of you may not realize that I also teach social media. I have classes for Instagram, XTwitter, and Facebook Pages.
I was certified by the state of Rhode Island at the Real Estate Institute of Rhode Island for agents that need to get their CE credits every 2 years. I did not resign after I moved and began making more money through affiliate marketing.
My next venture is to do webinars or online courses. (which I did a few years ago now.)
Attending Networking Events to Grow Your Business Even Before I Left the Day Job
If you are in business, you will need to network. I joined a local Chamber of Commerce and attended a few events. I had hoped to attend more but my work schedule didn’t allow that yet this year.
I’m hoping the fall season will allow time for that from time to time. I prefer mornings of course to any of the evening events. Even before I left the day job I attended networking events for years.
If you are in a business, especially a service-type business, you need to always network and have a pipeline ready for when you lose a client or want to outsource more work. Oftentimes, I learn a lot from others who own businesses at these events too.
It’s never a loss of time going to one as long as you don’t go all the time and lose time running your business.
Having Mentors is Important When You Work
I’ve had mentors all my life in my work world. I’ve had them in my blogging world such as Donna Merrill, Erik Emanuelli, Ryan Biddulph, Neil Patel, and Enstine Muki to name a few. Donna and Ryan really taught me to let go of my fears and just do it!
Many customers have also become my mentors. I can’t imagine being in business for yourself without having some mentors to help you along your path. Thank you to all.
What Will It Take For YOU To Go Full Time with Your Passion?
I talked to an old high school colleague today who sold me some Arbonne products and she was so thrilled to have her own career change. She too loved the freedom of working for herself and being able to set her own hours. She was a dentist full time prior to that.
Once you get a taste of leaving the day job, you won’t want to go back.
You will forge ahead and make changes as you go along. However, you have to get rid of your fears of failure and fear of loss of income.
Once you do that, you will do what it takes to succeed. You can also make adjustments along your path. It’s never too late to leave your day job!
Your Turn: Going Full Time From Day Job
What do you love about working for yourself today? If you don’t, would you want to? If so, what is holding you back? I’d love to know more in the comments below.
7 Years Since My Feet Left the Day Job and What You Can Learn Share on X