The other day I was talking to a fellow social media guru, Cathy E. Smith -aka- Resource Rita whom I had met back in November. She and I hit it off almost immediately and have since partnered up with on the Marketing for Introverts 5-Day Challenge that kicked off last night.
As she and I were finalizing the topics for this Facebook Live event, which by the way began last evening at 9:00 pm and will continue until Friday, she made a comment using the phrase “After Work Entrepreneur” and a light bulb went off in my head.
Most of you know that I worked for IBM for over 32 years before being laid off twice, first in 2005, and then again in 2018. With the first layoff, I wasn’t ready to leave the workforce so immediately accepted a position as a contractor for IBM and continued the 9-5 for 13 more years.
However, during those last five years I began laying the groundwork to start my own business of which I did in 2015, A.Blake Enterprises Social Media Marketing and Consulting and have been loving everything about being an After Work Entrepreneur.
Now if I said that it has been easy, I would be lying, but most people who have branched out on their own to become an entrepreneur can understand what I mean. However, I wouldn’t trade one sleepless night or “robbing Peter to pay Paul” moment for anything in the world.
There are however, personal and professional development skills that should be learned and there are many coaches and companies out there that can assist you regardless of the path that you choose or at any age that you begin.
So if you are still working a 9-5, but are branching out as an independent contractor or 1099 in this gig economy make sure you work with someone who can help you navigate this new world so that you won’t fail.
Professional development is about expanding your expertise, improving your skills, and growing within your chosen profession. It’s about maximizing your personal growth and reaching your goals.
Why Professional Development
When first starting out, people overestimate what they can do in a year, but they drastically underestimate what they can do in 10 years.
If you don’t start today, you’ll wish you had down the road so try a few of these tips to help you with the transisiton from full time employment to entrepreneurship.
Tip #1 – Focus on your mindset.
Tip #2 – Create a morning routine
Tip #3 – Seek to learn something new everyday
Tip #4 – Spend time alone with your thoughts
Tip #5 – Create a network
Tip #6 – Purchase professional training
If you are like me, and have decided to become an After Work Entrepreneur, or are just starting out in the workforce and are looking for a company that can assist you with your professional development, make sure to reach out to Consulting.com today.
Let’s Chat > Have you left your 9-5 and joined the gig economy or are thinking about doing so? If so, what are some of your challenges?
Leave a comment below.
