You’re on Your Own Kid

Ah…the wise words of Taylor Swift. I’m not a Swiftie perse but I do love many of her songs, and this one, You’re On Your Own Kid from the Midnights album, has been ringing in my head the last few days.  Maybe because after almost 30 years in the corporate world I’m striking out on my own and starting a business.

“I gave my blood, sweat and tears for this”

Why go out on my own after having a successful career in corporate America?Well, it’s complicated yet pretty straightforward at the same time.

I got laid off last fall.

It was devasting to say the least. After 14 years at my company, the image I had of myself being a valued employee and key performer disintegrated like fog from a car window when you hit the defrost. My self-esteem took a major hit and to be honest, I felt lost.

I’ve always worked. I’ve always brought home a paycheck. What now?

My first instinct was to just hit the proverbial pavement and start applying…everywhere. But with every “submit” button I pressed I found myself secretly wishing they wouldn’t call.

What was wrong with me? What was I missing? What was my gut telling me?  

“I see the great escape, so long, Daisy May”

In the months since the devasting blow I had a few realizations. The first being: I hadn’t been happy at my job in a long time.

There were many reasons, but the most important one was as I got promoted up the “ladder” I moved further and further away from the one thing that got me into this business to begin with- helping people grow. While I loved my team and being their leader, I missed doing the development work- leading the sessions, coaching the leaders, bringing teams closer, etc. I got away from my passion, and I missed it sorely. I realized I’m not interested in climbing the corporate ladder…I’m interested in helping others build their own ladders.

“Everything you lose is a step you take”

Second realization?   While getting laid off was nothing short of traumatic, it had given me a great gift; the gift of understanding professional loss. Over the course of my career, I experienced many wins: promotions, selection for exclusive leadership development programs, high performance ratings, awards, high visibility projects. I had never experienced professional loss. You see when you get laid off, you lose much more than your job and income…you lose relationships with people you cared about; you lose years of “work” you poured your heart into; you lose a part of your identity.   Getting let go was a humbling yet grounding experience that I believe has strengthened my empathy. I will be a stronger coach and leader because I know what it feels like to unravel…and to build myself back up.

“And I saw something they can’t take away.”

So here I am…striking it out on my own and I’m feeling all the things: excited, scared, free, overwhelmed, happy, adventurous and…mostly proud. I’m taking a chance on me, and I think that is worth betting on. And the support I have felt these last six months has been tremendous. Because in actuality, we are never really on our own. We are surrounded by people willing to help and give you what you need; some are friends, some are family, and some are complete strangers (which soon become friends)!

All I know is I am giving this my all and I’m excited about the journey.  I hope you will come along for the ride.  

“Take this moment and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid. Yeah, you can face this.  You’re on your own kid. Always have been.”