Some Thoughts on my Second Anniversary
My 11am exit interview on July 15th, 2022 came with smiles. My manager arrived at my cleaned-out desk. I handed her my corporate credit card, my laptop, and finally, I pulled my ID badge off my blouse. This last act gave me the chills. The identity I had proudly worn for seventeen years was gone. Without it, I would need a security escort to exit the famous glass doors one last time. It's two years today since I left a prestigious science career with Bayer, a company that needs no introduction, to pursue basket weaving with Gitzell FairTrade, a company that needs a long introduction.
Aaah, let me say this...my sixth sense was right. My manager took me out to lunch but afterward I did not return to the office with my team as usual. Instead, I joined my family and headed home. I trusted God.
In my two happy years now, I have met a lot of people who have uplifted and supported me, individuals who have gone to great lengths to provide publicity for Gitzell FairTrade. Groups and companies that have visited our warehouse for tours and team building activities. I salute you all. Too many to name.
I have also met many women who've shared that they have no courage to step out of a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship. Reminds me of the chills I felt on my last day. Let me share some learnings:
Now, who am I?
- This is an identity crises that makes many women entrepreneurs shy away from taking the leap. Having a big title with a big company and a big salary. You feel like you have been stripped naked and have to start dressing up again. True, yes. Even I, who ran a parallel business for a long time, felt the same. When introducing ourselves, we hang onto one statement for validation: "former employee of". My advice to those struggling with this crises is to trust in yourself, your passion and your abilities. If you keep using former titles, people will know you as such. Use your new title : President, Founder, CEO. Then, we will know you as such. Some other titles may be given to you, such as "the basket lady;" embrace them.
- You will lose some friends who associated with you due to your title. The truth is they were just acquaintances. Let go and engage with like minded entrepreneurs.
- As you plan to take a step of faith, engage a financial advisor and let them nail in the the facts. Hope for no surprises.
- Do not bang the door as you exit. You may have it rough when you try to open it later. You never know, your colleagues might be your customers.
- Keep a calendar, I cannot emphasize this enough. Do not pretend to be busy by showing up at meetings late or leaving early. It does not help. Decline meetings if they overlap. Remember, this time they are not in the next building over, instead your next meeting may be in another county.
- Plan for your personal and business development by joining like minded organizations. Your local chamber of commerce is a good starting point.
- Prepare for unforeseen. You will have many ups and downs. Sometimes it is hard to express because no one else understands your business. Find a way to stay level headed.
- You many have some extra time, please volunteer. It's better to be out there helping others than to be agonizing alone.
- If and when it’s time, mentor someone. You are probably better than you feel. Mentoring will help someone else in their #7 above.
- Do not confuse movement with progress. Stop, check, look back and plan forward. This gives you time to reflect on your progress.
- Find and know your North Star. Mine is God, Family, Vacation and the rest. What’s yours?
