Picture it. New Jersey. 2011. A brand new entrepreneur walks outside to leave for her first trip on her first day “self-employed.” When she looks up she sees a stretch limo instead of the sedan she ordered to take her to the airport. This is going to be a good life...
Ten years later, that entrepreneur was right. Although the rides to the airport are less frequent these days, the good life is still relevant. It’s not always easy, but it is never boring.
Being self-employed is different for everyone. It can be terrifying, rewarding, frustrating, exhausting and wonderful all at once. For me, it’s not about “being the boss” but being in charge of my life. In fact, in service-focused work, you quickly learn that clients are in fact, “the boss.” Throughout the last ten years, I have taken on a number of fractional roles, including my current position as COO of Abacus Worldwide. These roles have provided steady income while allowing me to wear many different hats. The hats have changed over time and I am confident will continue to evolve each day and each year.
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
An actress. A dancer. A lawyer. A Supreme Court Justice. A Bakery Owner. When I was little these, were just some of my answers. However, none of these are actual jobs I have held unless you count getting down on a conference dance floor, but I digress. When you go to college, you are expected to pick a major and a career path at 18. Seriously, who thought that was a good idea? At 18 (or at any age) you don’t know what you don’t know and can’t possibly decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. In fact, many careers haven’t even been invented when you are choosing your educational path.
Today is not just the anniversary of being a free agent. It also marks my last full day of high school in 1995. The day I finished school I had never been on the internet, never used email, and didn’t own a cell phone. Social media, which was the springboard for Seven Degrees wouldn’t be born for several more years. I had never even heard the term marketing. I couldn’t have predicted my future, although I got one thing right: I joined an entrepreneurship and small business management program as part of my degree. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I wanted to control my destiny. And here I am. And here you are.
After a few decades of working for other people and working for myself, I have learned a thing or two about life and career paths. And now, I am taking these lessons and sharing them with you. I am thrilled to announce my third book, Being When You Grow Up will be available later this year. This book will focus on how to create a career and life that adapts to changing times and the various phases of life. It’s likely you will be wearing different life hats at 18, 28, and 58 and this book will help you wear them all in style.
I am always infinitely thankful to everyone who has believed in me throughout my career and I am counting on you to help me get this book over the finish line. I am so excited about the stories it will share and my goal is to help others design a life that makes them happy.
Look for more updates on Being When You Grow Up later this summer. In the meantime, if you need career advice or support in growing your business, let’s connect.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.