11 Tips to Help Ease the Fear After Leaving Your Job and Forge Ahead to a New Career  

In January, I resigned from my job, after almost four years, because I felt I had more to give, many more ideas in mind, life goals to achieve — and was lacking the time for all of those. I’ve been in the entertainment business for more than a decade now, and even though I didn’t have a formal business plan laid out, I knew it was my time and that I could do it.

Everyone thought I had a “secret plan” because it was “impossible” for me to have made this decision without something “reliable” to fall back on. I will say that it’s not an easy process, you will be stressed out and worried a lot of the time because of the “instability,” but completely worth it (if you can handle the stress).

Here are some insights on how I made my decision and some things I’ve learned:

Don’t let Fear Take Over
Take into consideration your current responsibilities, and have them in mind when evaluating your options, but it’s better to say you took the leap and tried, instead of regretting it later on in life when it’s too late or just too hard. Above all, if you feel ready, that means you are: you can listen and acknowledge others’ opinions and recommendations, but you make that final decision yourself.

Rest but Don’t Get Lazy 
Make sure you’re busy all the time, and not on your couch suddenly into season two of that TV series you had on queue. By all means, take some days to rest mentally and physically, or even go on a week-long vacation, but you need to keep an eye on where you’re spending and investing your time because the phrase “time is money” will take a whole new role and meaning in your life.  In short, if you’re not used to working with a detailed agenda/schedule, start practicing. 

Assess your Financial Situation
Understand that you may be force to tap into your savings until everything gets on track. You may have to work on projects or accounts that are not exactly what you were looking for, but everything counts. Time goes by, you’ll get more in tune with the situation and go from there. Make sure you revise your spending habits and major responsibilities to make sure you can comply with the basics, and cut back on the rest until everything settles. This may mean no new clothes, doing your own nails, and washing your car. Don’t worry it’s just for a couple of months, focus on the end goal. 

The Role of Networking
You should book a minimum of one meeting per day (breakfast, coffee, lunch, dinner, drinks or an office visit). It helped that I felt “booked” starting the first day I woke up without making my routine trip to the office. Reconnect with old friends, stay in touch with former clients and suppliers, sit down with anyone you feel could have business for you now or in the future and connect with new people. No one will explain and sell your services/product as well as you, so use those one-on-ones for that. They’ll appreciate a face-to-face conversation instead of just sending an email. Keeping all of your relationships current will be crucial in this process. 

“Me time” is Important
Set aside one hour every day for some sort of exercise and personal time — anything from walking around your neighborhood, to the gym or yoga. I would even go as far as to recommend trying out new things until you find a possible new hobby amongst them.

Timelines and Evaluations 
Based on your financial and personal reality, set a timeline to be able to evaluate your performance. Keep track of your time investment and your spending, all the while constantly reviewing and evaluating them so you can make any necessary adjustments on time. Include, in detail, the following:

• • • Your income
    • Spending (business vs. personal)
    • Amount of time spent on each project/item
    • Time commuting
    • A list of meetings and their results, if any

Then ask yourself if you’ve matched your expectations on all of the above. 

Be a “Yes” Wo(man)
Try taking some time to just say “yes” — let go, and go with the flow. Those may seem to be hard things to do for us, but they will expose you to new experiences and other possibilities. So say yes to everything that feels right, business and personal wise. Revisit your “mini-bucket list,” and act on at least five things.

Education and Growth 
Sign up for an online class or get your Master’s Degree, do some charity, get involved in your community and/or join a business group. It may seem like a lot; this is not about overwhelming yourself, but to make sure you’re expanding your network.

Understand that Your Initial Plan WILL Change
You will go through a process of adaptation and part of it will be reflecting on what you really want. You may have started with two goals but will add on three more. You may think you’re clear on your strengths – and then come to find that you have more to offer. This new acquired freedom and power over your life will trigger internal conversations regarding you as a person, your needs and wants.

Roll with the Punches
At this point, you’ve gather the courage to make the big leap and go for it on your own, and that’s when everyone will want you, but with exclusivity. Full-time offers will start emerging; some good and some easier to decline. You need to be clear on what you want and what makes you happy. You can change your mind later on, so make sure you keep on revising that list. Don’t be close-minded or too strict and evaluate everything, but be clear of what you’re willing to accept, and what you’re not willing to go back to.

Be Patient and Stay Positive
Make sure you enjoy this period, and everything that comes with it, because you don’t know how long it’s going to last – when you will be back to the grind of all work, all the time!