The old 9-5.
If you're like a lot of people who have one, you wish you didn’t.
Not because you want to sit on the couch all day and do nothing. Maybe you do.
But it’s also because the corporate ladder feels more like a treadmill.
Or worse, like an airport conveyor belt. Moving you, the baggage, to a set destination. You’re mostly ok with it because it’s a good job. So you’ll happily go where they're taking you, right?
Until someone decides you're no longer needed.
Because then you're ejected from everything you know. With zero control over it.
Ejection Buttons
People with years of valuable experience don’t have the certainty our parents did. They're worried about the Ageism Ejector button.
Companies doing mass layoffs are firing the highest earners first. The ones who happen to be the most experienced. That's the Cheaper Options Ejector.
There's another ejector button, this one with your own finger on it. It's because you're so exhausted after a day at work that even weekends don’t help anymore. The Burnout Ejector.
If you're nodding, it's because you've spent years, maybe decades, honing your skills, delivering results, and playing the game.
And you’re starting to wonder: What’s next?
It feels like the game is rigged. Where corporate needs to squeeze every drop of value from you.
Then, they move on to someone younger, cheaper, or shinier.
It's not personal. Ya know, it's just business.
Does that mean you have to stick around for the final act? Does your next chapter involve waiting for the other shoe to drop?
Take Control
What if you used your skills, contacts, and reputation to create something all your own?
That’s what 'solopreneurship' is all about.
No more performance reviews. No more waiting for someone to notice your value. No more office politics or daily meetings in the conference room.
Instead, you get to decide.
What you work on.
Who you work with.
How much you get paid.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not.
Of course it’s not magic either. You need a plan. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Here are 10 take-action steps you can do now, while you still have a 9-5.
Audit Your Experience
All it takes is 15 minutes. List out your top skills, accomplishments, and what you’re known for in your current 9-5 role.
Curate Your LinkedIn Profile
Update your LinkedIn headline and bio. It should show your expertise without saying you're open for new clients. "Helping [industry or skill] teams improve operations for faster, better results." -- as a solopreneur, this is your only chance to be bland, so enjoy it!
Test the Waters (Without Jumping Ship)
If you're ready and comfortable, set up a profile on a relevant 'talent marketplace'. Think Patreon, Upwork, Toptal or Bark. You can create a profile and offer a small, one-time service. Something you can polish and deliver fast, all while keeping your day job. (see step 6)
Build Your Network Quietly
It's easier to build a loyal following when they don’t feel you’re selling something. And everyone on LinkedIn has something to sell, in some form or another. You don't. Engage on LinkedIn. Comment on posts in your industry. Don’t overthink it, just share your thoughts and connect with others. Ask questions in the comments. This builds your visibility without asking for anything or announcing your plans.
Think of Your Dream Client
Who do you want to work with? What industry are they in? What problem can you solve for them? This may change a thousand more times. But, you must claim someone to target. Your solo journey (and the success that follows) will be less linear if you don't.
Brainstorm a Small Service You Can Deliver Fast
Think of a simple, low-commitment service for your new target clients. For example, you could offer a strategy session, audit, or consultation. Something you can deliver with minimal prep. Test the waters with it. Use my AI-Boosted service offer polisher tool if you need help. (google doc, no sign up)
Set a Tiny Goal This Week
Momentum builds confidence. So, take one step toward solo freedom this week. What's one of these steps you can accomplish? Make it something doable like grabbing my AI service offer tool, posting on LinkedIn once, send a connection request, or writing out your headline.
Block Out 'CEO Time' for Action
Schedule 1-2 hours per week if you can. Don't just think about making the transition, take action. But do it productively. Your imposter syndrome and procrastination cause you to overthink. So read, plan, or execute. Write your service offer, polish it, brainstorm where you'll get clients. Set up your profile on a talent marketplace. Protect this time like it’s a meeting with the boss. Because it is. You’re the boss now.
Follow Solopreneurs Who've Done It
Learn how they did it. Subscribe to newsletters or follow people who’ve already made the leap, especially in the same industry or role . Watch how they position themselves and talk about their journey, the joys and the pains. Read their old posts for inspiration on their transition.
Get Guidance
If you’re stuck, don’t overthink it. Message someone who’s ahead of you on this journey. Ask a question or share your curiosity. People are more generous with their advice than you might expect.
To take the first steps toward your solo career, you have to show up.
Of course, if you want to build a solo business without raising any red flags, you have to do it smart.
Take one small step at a time.
See you there,