I quit my corporate job a year ago, here's what I've learned

In this video I share with you the life-changing lessons I've learned during my one year away from corporate America trying to build my own freelance web design and art business. It's been a journey of self-discovery and overcoming fear, and even if I have to go back to work in corporate America some day, I'm so grateful to have had this time off to focus on myself.

There's so much more I wanted to say in this video, and also I know this journey is not over yet, so I think I might turn this into a kind of "self-employed diaries" series to keep sharing my progress and things I've learned, if it's interesting to people.

Have you ever thought about quitting your job to start your own business, or just to have a year off? Do you think it's worth it? Let me know in the comments what you think of all this !

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WHERE TO FIND ME

spoonflower shop (where I sell my patterns):

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FILMING GEAR

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Chapters
00:00 I quit my job
01:35 something to work for
02:24 stay true to your values ✨
03:52 the importance of routine
04:23 shape your own identity
05:22 feel the fear and do it anyway
07:02 what's next for me

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All opinions are my own. Some links listed are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if anyone decides to purchase through them. Thank you so much for your support!
#corporatedropout #freelancing #newyoutuber #iquitmyjob #selfdiscovery #personalgrowth

[jenwebbcreates]

Would you quit your job to find happiness, if the cost was several years of savings? Do you think it's worth it ?

[LRR]

There’s no shame in getting a part time job that you love! Like working in a flower shop/working in an art studio or art school. Might allow for that balance of freedom/safety! Wishing you lots of luck 💕 Thanks for the inspiring video!

[hiker]

I also quit my very well paying corporate job a year ago this month. I couldn’t take any more of 40+ hours a week sitting behind a computer screen doing work I wasn’t enjoying at all. The pressure and stress was also getting worse. Did it for almost 15 years and got to my breaking point. I was always a saver so I had enough to cover my expenses for several months (almost a year tbh). I quit and took 4 months off. I started working again part time 30 hours a week for a local non profit agency. The extra free time I have I’m using to train for and start my own tax and bookkeeping business. I’m currently volunteering to do free tax prep for low income households. I figured that would be a good place to start.

Don’t go back to corporate. Unless all you needed was a break and now you’re fresh and ready to jump back in. But if you get that knot in your stomach at the thought of going back then figure something else out.

[beatbuildersstudio]

Good video. I quit working as a group fitness for a gym to create my own group fitness program.
I worked on it for 6 years and eventually had to quit.
Its not easy being your own business. Thabks for sharing.
Side note. You can by a "dummy battery" so your camera won't die. Its a battery with a plug connection.

[BurstError]

I quit my comfy job last summer just to see where life takes me and also wouldn't regret it for the world. Keep Going :)

[gelatogirl]

Your reflections were really insightful and touched on topics that I can relate to. Those cards look cool! They look like a great way to stay in touch with your values.

[veronikamasilkova]

Hi Jen, you made it with the youtube algorithm here, the video resonated with me and I wish you all the luck!

[ishontz]

So Jen, you made it to my YT algorithm here in New Zealand on the same day as my one year anniversary for being self employed. I do the same things as you routine wise, but Im downgrading to a smaller space to meet expenses. I never want to work for anyone else ever again. Im a free bird. Good luck to you.

[LaytonObserves]

I quit my job a year ago to pursue my dreams, too, so this is a v relatable video for me, thanks for sharing

[m]

really profound lessons for those who have yet to overcome that fear of failure. thank you for sharing!

[jonathanhernandez]

I resonate deeply with this video, wishing nothing but success and growth in the venture. I am also making this big shift to website design and I know it will work out .

[tofugoob]

Ughhhh this hits so close to home ❤❤❤ love hearing ur perspectives and the values deck sounds like such a fun exercise!!

[JoshuaMackinnon]

Another banger! I resonate with so much of what you've said in this video. Creating/fostering a life that's actually worth working for, but also not knowing what exactly it is that I want for my future hahaha

[nomie]

Love your reflections so much. From a stranger in Canada, keep going! 😊

[deborah]

This is exactly what I needed to hear as I’m going through my twenties. Thank you so much

[MeditationWithAmber]

Hi Jen! The algorithm gods sent me your video since I just posted a similar one announcing the beginning of my one year sabbatical from my tech job to pursue my passion of teaching meditation. I'm so glad it did because it almost feels like I'm looking ahead into my own future -- I also am feeling the fear but I know it'll be so worth it in the end.

[ThisisFizban]

I can relate to this video. It's taken me many years to figure out what I actually want to do with my life. Before I was either lost or just followed the conventional lifestyle. My life nowadays is still a bit of a mess but I'm making progress toward being a happy authentic person. One thing I will say and I agree with the movie Flamin' Hot(good movie if you're stuck in life) is that there are people who are visionaries and there's nothing wrong with them. But those type of people need to follow their own calling or they will be miserable in their life following the crowd. But it can be a scary life because you're stepping out onto the precipice of uncharted territory. For example I studied sustainable agriculture and it's definitely an unconventional field. But recently I bought some desert land in New Mexico. I know how to turn this land into productive landscape but it requires investment of money and time. And then there's no definite timeline as to when that property will be profitable. So what's the practical purpose the average person might ask? When a person has a passion and a gift, if they just sit back and do nothing, that is unfortunate. And it drives me crazy inside not doing what I'm passionate about. Sooo this is my project for the year. I'll be working and earning money on other jobs to stay afloat. But don't give up on your dreams. Sacrifice and step out into the darkness. Meanwhile this video shows me that I do need to get better with my daily routine so thanks.

[irenekanel.ac.]

After 24 years in corporate America, I left. I went to school to attain my doctorate in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, have had my own practice for 11 years. I love my work and my patients, plus I schedule my hours to accomodate my life.

[danielflynnpdx]

I retired first: I waited tables in my 20s to make money to backpack through Asia, and taught English in Japan in my 30s. Became a yoga instructor and a massage therapist in my 40s. Now in my 50s and I'm a Project Manager in a tech company. I do miss those days, though.

[KeianaByfield]

i really resonate with this. I quit my job in december to build a digital marketing agency after 3 years of freelancing on the side. Right now, I'm definitely working overtime (because I'm working part time while building the agency) so I can cover living expenses, but even then - I'm so much happier because I genuinely enjoy & I'm passionate about the work that I do now!