The Day I Finally Quit My Job

I can remember the day I finally quit my job to go out on my own. At the time, the company's office was all the way on the West Side Highway in Manhattan, and the daily trek from the 8th avenue subway had become especially grueling. It was the dead of winter, the wind from the Hudson River literally kicking my ass every morning. Add to that the feeling that I just didn't want to go to that job anymore, which meant my body resisted every step of the way. I hit snooze as many times as possible. My legs felt heavy. I pumped myself with espresso to 'perk up'. I distracted myself with purchases--vacations to look forward to, new clothes to wear, etc-- in an attempt to feel a thrill and justify staying at a job that was no longer truly fueling me. 

And it wasn't because it was a bad company--I loved so much about the people, the experience and everything I learned-- it was because I had outgrown my time there. I had known this for a while, but comfort and familiarity had made me complacent. And complacency is the kiss of death for creativity and feeling turned on by life.  Somewhere inside I knew I didn't want to stay complacent. I wanted to feel alive. I wanted even more agency over my own life.  I wanted to be my own boss. 

So I did it. I quit that job. And those final days of walking to the office, I had a skip in my step. I listened to Florence and the Machine's "The Dog Days Are Over" like it was my personal anthem. 

And in the ten years since, there have been many ups and downs, many mistakes, and many 'Oh Shit' moments along the way. And many, many big wins.

Which is why now, in my private practice I help coach others to take that leap and navigate the practical steps AND emotional underbelly of entrepreneurship. 

If going out on your own has been tugging at you, I want to help you get clear on what this process is like, so you can make a decision, make a plan, and make it happen. Once and for all.

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elizabeth canon