The introverted part of me has always had an independent streak, so I had a secret desire to create my own work. But the stereotype of the extroverted “entrepreneurial type” never felt like me. So I had my doubts: “Can introverts be entrepreneurs?”
Eventually there were breadcrumbs that led me to self-employment anyway, and it’s interesting to look back on how that happened, and how it worked out despite my initial blocks.
I don’t believe in the idea of an entrepreneurial type anymore. I do think certain things help, but it’s not so much about personality. I think it’s much more about attitudes you can cultivate, like a sense of determination, and being open to support. Heck, I wasn’t good at those things at first, but I learned it along the way.
I described more of what I mean, and my experience in this interview for the “Outgrow the Grind” podcast. We talked about my transition to self-employment, and the surprises I discovered along the way.
I loved this conversation of looking back and having some laughs.
I shared vulnerably in this interview, but I’ve finally gotten used to sharing that stuff despite the vulnerable feeling. (I talked about that challenge too.)
The host, Stacy Raye Kellogg, a life and leadership coach and facilitator, gave me permission to share the episode right here for you. I hope you find something useful and that you enjoy the conversation too.
You can listen to the episode here (or on Apple Podcasts):
Show Notes
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How I realized I was ready for change (and I did resist).
- The ways that I second-guessed whether self-employment was for people like me.
- My journey from the cubicle to my current business, including a bridge job.
- Can introverts be entrepreneurs?
- How I shifted my mindset from an employee mindset to a self-employment mindset.
- My experience of the magic of what’s possible and how good it felt.
- My biggest fear about self-employment and depression, and what happened.
- What I had to say no to and the strong words of advice I received that got me moving.
- How I allowed myself to be and share even more of myself along the way (even though it was a big gulp).
- My advice for anyone stuck in the grind and what you need to pay attention to.
- How happy I was to have freedom, even with a pay cut. (I realize a pay cut is not feasible for those who are living on the edge of surviving.)
- My advice if you’re counting yourself out before considering something new.
- My favorite plant and why it’s so special to me.
Stacy ended with these reflection questions based on our discussion. I love these:
- Where in my life am I taking myself out of the game before even checking out something new?
- What small step could I do to explore my idea(s) instead of dismissing them quickly?
Seeds planted in this episode:
- You can learn about my coaching and groups and my course, Bridge to Self-Employment.
- You can learn about Outgrow the Grind podcast host, Stacy Raye Kellogg, on her website, and follow her podcast on a favorite podcast app. I truly recommend Stacy’s coaching. She is a life and leadership coach for caring high-achievers so they can honor their needs, do less, and say no so they can invest their time and energy in what matters most.
