What I Wish I Knew Before Leaving My Corporate Job
I used to think career transitions were logical and linear—that if I planned enough, I'd have it all figured out before making a move.
Yeah… turns out, that’s not how it works. And I learned that the hard way when I walked away from my corporate job.
Here’s what I wish I’d known sooner.
Your Job Shapes Your Identity—Until It Doesn't
For years, my title felt like my identity. It wasn’t just a job; it was how I proved I was good at something. There’s nothing wrong with that—it’s how we measure expertise and credibility.
But when your work changes (whether by choice or not), it forces a bigger question: Who am I without this title?
That answer doesn’t just show up one day. You rebuild it—by focusing on the skills, experiences, and impact that go beyond any job description.
Reinvention Isn't About Burning It All Down
The idea that you have to "take a leap" is misleading. Most career pivots aren’t dramatic cliff jumps—they’re more like a series of test runs.
If you’re considering a shift, try this instead:
What’s one small experiment I can run before making a big decision?
Who’s already done this, and what can I learn from them?
How can I create options instead of locking myself into one path?
Most big shifts start as side bets, not all-or-nothing leaps.
You'll Never Have It All Figured Out Before You Start
I won’t pretend that answers just "magically appear" once you take action. Some decisions do require real thought and planning.
But a lot of the fear around transitions comes from waiting for certainty before we move.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
The first step doesn’t have to be perfect. Just useful.
Small tests teach you more than months of overthinking.
You don’t need the whole map—just a solid starting point.
Thinking About a Career Shift?
Get curious about what interests you, not just what’s practical.
Look for options, not ultimatums.
Your next chapter isn’t about throwing everything away—it’s about carrying forward what still serves you.
Been through something like this? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear what worked for you.
Thinking About a Career Shift? Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes.
Reinvention isn’t about starting over—it’s about finally building what fits. But too many professionals get stuck in common traps that slow them down.
✔ Are you waiting for perfect clarity before taking action?
✔ Defining yourself by what you used to do?
✔ Trying to reinvent in isolation?
Don’t make these mistakes. Grab my free guide: The 5 Biggest Mistakes Professionals Make When Reinventing Their Next Chapter—And How to Avoid Them.
If you’re ready to take the next step, check out The REINVENT™ Accelerator—my proven 8-week program designed to move you from uncertainty to clarity and action.