Embrace Uncertainty

I decided to leave my job midway through last year. While it might not seem impressive to you, the anxiety that accompanied that decision was overwhelming. Learning to be comfortable with uncertainty was key; jobs often provide a predictable path, whereas entrepreneurship is riddled with unknowns.

Accepting that I couldn’t foresee my future was liberating. It was through this discomfort that I experienced significant personal growth.

Recognize Financial Incentives for What They Are

In my final weeks of employment, I successfully closed a sales deal worth over $10 million. My annual sales target was $1 million, but guess how much I earned in commission? Absolutely nothing. The profit went entirely to the higher-ups.

While I had a commission structure in place, I learned a harsh truth: bonuses and financial incentives are often misleading. The approval of bonuses lies entirely with your boss, and if the company's overall performance falters, your bonus could be slashed or eliminated altogether.

After two years of effort for my employer, I realized that if I had channeled that same energy into my own venture, I could have earned over $1 million. This realization changed my professional outlook—betting on yourself allows you to reap all the rewards for your hard work.

Cultivate a Side Hustle

While my day job helped pay the bills, I dedicated time before and after work to develop a side hustle. As I mentally transitioned, I even started working on my passion project during my regular hours, much to my amusement.

These side projects opened my mind to new possibilities and changed the way I viewed work. The internet can be a powerful tool, and as I immersed myself in it, I began to understand the potential it held for my career.

Expand Your Network Beyond the Office

Staying within my workplace bubble limited my perspective. The colleagues around me often scoffed at online business opportunities. I needed to hear from those who had found success outside of traditional employment.

I began to connect with individuals who were thriving online. I observed their strategies and eventually reached out for genuine conversations, which helped me build a valuable network. This shift in perspective was one of the best decisions I made.

Pursue Your Wildest Dreams

For years, I suppressed my desire for autonomy, conforming to corporate expectations. I realized that if I spent my 30s ignoring this dream, I would look back with regret. So, I embraced the idea of pursuing my passion wholeheartedly.

Remember, even if things go awry, jobs will always be available. The landscape of work is evolving, and opportunities for freelancers, consultants, and content creators are more abundant than ever.

Share Your Authentic Voice

For much of my career, I held back my true opinions at work. I was cautioned against being too candid, particularly about my online writing. However, as I prepared to leave my job, I began to share my genuine experiences and lessons learned.

What surprised me was the reception of my story. When I opened up about my challenges, it resonated with many and reached millions. I discovered that sharing your truth can be incredibly empowering, both personally and professionally.

Final Thoughts

"Have a go, mate!"—a phrase that embodies the Australian spirit—aptly applies to career growth. Your professional life can shift dramatically when you dare to experiment, take risks, and inspire others.

On the other side of fear lies tremendous growth. Take that first step today.

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