Embracing a new chapter as an entrepreneur

I’ve taken the plunge and I’m going all in on being an entrepreneur.

After three years at Snowflake and 13 years in the corporate world, it was time for a new adventure. One that excites me and makes me nervous.

I’ve been helping data and tech professionals as a career coach since May 2022. I’ve decided to focus on building this business.

Working closely with people on their career aspirations has been absolutely fantastic.

They come to me with challenges that are exciting and not always easy to solve.

I get to use my industry expertise, technical knowledge, network and experience coaching others to help them get from where they are to where they want to be.

Here’s the thought process that got me to this point. I’ve used the same process I use with you to help make my decision:

1. What’s the challenge?

2. What choices do you have?

3. What are the implications of each choice?

4. What “feels right” to you? What does your gut say?

5. What’s your “HELL YES!”? How do you take the first step?

The Challenge:

I had a job I loved at an exciting company. I had a side business I had been working on for about 18 months. My long-term plans were to become my own boss. And I had hesitations.

• What if I fail?

• What if I run out of money?

• Is self-employment right for me?

The Solution:

Get a coach, someone who’s been there before.

I’ve been working with a business coach for over a year. She’s someone who helps me improve my processes and systems and deliver a better experience to my coaching clients.

I hired her because I wanted to use the limited time I had as effectively as possible. Her expertise is helping women turn their side businesses into full-time ventures. I thought more about the potential of being my own boss and I decided to enlist her help.

​Lauren Leopold is awesome!

She helped me think rationally and clearly about financial implications, timing, family demands, etc.

We worked through my existing financial commitments (hello, mortgage!) and how much I’d need to earn to make it work. We translated this into the number of clients I need to work with, etc.

This gave me confidence. This gave me clarity and specifics.

The Next Step:

I worry I could fail. I worry I will run out of money.

But I have done my homework.

My plan was to have enough savings to support my time at home with our baby even with no income.

I’m excited more than anything else.

I’m excited to work with people like you who are looking for support to take the next steps in their career. I’m excited to help people find clarity and direction. I’m excited to help people land their next role. I’m excited to help people create a path towards a promotion.

Here’s how I’m going to make it work:

• We hired a nanny to free up two mornings a week for client calls.

• I hired a fantastic assistant who helps me run my business operations.

• I found support online from a group of fellow entrepreneurs.

• I continue to work with Coach Lauren.

• I can offer coaching slots to my US clients in my evenings in the UK.

• We’re buying an espresso machine for that extra little kick of happiness in a cup.

Now what:

This blog will continue to focus on career development.

Find out more about my coaching program by hitting reply or heading over to www.evamurray.co.uk, filling out the form and we’ll jump on a call to see how I can help you.

Have a great week!

Eva