TAKE THE RISK, BE BOLD, KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE SUPPORTED.
It’s exactly one year since I left my job at PA Consulting. As with any consultancy, the roles varied – but I always learned an enormous amount. However, what I loved most without fail was the quality of people.
This made leaving even harder – to bid farewell to the comfort and security of a well-paid career, smart people and a steady income for this unknown world of freelancing!
As I reflect back on the journey, the anxieties I felt before leaving and my hopes for future possibilities, I thought it might make for interesting reading in case you were wondering how I’m doing and/or going through your own leap!
WE HAVE – AND CAN CREATE – SUPPORT ANYWHERE
My PA Assignment Manager Camilla and I had a challenging start initially when she led a large operating model transformation project as I was very new/slow to business design work; but after bonding through a weekly team Hot Yoga class, I soon found myself rapidly navigating myself around a Target Operating Model like never before!
As a freelancer at AstraZeneca (via Handpicked Society – check them out), I found myself doing similar work outside of my Change Lead scope by advising on org design and business modelling – I was able to recall the lessons from my previous work and also pick up the phone to ex-colleagues to get instant advice.
It made me realise – I’m not as alone as I thought, and have a host of fantastic experts and resources, now in multiple sectors and industries whom I can lean on as a freelancer when I need.
THE BRAVE MAY NOT LIVE LONG, BUT THE CAUTIOUS DO NOT LIVE AT ALL
I coach others to have the courage to follow their passion and transform dreams into reality. Besides that autonomy, another part of my “why” was being able to devote serious time to my passion projects and my family.
In February, I travelled to India for one-month, walking 300 km to re-trace the life of the Buddha and hope to make into a short film. Later, I took a month out to be with family whilst my brother got married, enjoying quality unpressured time with my parents. And a few weeks ago, I travelled across Vietnam and Cambodia creating lasting memories with a wonderful group.
Short-term well-paid ‘gigs’ have enabled me to live with more balance, being with loved ones whilst seeing more of this beautiful planet!
YOU’VE GOT TO JUMP OFF A CLIFF AND BUILD YOUR WINGS ON THE WAY DOWN
In considering when would be the best time to jump from permanent work to freelancing roles, I spoke to many people in similar positions. One such person was my colleague Réka Deák who started her own mindfulness and wellbeing design business – something I could see myself doing one day!
Likewise, I’m working on scoping my own business ambition, whilst delivering great work for inspiring clients (currently for the British Army!). I made sure I had a few months of cash in the bank and was lucky to secure my first contract role before leaving – but regardless, I felt anxious around my ability to work as well without the ‘blanket’ of PA consulting experts around me. Thanks to a superstar client Saj Shah, I was able to add value from day one (ask about the Merlin Hat 😉) by bringing fun, humility and a genuine desire to contribute in any shape or form!
Looking back – I believe in my own abilities and have a much stronger awareness of where I can help clients.
It’s not to say I wouldn’t go back to a large consultancy, but the feeling of being your own boss and taking full responsibility for managing client relationships and delivery feels incredibly empowering (once initial stressful moments pass!).
SO, IF YOU HAVE THAT GUT FEELING TELLING YOU IT’S TIME – THROW YOUR HAT OVER!
