Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in individuals starting their own businesses. However, I have noticed that many of these individuals are now returning to their previous jobs for various reasons. Transitioning from being an expert in a specific field to becoming a generalist and then back to an expert is undoubtedly challenging. As an entrepreneur, you are required to handle various tasks, but when you return to a regular job, what kind of roles do you choose and how do you determine the role you want to pursue?
I ask this question because the success rate of being an entrepreneur is less than 10%, especially in the tech industry, and many are left clueless after shutting down their businesses. This could be an opportunity for you to share your journey, which could be immensely helpful.
For folks who left entrepreneur and went back to 9 to 5 job, how did you choose your next role?
byu/Slight_Wear_1153 inEntrepreneur
Posted by Slight_Wear_1153
3 Comments
After my startup fizzled out, I found myself lost for a while. The freedom and flexibility of being my own boss was great, but the constant uncertainty about income and the long hours took a toll.
Deciding to go back to a 9-to-5 wasn’t easy, but I knew I needed some stability.
The thing that surprised me the most was how much my experience as an entrepreneur helped me land back on my feet.
Here’s what I did:
Did some soul-searching: I took a long hard look at what I actually enjoyed about running my business. Turns out, I loved the challenge of solving problems and the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish.
Reframed my resume: Instead of focusing on the fact that I “failed” as an entrepreneur, I highlighted the skills I learned – things like managing budgets, leading a small team, and coming up with creative solutions under pressure.
Increased my network: I reached out to old colleagues and classmates, letting them know I was on the job hunt. It was amazing how many people were happy to help – one connection even led to an interview at a company I never thought I’d have a shot at.
It wasn’t easy going back to a set schedule, but overall, the transition was smoother than I expected.
My entrepreneurial journey wasn’t a waste – it actually made me a more well-rounded and desirable candidate in the job market.
Start by identifying your strengths and passions, then seek out opportunities that align with those areas.
I was self employed from 21 to 25, got a job from 25 to 27 and now I have been self employed from 27 to 34 years old. When I got a job, it was a corporate work from home job as a marketing coordinator. I was expected to complete projects and be available for work calls from 9am-5:30pm on weekdays but I still had flexibility in my schedule to run errands and go out during the day. I would run into my boss all the time at the grocery store or TJ Maxx. I had way too much pride to get a job where I had to go into the office because I thought I would look like a failure. I worked that job for 2 years, repaired my credit/paid off my credit cards and then went back to self employment within 2 years.