Self employment to transition?

[JessicaH]

I came to the conclusion that the only way I could transition was to be self employed.  It seems that a million coincidences happened and the stars aligned and it looks like it's really going to happen. Right now I'm still at my day job while I work with my bff to grow a business that will support both of us (and those that depend on us) VERY well.

It's probably still 4-6 months out until I can quit my day job but things are looking very good. I am putting together another product line that we hope to rush through R&D and file for the engineering and test certification. If that goes ok, we will have the opportunity for some very LARGE orders.

Has anyone else gone the self employment option in order to transition? I'd love to hear your story!

[spacial]

No, but it's brilliant that you've sat an planned it because I know from experience that the only way to get anything is planning.

As a teacher I once had at school told me, 'Planning is the Essence of Progress'.

If you have time, can you describe your plans, how much you've looked into them and the level of research and documentation you've done already? (Apologies if this sounds a little presumptious. I appreciate you plans may not be that detailed. Never-the-less, it will be interesting to hear what you have).

[JulieC.]

In my case it is one of the things holding me back.  I've had my own business for ten years.  I deal with my  clients directly.  I'm sure I would lose a few if I showed up as my true self.  Some others probably wouldn't care because they know me and my work.  They trust me and like my work and wouldn't care what my gender was.  But what I would worry about most is how I get work.  It all comes from referrals from previous clients.  I'm afraid that even those that accept me will be reluctant to recommend me.
It sounds like your self employment idea will not require much contact with the general public which is good.  I wish you the best of luck and hope it works out.  It would be ideal for most people. 

[JessicaH]

Spacial, I will PM you if you are interested in specifics. I was intentionally vague as some of this stuff is very specialized which would make it possible to track down exactly who my company is.

JulieC, My business is wholesale only and I never see customers face to face unless I want to. All business can be done over the phone and the majority is done by email. The newer line of products aimed at petrochemical, govt, Department of Defense and State Department will all be done the same way and if need be, we can hire a "front person" to do anything we don't want to do. If we move fast, we have the oportunity to start the new product line with an order of about 100k so we are working feverishly to put a dollar amount on costs so we will know if the margin is high enough to bother with.

Our products are very specialized composites that could utilize nano technology in the near future. Nothing like having "buckballs" in your products! lol

[Alexis R]

I came to the conclusion that the only way I could transition was to be self employed.  It seems that a million coincidences happened and the stars aligned and it looks like it's really going to happen. Right now I'm still at my day job while I work with my bff to grow a business that will support both of us (and those that depend on us) VERY well.

It's probably still 4-6 months out until I can quit my day job but things are looking very good. I am putting together another product line that we hope to rush through R&D and file for the engineering and test certification. If that goes ok, we will have the opportunity for some very LARGE orders.

Has anyone else gone the self employment option in order to transition? I'd love to hear your story!

I'm doing that now, though not of my own choosing. I'd prefer to have a day job, but the job market in my area isn't the best for even getting a job at McDonald's and I don't have the money to move to a new area. Thankfully my wife has an income that keeps us above water, (though just barely).

So, I'm trying to make a go of it as a novelist. I don't know how far I'll get, but it'll be fun ride.

Good luck with your business venture.

~Allison