The Day I Walked Away from a 17 Year Old Business
Starting over later in life is a subject that’s very near and dear to my heart.
You see, at 42 years old, I followed my passion for animals and co-founded a nonprofit animal rescue.
Many who were closest to me were skeptical: How are you going to make money and pay your bills with a nonprofit organization? What about your “REAL” job?
My so-called ‘real job’ was a PR practice I’d had for over 17 years. I loved my job... until I didn’t. It became a constant roller coaster ride of ups and downs, highs and lows, feast or famine.
My income was inconsistent and unpredictable. I wasn’t excited or even interested in the work any more. I was tired of being a servant to my clients. I was tired of chasing client payments and constantly telling people and creditors: “I am waiting for some late paying clients to pay their invoices.”
The business was literally drowning and suffocating me.
On the outside, it looked like I had it all together. I was accomplished, successful, lived in a beautiful home, traveled all over the world and had a great lifestyle.
But inside, something was missing. I was a mess. I was tired, overwhelmed, stressed and deeply unhappy. Even though I was an entrepreneur, I hated “going to work” every day.
I was doing all of this work and getting all of these great results for others never knowing exactly when I’ll get paid and without stopping to realize if the work to which I was so committed was allowing me to truly serve my purpose in life.
That purpose was actually tapping me on the shoulder constantly, but I continued to ignore it because I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone, take the risk and a giant leap of faith, and give up something in which I had invested so much time, energy, emotion and effort.
I finally reached a breaking point, which turned out to be the turning point.
That ‘A HA’ moment was the realization that I am not doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I finally acknowledged that constant tapping on my shoulder and said: “OK! You win!” I transformed my discontent into a new beginning.
So, at 47 years old, I left behind a failing business and begin my coaching practice to help people who also experience the same frustration, unhappiness, confusion, and exhaustion.
It lead me to serve the people who needed my help — people who I knew I was put on this earth to help. I call them Fulfillment Seekers — people who just know there’s something missing in their lives and that there’s more out there for them — something greater and the desire to be in a different place from where they are now.
There are many ways to discover your passion and purpose. The first step is to get out of your own way and believe that change is possible.
“Yea right! Easier said than done.” I get it.
Clients who come to me have tried it all. They’ve read countless self-help books, invested in expensive “get rich quick” group programs, and tried all sorts of “guru” techniques.
And while those things might have helped in the short term, they still found themselves struggling to break out of their comfort zones and make changes that last.
If you’re feeling stuck and think it’s too late in life to make a dramatic change for the better, consider hiring a mentor who can help you break through any mindset blocks and limiting belief systems.
A good mentor will give you the tools and actionable strategies to help you breakthrough any mental or emotional barriers that are holding you back.
Once you’ve discovered your purpose and you’re ready to make a change, make sure that you have access to the resources and information to help you take the next steps. If that means starting a new business or career path, you need to have the right support throughout the entire journey and not just for step one- even though that’s the biggest step of all.
