Ever catch yourself daydreaming about breaking free from the 9-to-5 grind, but wonder if you're actually ready to take that leap? You're not alone in this, and today's episode walks you through an exploration of what's really possible.

I'm diving deep into what it truly means to be ready for self-employment—beyond business plans and savings accounts. I'll share my own journey of questioning, planning, and finally making the switch, along with the inner work that made all the difference.

We're getting real about the emotional rollercoaster of creating your own path and I'm breaking down both the mindset shifts and practical steps that will help you move from "someday" to "day one." Whether you're feeling that gentle nudge or a full-on push toward self-employment, this episode will help you understand if you're ready to write your own rules.

If you've ever looked at your career and thought "there has to be more than this," consider this episode your guide to figuring out if going solo is your next right move. I truly believe that creating a career that truly fits you is possible when you know what to look for and how to prepare.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Smiley Poswolsky on my podcast where he shared his journey from government employee to successful keynote speaker and author. He shares five hard earned lessons in creative entrepreneurship which offer wise words for anyone considering a major career pivot or building a creative business.

At age 30, Smiley made a decision that would transform his life: he left his stable government job to pursue more meaningful, creative work. With no concrete plan except a desire for change, he packed his bags for San Francisco. What started as a simple blog documenting his career transition eventually led to his first self-published book, which opened unexpected doors into the world of professional speaking.