Have you been thinking about becoming your own boss? Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur can be one of the most frightening yet rewarding decisions. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, most self-employed workers (62%) say they are extremely or very satisfied with their job, compared with 51% of those who are not self-employed. Also, they’ve shown that working for yourself brings immense satisfaction and fulfillment to your job and helps you alleviate the stress and overwhelming feelings of working for someone else.

Employees may feel anxious due to a lack of control over their careers. A great example of this concern is the recent wave of layoffs that have been making headlines. When workers unexpectedly lose their jobs, it can create a sense of uncertainty and disruption that is difficult to overcome. Freedom and control are essential to humans, and when these elements are missing, it can lead to employee burnout.

If you have a strong feeling that you are destined to be your own boss, I have good news for you – it’s possible! However, before you can make that transition, you’ll need to overcome the fear and doubt that may be holding you back. Here are some tips on how to manage that inner voice so you can move from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur.

Identify your fears

The first step is to figure out what is holding you back. Some common career change fears include:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of starting over
• Fear of making less money
• Fear of what others may think
• Fear of being too old or too young

It’s important to confront your fears directly. Start by writing them down and questioning whether they are based on facts or assumptions. Seek out entrepreneurs who have successfully made the transition from employee to business owner to learn how they overcame similar concerns. It’s worth remembering that fear often arises when you’re about to embark on something big. In fact, it can be a positive sign, indicating that you’re pushing yourself and striving for greatness.

Use fear as fuel

Fear is a common experience for everyone. It is always present, but it should not be an obstacle to achieve our goals. One way to overcome it is to take small steps forward. 

When we feel stuck, it is usually because we are overthinking what might happen. It is important to take action to regain our power. Another effective tip is to change our mindset. Instead of focusing on potential failure, we should ask ourselves, “What am I giving up by not trying?” This way, we can shift our perspective and gain the courage to take risks.

Plan and prepare

To reduce your risk, it’s important to set realistic and clear goals. Start by defining what you want to achieve and create a plan to reach that goal. Breaking down your larger goal into smaller steps can make it more manageable and less intimidating. A crucial step in achieving your goal is to gain knowledge and expertise in the field of your interest. As a new entrepreneur, you will need to wear multiple hats in the beginning, so it’s a good idea to seek training in areas such as marketing and bookkeeping. Additionally, you should consider obtaining further degrees or certifications that can increase your credibility in the market.

Assemble a board of advisors

Having a strong support system is crucial for success as a business owner. Apart from your family and friends, you should also form a board of advisors who can mentor you and provide guidance. Look for people in your personal network who could bring value to your business. Seek out successful individuals in your field to learn how they overcame obstacles and challenges. Also, consider hiring a career and/or business coach. A professional coach can help you develop the right mindset and provide the necessary accountability to achieve success.

Celebrate small wins

It’s important to keep in mind that transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur is not a quick and easy process. It takes time, and you will encounter numerous challenges along the way. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge small victories and progress made. Celebrating these wins helps to keep you motivated and engaged, and allows you to stay positive and recognize your progress. However, transitioning from employee to entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted. It requires focus, flexibility, determination and an incredible amount of persistence. But if it’s the right choice for you, it could be the best decision you ever make.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, transitioning from employee to entrepreneur may be a challenging and daunting decision, but it can also be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling choices you make in your career. The freedom and control that come with being your own boss can bring immense satisfaction and alleviate the stress and overwhelming feelings of working for someone else. By identifying your fears, using fear as fuel, planning and preparing, assembling a board of advisors and celebrating small wins, you can manage the inner voice that may be holding you back and make that transition. Remember, it takes time, focus, flexibility, determination, and persistence, but if it’s the right choice for you, it could be the best decision you ever make.