The break-up, life after corporate

In 2007, I ended a fifteen-year relationship with a Fortune 500 company. We were like a couple that had run out of reasons to stay together. When things were good, they were very good. But, when things were bad, they were unbearable. While this separation was not entirely voluntary (my department was dismantled as part of a company-wide restructuring), my patience had worn thin and I felt creatively bankrupt. I welcomed any opportunity to create change in my life.

So, now what? The first step was unexpectedly tricky. I knew what I wanted, but how do I get there? The foundational structure which I’d known and come to rely on had disappeared. I needed to think differently. The search was on and it was exhilarating.

The past year has been marked by personal growth and important life lessons. I’ve replaced an hierarchical, top-down work structure with a balanced, independent practice that is driven by meaningful connections, equity and satisfaction. Here are a few lessons from my journey:

1.    Keep your eyes open. You never know where you will find the next opportunity.

2.    Stay busy. Take courses. Travel. Read. Write. Do something you’ve always wanted to but never had the time.

3.    Take stock of your finances. Plan for the next six months. You will quickly realize that you can live on much less than what you’re used to.

4.    Get healthy. Cook for yourself. Buy organic produce at your local farmers market. Reduce your stress through exercise.

5.    Socialize. Get out. Start a weekly breakfast meeting. Re-connect, share experiences and get good advice from trusted friends and colleagues.

6.    Network. Reach out to professional colleagues for informational interviews. Attend industry events and conferences. Hear thought-leaders speak. Ask questions. Listen. Follow-up. Stay in touch.

7.    Re-train and prepare yourself for the job search. Know your skills and their value to employers. Take advantage of any outplacement services that your former company offers. Use a mentor to help you rewrite your resume and develop a personal marketing plan. Learn to talk about what you do (i.e. the 30-second elevator pitch).

8.    Get tribal. Collaborate. Create affiliations and collectives. Seek and develop healthy relationships with talented people that you want to work with.

9.    Experiment…often. Work pro bono. Give yourself assignments. Take on freelance projects or work contractually with different companies and across various industries before accepting a full-time job. It will give you and your client an opportunity to evaluate the relationship without a formal commitment. Be open and honest about the results.

10.    Share the wealth. Look for opportunities that might benefit a friend or colleague. Share it, or recommend them. Good karma will pay you back.

These basic survival skills have helped me transition onto a healthy career path. If you’ve learned any other skills, please post them in the comments box.