New Ways of Work

Leaving the secure corporate world
Do you have what it takes?
Oh, the freedom of escaping the corporate grind. Are you like many Canadians who fantasise about leaving your corporate job behind? Do you picture yourself as a successful entrepreneur; can you see yourself sailing around the world? Wake up! Not everyone is cut out to leave corporate comforts behind. If you have worked for a large organization for over five years, you understand the benefits of the corporate world. You might get access to expensive training and skill development you couldn't afford on your own. Shares or stock options may lock you into company loyalty. Perks such as frequent flyer points also appeal to staffers accustomed to free travel. Resting in a comfort zone blanketed by security of a steady pay, good benefits and a respectable pension at a relatively low risk often keep employees hooked on corporate worklife.

Signs it's time to leave
Your work doesn't mesh with your life.
You've outgrown the job
You've fixed the things that drive you nuts -- and you're still miserable.

But at what point does an employee's need to move into another working environment outweigh the benefits of the corporate world? Can you no longer live with hierarchy? Are you at your wits end with regimented processes and procedures that you have little control over? Do you fear becoming redundant or being forced to do something other than what you want to? Before you tell your boss to shove it, before you set out on your self-directed destiny, think again about the implications of leaving your secure corporate job. Do a little self assessment first. What are your goals? What drives you? What do you like? What's fun for you? What do you feel enthusiastic about? What can you sell? What makes you different? What do you want? How much money do you want to make?

Now that you've explored your options you should be better prepared to make the move away from corporate life if you choose to do so. Remember entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. It takes courage to go it on your own and survive without the lifestyle your former salary afforded you. As an alternative to self-employment consider working at a smaller company. Start-ups offer the challenge of being on your own with a salary that you might not get if you were on your own. In the workplace attitude is important - many companies will train for the skill. What matters is that you have passion and care about what you do!
How to get started on your own

Once you've searched your soul and you know that you're ready to make the break from the corporate chains that bind you, here are a few tips to get you started on your own: 1. Devise an exit strategy detailing your transition from your corporate job to your next job while you are still employed by the corporation. 2. Create a list of everyone you know and tell them what you are doing. You will be surprized how many people offer help and support and you never know who they might know. 3. Set up learning interviews with entrepreneurs and people in other companies and industries to learn about their business. People like to talk about themselves and give you ideas if they know you are not asking for a job. 4. Do your homework Visit a small business centre. These libraries have books, programs and resources to guide prospective entrepreneurs. 5. Put a business plan together that outlines a strategy of what you would like to do and take it to the bank or someone who may be willing to invest.

By Linda Plater