Becoming A Mom-trepreneur
I am a Generation X Entrepreneur, which is almost an oxymoron. Twenty years ago I never imagined I’d be leaving the corporate world and running my own business out of a basement of a church. Now I know there are many stories like mine, but so what. Here is mine.
Shatter That Ceiling, Girl!
In my way younger years (I.e. in the 90s), I thought I was going to be a Doctor, and that didn’t fly [it’s a long story]. So then I got a Masters in Health Administration and thought I was going to climb the corporate healthcare ladder. I worked 10-12 hour days and went to school at night. I continued that through two pregnancies and raising toddlers. Disclaimer- I have an amazing husband who does more than a usual Gen X man’s fair share, but nonetheless this was exhausting and unexpected. I just figured if I didn't make it to medical school but still carried a love for healthcare, I was going to work my way up that ladder and rule the world!
Adjust The Path, But Don’t Give Up
As strong, independent and passionate as I am, I encountered multiple failures. It is challenging to be honest and outspoken in a corporate world. I succeeded in many metrics [essentially every strategic financial benchmark] but failed to maneuver in matters of the heart. I was told I lack empathy and perspective. Would a man be told this? Well, that’s a topic of a whole blog itself. Bottom line, when failure hit me in the face, I adjusted my path. I went a different route. What I do not lack in is perseverance.
Network, Network, Network
I never turned down a meeting, a coffee, an unscheduled vendor walking in the door. I gave everyone my time. This was stressful but also a huge difference maker in the years to come! In the end, I wasn’t happy or as successful as I imagined in the corporate world. However, by meeting and taking time to network with so many people led me to new paths, ideas and strategies. You will read in every leadership book to surround yourself with people smarter than you, stronger than you and more motivated than you. They will support you and bring you up. It is true! Don’t shirk those salespeople coming in unannounced. Invite them in! They know stuff!
My Basement Office
So here I am after 20 years in healthcare research, management and leadership. I left the corporate world, obtained my insurance license and started Claussen Dixon Insurance or CDI. I rent an office in the basement of a church [soon to be moved to the main floor in three months]. I left a six-figure income to be my own boss, learn how to run a business and do things I never dreamed I was capable of doing. I essentially have no income as it takes time to build a business from the ground up, but I have never been happier in my life. True, my bills are still paid, but it doesn’t minimize the feeling of temporary loss of identity, title, importance and hopes of crashing through the corporate glass ceiling. What a kick to the ego to go to the office in the basement.
There is more to come, but I say this: do not stop. Educate yourself, invest in yourself, go to a conference, meet with that vendor, have that coffee and just plain keep getting out of bed! I also volunteer and became a spin instructor. I mean, why not? And thanks to @rakedevelopment, I am writing a blog and have a marketing plan! You can reach me at carrie@cdi-cares.com or www.cdi-cares.com