Let’s be honest—quitting your corporate job to start your own business sounds exhilarating, but also terrifying. The freedom, the flexibility, the ability to finally charge what you’re worth? Yes, please. But what about the risks, the uncertainty, and the sheer amount of work? That part doesn’t get talked about enough.
In my latest episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, I sat down with Michelle Scott, founder of Three Leaf CRM, to break down the truth about making the leap from employee to entrepreneur. Spoiler alert: It’s not for everyone—but if you’re feeling the pull, here’s what you need to know before you go all in.
Michelle never planned on being an entrepreneur. She had a “safe” job—until she didn’t. One day, she was gainfully employed. The next? Laid off, with zero warning.
The biggest myth out there is that a corporate job equals security. It doesn’t. Companies merge, downsize, restructure—and you’re always replaceable. Michelle realized that she’d rather build her own future than rely on someone else to control it.
📌 Truth bomb: The only real job security is knowing how to market your skills, solve problems, and create value—whether for a company or yourself.
Let’s get one thing straight: Entrepreneurship is not an escape plan. If you hate your boss, your coworkers, or your workload, switching to self-employment won’t magically fix that.
Michelle’s success came from wanting more control over her time, income, and impact—not from trying to escape a bad situation. Before you quit, ask yourself:
✅ Do you want to create something bigger than yourself? ✅ Are you self-motivated enough to run the show without a boss?
✅ Can you handle financial instability while you grow?
✅ Are you prepared to work harder than ever—but on your terms?
If you’re looking for a way out of a miserable job, find a better job. If you’re looking for true autonomy, entrepreneurship might be for you.
Michelle doesn’t apologize for charging premium rates—and neither should you. One of the biggest shifts in going from corporate to CEO is knowing your value and pricing yourself accordingly.
Women, in particular, struggle with this. We’re taught to be grateful for opportunities, not to demand what we’re worth. Michelle says forget that.
🚨 Reality check: If you don’t set the price for your expertise, someone else will—and it won’t be in your favor.
So before you take the leap, work on:
Loving what you do isn’t enough. Just because you’re passionate about baking doesn’t mean you should open a bakery. Just because you love coaching people doesn’t mean you should build a coaching business.
Successful entrepreneurs solve problems. Michelle built her CRM consulting business by identifying a real need and filling it.
💡 Ask yourself:
Dreams are cute. Businesses pay the bills. Make sure yours does both.
Michelle didn’t wake up one day and quit her job. She tested the waters first. And you should, too.
Before quitting, try:
✅ Freelancing on the side to validate demand.
✅ Building a client base before going all-in.
✅ Saving enough cash to survive the first 6-12 months.
Entrepreneurship isn’t about taking blind risks—it’s about taking smart, strategic ones.
If you’re waiting to feel “ready” to start your business, newsflash—you never will. Growth requires discomfort. But if you’re ready to take control, own your worth, and build something meaningful, it’s time to stop playing it safe.
💬 Thinking about making the leap? Drop me an email—let’s talk!
🎧 Want the full conversation? Listen to my episode with Michelle Scott on the Possibilities Podcast!
🚀 Subscribe for more no-BS insights on leadership, business, and bold moves.
With love and gratitude,
Monique
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