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From 9-5 to Self-Employment
Reflections, Lessons Learned, and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Friday, March 22nd, 2024

Looking back on the past year feels like riding a rollercoaster of uncertainty and growth. If someone had told me a year ago that I'd be taking the biggest risk of my life by working for myself and building my brand, I wouldn't have believed them. But here I am, celebrating the first year of my website - a place I initially envisioned as a showcase of my portfolio and a glimpse into my identity as a creative designer.

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I used to roll with control, meticulously organising every detail of my life, anticipating and managing every outcome. But this change pushed me far out of my comfort zone. No more certainty in my life. Even though everyone said I was rushing and not thinking straight, I don't regret it at all. I put myself first. It's not easy; it's incredibly hard. You need a strong mindset to avoid being dragged down by negative thoughts and self-doubt. You're in charge of your life, your decisions, and, of course, the consequences too. Be prepared for all of that. It's not all sunshine and roses. But I like to believe that this is the beginning, and I'm planting the seeds for something greater. All these hardships I'm going through will serve the purpose of preparing me for the next step.

 

The saying ‘Act like the person you aspire to be' resonates more deeply now than ever before. Every day, I see pieces of the puzzle aligning, guided by the perfect timing of the Universe. Though the road ahead isn't always clear, I'm eager for what's to come. I'm grateful for trusting my instincts and taking the leap. It's been hard work, with tears and sweat along the way. But the lessons I've learned, the people I've met, and those yet to come have made it all worth it.

Now, let me share something with you, something I wish someone had told me in the beginning. If you're considering something as crazy as this, if your whole being and intuition are telling you it's time, here's a piece of advice for when that moment arrives: Be kind to yourself. You'll likely be your own toughest critic. Celebrate the small victories, and, above all, surround yourself with people who will support you—even if they don't initially agree. Seek out those who respect your decision and will remind you why you embarked on this journey in the first place. It can be a lonely road; there aren't many people openly discussing this level of honesty. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. I firmly believe, without a doubt, that you've got this. We've got this!

Cheers to the beginning!

You can find more on my social media - @ccarrico.interiors

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