Its 3 years since I quit a plush job at IBM and I'm still alive and thriving !

Its 3 years since I said goodbye to the corporate life and I'm still alive! On 31st March 2016, I had bid goodbye to a decent salary and with a lot of achievements and accomplishments in my belt in digital marketing and had just set my foot into Innovation Strategy & consulting services - When Design thinking happened to me! It just changed the way i perceived about careers and life.I would also mention that it's a myth that to survive we need salary:) We need oxygen first!

Of course -it all started with a vision to becoming a Life Coach and to make a difference in peoples lives by being a catalyst / alchemist.

That was the deeper and larger calling ever since I got introduced to Stephen Coveys "7 Habits of Highly effective people" workshop in 2007, I kept that vision close to my heart and that vision is what really helped me to make the transition, but what really brought about my turning point, was this simple yet powerful approach of this 5 step approach towards self reinvention - Design thinking in 2014 at IBM !

What were the values I held important for me at the point when I self introspected ? I was largely driven by financial freedom , independence and to explore my fullest potential and live my dreams and to become a life coach and live on on my terms.At that point -my values that influenced my decisions were largely based on Trust, self respect, psychological safety, self worth, culture that allows failures and freedom.

How did I know I will survive or thrive ? I was excited yet nervous but courageous within.I inherently knew I would be able to survive.(a true INFP according to MBTI !).

By Jan 2016, I was having enough data and facts ,backed with 1 year experience of a sabbatical & career tools + MBTI reports and a list of top Gallups strengths and strong interests areas to make decisions.Knowing the sweet spot was to combine traits of Entrepreneurship, Social and Arts- I set out to be a career mentor,artist and holistic well being counsellor. I had to go through a phase of uncertainty,high risk. anxiety ,pain but sparks of joy and wonderment. I had to compromise on a flamboyant lifestyle ,build a solid financial backup and learn to be in peace wth myself. 

Today, I have more enriched life experiences by working with people as a holistic wellness counsellor , Executive coach and a trainer.

Constantly need to keep pivoting -I designed holistic wellness products and learnt over these quarters on what sells and what doesn't with constant feedback - market and customer.

These 3 years have taught me to remain humble on my journey, Some lessons I'd like to share to all the fence sitters who are still evaluating their transition or contemplating.

1) Be a student of life and constant unlearning is essential to innovate or change perspectives.There is no right or wrong .Perfect or imperfect timing .The timing is NOW!

2) Have faith, belief in self and determination. If you are someone who has a faint heart then entrepreneurship or solo-preneurship may not be your cup of tea.Try partnering or collaborating initially with someone who is already an entrepreneur , while employed , by honouring your organisation's / company policy , to evaluate whether this may work out or not.

3) Never judge myself and others.Each of us are on a journey and one day all of us will meet on our paths towards the same destination. The paths may be different & chosen.

4) Come what may not to give up! There will be moments of temptation to go back but your values will remind you constantly -what's more important to you!

5) Always Be in Attitude of Gratitude! Borrowed from the 5 principles I teach in Reiki ,be grateful for the blessings and keep counting your blessings.Gratitude keeps me grounded.I kept trying different ways and I knew there will always be one new way / path that will open up for me to tread on.

The right people will come to your help if your intentions and motives are in the right direction.I am grateful to all those souls who helped me in my transition and who are still helping me on my journey.

I may not be earning close to what I earned in IBM or millions like the entrepreneurs but I am on my way towards seeking career with meaning and fulfilment, a life with less regrets, more time on my hand and path to financial abundance and freedom.