How does it feel like to be your boss and achieve independence?

Let me share the highs and lows from the 1st quarter of my entrepreneurial journey.

Plus, you'll learn some entrepreneurial tips that you can also use in carving your path to personal freedom.

(My audit adventures did not prepare me for the roller-coaster ride of emotions.😭)

But first, why did I end my decade-long career in an audit firm to jump into entrepreneurship?

I shared via LinkedIn that it was not a one-time, big-time decision.

I had a series of smaller what-if moments, compounded through time.

What does my entrepreneurship journey consist of?

Well, coaching is only one aspect.

I’ve also started local businesses in my hometown to supplement our family income and provide backup in case my entrepreneurial adventures in Belgium didn't work out.

After all, I’m still a breadwinner.

I can’t afford to make my family go hungry ever again.

But, at the same time, I needed the freedom and flexibility—to go home at any time and fulfill my dreams on my terms.

One perk I'm enjoying?

I can book travel without asking for approval.

(For example, right now, I'm enjoying the summer period with my family in the Philippines, plus I got to attend my first alumni homecoming. It's a privilege I didn't get to have in the past because my work during busy seasons always took priority.)

Freedom and flexibility are two things that the corporate world can't give me.

But you know that having the ability to be in charge of decision-making also comes at a cost.

And if you're not prepared to bear those costs, the entrepreneurship path might not be for you.

Let me share some twists and turns from my roller-coaster business ride.

The slow beginning

• Before I leaped into entrepreneurship, I wrote and revised business plans. If you want to have a business, begin with a good plan. Be clear with the financial aspects. With estimates, you have something to compare against the actual results. Your business plan will reveal later how good you are at making judgments.

• I also drafted a breakdown of my finances and the safety nets that will stop me from panicking during the initial months. Your personal safety net is the amount of money you’re comfortable spending without earning income. The best time to build that safety net is when you’re still employed or have a stable income source.

• I announced the launch of my business. My previous introverted self would not have had the courage to promote my business and market myself. Now, I’m still an introvert, but I have more courage to show up and speak up. Don’t despair if you’re not a natural at promoting yourself. You can learn any skill in your own time.

The early disappointments

• I faced rejections from potential clients and silent treatment from potential collaborators. You can’t please everybody. It's a good thing I learned this lesson from my audit days. Be prepared to face rejections and not let them get in the way.

• I noticed the social algorithms are now working against me. Previously, my posts reached people due to my company position and professional network. These days, my posts, especially those linked to my audit adventures, reach fewer people than usual. But algorithms (and people's opinions) are outside your circle of influence. It would be better to focus on things that are within your control.

• I reviewed the year-end books of the coffee/milk tea franchise business I started with my sister last year. The results did not make us happy. Even so, with less than a year of operation, don’t expect to have profits so soon. I have more stories to share later about this particular adventure.

Some quick wins and where much of the learning comes from

(If you’re a lifelong learner and love trying new things, you might enjoy this, too).

• By January, I completed the Value Creation Wheel Journey to add another tool to my problem-solving toolbox. (I'll share the insights later via Medium.) Stay tuned! And if you want, follow me on Medium to get long-form and in-depth content about my career insights, personal stories, and travel adventures.

• In February, I had my first collaboration with Upstaff Remote where I talked about building a portfolio career. Alongside, I launched Portfolio Career Unlocked! For Accountants Stuck in a Box and The Secret Guide to a Happy and Meaningful Portfolio Career. Check out the site in your own time.

• I revised and relaunched The Ultimate Guide to Winning Resumes and Getting Hired to share my tips and techniques for starting an international journey as an accountant. I’m giving the ebook away for free for a limited period. Share the ebook with your network/mentees if you think it would help.

  #werisebyliftingothers

• I'm now part of several groups including Filipinos in STEM - Benelux, Professional Women International(PWI), and the female factor. Why did I join these groups? I'm diversifying my network to help lift others in the future.

• I’ve clarified my offers, readjusted my prices, and redefined the market I want to serve based on feedback from people I talk with. I'm always experimenting. Check out my updated services and rates through my website.

And lastly...are you also an aspiring women entrepreneur?

If yes, I have good news for you.

I've opened consulting slots in my calendar to help you kickstart a freedom business regardless of location. Check out my updated services and rates through my website.

The key mindset to leave with you as of today:

DIVERSIFY

Diversify your income streams, network, and skills.

May this post inspire you to gain money and time to be happy on your terms!

***

PS. I'm starting to fill my coaching and consulting calendar from April to June. Only 10 slots are available weekly. Secure your spot now or visit my site to learn more.

Tin here! Welcome to Busy Season Journals, a newsletter made especially for you by a fellow accountant/auditor, adventurer, and coach-guide. I write about my adventures as an accountant and auditor and everything in between. You get deeper insights and personal stories on how to shape a happy, meaningful journey.

Discover my updated services and rates in your own time.

What do you think of today’s newsletter? Suggestions or ideas are always welcome through [email protected].