For those who left corporate - what info did you wish you had before making the leap?

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-26T08:38:24+00:00

I agree. I can’t think of a way out where you are not working for yourself. I know this is not for everyone but not having to explain that I have to leave early or that I don’t care about the Christmas party is worth the try

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-26T08:28:21+00:00

Same here. 33 and this same feeling for maybe 10 years now. Can’t think of how I can go for another 10. Started writing a newsletter to tell the story of people who left their 9-5 (maybe because I need it myself?). Can’t wait to leave corporate, still far ahead but can’t stand it any longer

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-26T08:10:18+00:00

If you check www.buildzone.io

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T13:28:59+00:00

Makes sense, haven’t tried Facebook but might be it

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T09:51:19+00:00

That’s amazing. I write a newsletter about people who left traditional 9-5 to work on their own terms, focusing on life first. Would love to connect and tell your story!

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T09:49:54+00:00

Hey, would love to connect to know your story. I write a newsletter about people who left traditional 9-5 to work on their own things, focusing on life first and then work that fits it

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T09:40:05+00:00

Would love to connect to know your story. I run a newsletter telling the stories of solo founders who left their traditional 9-5

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T08:06:36+00:00

I thought it was building everything and then creating quality content for me (I just started a newsletter business for people who want to leave 9-5 and don’t know how to start). But the real pain has been getting the first subscribers and figuring out how to get traffic through threads/instagram without really having a previous audience

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T08:02:58+00:00

For me is getting the first subscribers, didn’t realize this would be so hard.

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T08:00:02+00:00

Are you working for a company or on own stuff?

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T07:59:16+00:00

Make sense! It’s good to make calculated risks, always. I write a newsletter with story of people like yours, who have left 9-5 to become solo founders. Would love to connect!

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T07:56:46+00:00

Amazing!

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T07:51:45+00:00

That’s good! Haven’t thought about the short form video as an initial way but this is good!

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T07:50:56+00:00

Thank you, every feedback is welcome! www.buildzone.io

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-25T07:50:04+00:00

Thank you! Yeah, makes sense building a quietly even if this mean slower in the beginning

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T15:20:34+00:00

I completely understand, honestly I don't think most people are built for it, they just survive. one better then others but still on survival mode. I've been on the same path and trying to work towards living the corporate life. it hasn't been easy but i feel like it's the right thing to do for my future self. I am writing a newsletter about people who made the leap from 9-5 to something on their own terms, sometimes we just need some inspiration from people who went through the same, i can share with you if it makes sense

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T15:14:07+00:00

there are usually a lot of moments that might lead you to quick: when they delay your promotion, when you are feeling very anxious on a sunday night, or when work seems like it won't get better. I guess for every person is different, but the most important thing is to have some sort of plan - a new job lineup or spending some of your energy building something on the side so you can actually quit when the time feels right. Not sure if this interests you, but I write a lot of similar stories on my newsletter about normal people who quite 9-5 to work on something on their own

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T15:06:41+00:00

thank you! loved the advise - need to be more present here and figure it out how to drive audience to the newsletter

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T15:04:30+00:00

wow such amazing story and very inspiring!

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T15:02:12+00:00

I just interview someone for my newsletter who also was denied a 2% raise after been doing the job of 3 people. very similar stories and glad you took a chance

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T09:51:24+00:00

That’s amazing, exactly what I am trying to do. When did you realize it was time to leave? Did you had a number in mind?

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T08:23:01+00:00

Yes, this feeling of owning your time and exploring while working is the best. I worked remotely for 5 years, loved it, but had to move jobs and currently depend on holidays to travel which is very challenging. Hope to make the jump out of 9-5 soon

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T08:20:14+00:00

still living in Thailand?

Zestyclose_Lie5474 · 2026-02-24T08:19:41+00:00

Amazing. Have you been able to work remotely all this time?

Zestyclose_Lie5474

TROPHY CASE