How To Escape The 9 to 5 Rat Race

You are reading this article because you are tired of getting up every morning and working 8-10 hours to make the dreams of someone else come true. You are tired of being a participant in the 9 to 5 rat race. You are ready to become your own boss. 

So what's stopping you?

Have you taken the steps that are needed to transition into entrepreneurship? Let me guess...

1. You don't have enough money
2. You don't have enough time
3. You don't know where to begin 

But the real reason isn't any of the one's you've admitted out loud to yourself day in and day out. No, the real reason is fear. You are scared of the unknown. You are scared of failing. You are scared of what people might think. Many employee's remain in unhealthy job situations because of fear of the unknown and fear of circumstances they could never control. Does that sound like you? If so, keep reading.

So how can you begin to overcome your fears and make the first step towards transitioning from your 9 to 5 job and into entrepreneurship? Here are a few tips:

1. Create an escape plan with measurable action steps that you can work on each day that will bring you closer to freedom. Freedom won't come just from wishing you were free. You will have to put in some additional work outside of your 9 to 5 work hours in order to get there.
2. Allow your job to help you transition. Yes, really! See what programs and services they offer that can help you make the switch from employee to boss, and begin to take advantage of them. My former employer offered grant writing classes and certification in online teaching. Guess who was first in line to sign up? Me!
3. Get an accountability partner, someone who will help you to stay focused, pull your coat tail when you are getting off track and remind you of why you wanted out in the first place. This person can be your spouse, partner or a good friend, but they have to be able to tell you when you are going in the wrong direction and you have to be willing to listen to them without getting upset.

Now you might be reading this and thinking to yourself, "This sounds great, but I know me and I am still not going to do what needs to be done. I want out, but I'm going to need some extra help!" This is where I recommend working with a coach. If your focus is on starting your own business, I would suggest a Business Coach, but there are a few type of coaches you can work with, depending on your situation; Career Coach, Life Coach, Health Coach etc... Interview a few and find someone who understands your goals. Many coaches offer consultation sessions that will allow you to ask questions and gives them a chance to tell you about their services and how they can work with you. Also, make sure that the coach you are looking to work with has experience in the area of helping employees to transition from their 9 to 5 into entrepreneurship. Each coach is different, so ensure that they can really help you. Lastly, check out their references. What are other people saying about their work? Every coach will toot their own horn, but a good recommendation is priceless.

Now stop whining and complaining about the job that you love to hate, get out of your own way and start planning your escape to entrepreneurial freedom today!

Dr. Carey Yazeed is the author of Lipstick, Heels and Hustle: A Woman's Guide To Entrepreneurship. To learn more about the author visit www.drcareyyazeed.com