10 Hard Truths I Learned in 1 Year as a Solopreneur After Leaving Big Tech (I Wish I Knew These Sooner)

I just returned from Korea and filmed this short highlight reel (pinch me, I can’t believe this is my life).

A year ago, I walked away from a stable Big Tech salary, a clear career path, and the comfort of knowing exactly when I’d get my next paycheck.

I thought I was ready for solopreneurship.

I had savings, a loose plan, and skills I knew were valuable.

And yet, nothing fully prepares you for the reality of running a business alone.

Please don’t let these headlines blind you to reality (how I left behind my $300,000-a-year job and built a multi-six-figure business)

Here are 10 things I wish someone had told me before I made the leap.

1. Running a business isn’t for everyone.

I used to think anyone could thrive as their own boss. I was wrong.

You have to be built different. If you’re naturally disciplined, self-motivated, and thrive in ambiguity — you will love it. If you need structure and external validation, the uncertainty will leave you feeling vulnerable.

It’s not for everyone, and it's something to consider before leaving a job that gives you security and routine.

I knew I could also go back to corporate if I hated being my own boss.

2. FOMO is real. Check your inner critic.

Every day, I see people launching new offers, hitting six figures in months, or doing what I thought I wanted. The comparison trap is toxic.

I’ve had to remind myself that just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s the right move for me.

If I let FOMO dictate my choices, I’d run in circles instead of building something meaningful on my terms.

3. Know your ‘enough’ number

In Big Tech, I had a fixed salary. In business, the potential for growth is limitless—but so is the pressure to keep making more.

At first, I kept pushing for bigger revenue months, even though I was already financially comfortable.

I had to step back and ask: What’s my enough number? When do I get to enjoy the life I built instead of constantly chasing the next milestone?

I loved this book for grounding me and forcing me to define my number (it’s about the anti-hustle guide to grow your business).

4. You don’t have to hustle to be successful (but you can’t help it).

I told myself I’d embrace slow living. Work less, enjoy life more.

But here’s the thing: I like building and working A LOT. It energizes me but that is how I can burnout too.

I had to accept that I’ll never fully detach from work because I genuinely enjoy it. The key is ensuring I’m building something sustainable, not just grinding for the sake of it.

5. Not all coaching is worth the investment.

In my first 6 months, I spent thousands on programs and coaches who promised “fast results.” Some delivered. Others? Not so much.

I learned the hard way that price doesn’t always equal value. Now, I’ve carefully before investing.

Who have they actually helped? Are they selling a dream or a proven process? Most importantly, does their approach align with how I want to grow?

Another big question: Do I want to work with them? Do we vibe well?

There is no ONE right way. It’s what you feel is the best strategy for YOU.

6. Ruthlessly prioritize your time (no one will do it for you).

At work, my calendar used to be filled with back-to-back meetings.

Now, I could theoretically work whenever. That sounds great until you realize it means you’re always working.

I had to become intentional with my time. Setting work hours, blocking deep focus time, and cutting out anything that didn’t drive real impact.

7. Saying no is more important than saying yes.

Initially, I said yes to everything—every podcast invite, free coffee chat, and opportunity that might be good.

Big mistake.

I was stretched too thin, exhausted, and barely moving the needle in my business. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

8. Map your ideal lifestyle, then build your business model.

I know people making $500K a year who are miserable because they’ve built businesses that trap them. They can’t step away, and they’re constantly launching, selling, and delivering.

Before I scaled, I had to ask: What kind of life do I want? Do I want to work 10-hour days? Do I want to take Fridays off?

Then, I built a business model that supported that—not the other way around.

Now, my calendar has specific days for SPECIFIC work.

For ex. Fridays are for self-love, with no meetings; Mondays are for admin; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are for coaching calls; & Thursdays are for content/creative days.

9. Monetization is easier with a personal brand.

If you’re thinking about going solo, start building your brand now—post on LinkedIn, share your story, and document your journey (authentic content is never a shortage).

People buy from people they trust. And trust isn’t built overnight. When I launched my first paid offer, people signed up because they had followed my content for months (and years).

10. There are a bajillion ways to make money.

In Big Tech, my paycheck came from one place. In business, you can make money in so many ways—courses, coaching, content, digital products, partnerships.

The hardest part isn’t making money. It’s deciding how you want to make it. And make sure it aligns with how you actually want to live.

This year has been my life's hardest, most freeing, and most eye-opening.

Would I do it again? 100%. But I wish I had these lessons before I started.

If you’re considering leaving corporate to go solo, which resonates most with you?

Hit reply 👇🏼 I’d love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. I announced a giveaway on LinkedIn where I’m opening up my cal to free 1-1 calls. Literally, no strings attached. I just want to meet some of you and give back ❤️ 

Here are the winners:

Phil Song

Lana Ivory

Briana Lorenz-Marrow

Kimberly Pokladowski

If you’re a winner, please email me directly and I’ll send you a link to book a call with me!

P.P.S. I’ve relaunched my PM Accelerator to help you land your next Program Manager role so you can be richer, happier, and thrive on the job

To say it's a transformational experience is an understatement 😉.

Don’t believe me?

Check out these video testimonials from Irene, a solopreneur who landed a full-time PM role in 6 weeks.

Nick, who went from lacking clarity to now gaining confidence, owning his value, and landing dream interviews (and crushing them!)

And here are several other student wins 🎊

If you want to be my next success story, ✅ Apply now (and chat with my team!)

*Note: you must be based in the US and Canada and have 2+ years of transferable experience.