Advice for a young entrepreneur?

Lilith Haig

October 25,2023 at 5:01PM UTC

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Advice for a young entrepreneur?

Hi FGB community, newcomer here! I'm early in my career and at, what feels like to me, a major crossroads right now.

I'm almost 3 years out of undergrad and I accepted a full time role before graduating, which I am still in. The role was in my industry, which is very competitive (graphic design/motion graphics), and fully remote; it was an offer I felt I couldn't refuse. Unfortunately, I am in a very male-dominated space, which is fine, however once the role became hybrid (1-2 days/week in office), a few circumstances have led to me feeling extremely uncomfortable in-person.

At the same time, I've known my dream is to freelance full-time and I've come a long way with that the past 3 years; the 70-80 hour weeks between my full-time and freelancing have been worth it because I'm building something I truly love. The best part is, I'm one part-time/contract gig away from being able to leave my full time job.

Here's where the bad news comes in. I just found out that in January we will be in the office 3 days a week and I have a long commute. Not only would this severely damage the freelancing business I built (and possibly ruin the major contract gig I recently got), but it does hinder major goals I am looking to accomplish in the next 2-3 years (ex. buying a home with my fiancé near our families).

I have been applying to 7-10 remote full and part-time positions per week for the past year, but unfortunately given the competitive nature of my field and high demand for remote positions, nothing has turned up fruitful so far. I'm young and know I can afford to take risks, but the thought of losing my steady income to fully pursue my dreams is daunting. My partner and I have built a lot without any help from family, connections, etc. and losing that for what seems like selfish reasons is terrifying.

I would be incredibly grateful for any advice or words of wisdom. I'm usually afraid to ask for help, but it's something I've been working on. :)

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AnonymousOctober 26,2023 at 12:35PM UTC
If you are only one free-lance gig away from going out on your own, I would say go for it. It sounds like you have some excellent back-up with a partner that supports your career. You may have to tighten things up initially, but I doubt it will hurt you as much as you fear. You are right; since you are young and working on your niche, you can afford risks now better than you could once you have a significant investment in a home and (potentially) children.
Lilith HaigOctober 27,2023 at 6:18PM UTC
Thank you so much, this perspective is so valuable for young women to hear and I am incredibly grateful for your response. You've given me a lot to think about.
AnonymousOctober 29,2023 at 4:54PM UTC
Slow down! 3 years into your career you still have to build a solid foundation and reputation. Don't be so quick to think that you will find enough contract work to keep you financially solid until you have logged some more miles. I would try to make the commute work, see if you can do it offcycle a bit if there is traffic involved and if not then work with HR for a solution that means you don't end up with 12 hour days. Applying to jobs these days means apply to hundreds not just 7-10 and most folks getting new roles do so through professional referrals. Take your foot off the gas pedal and think long term about your career not just for the next year. If you have to move to be closer to work for you both perhaps doing so short term is the answer. Alternative would be find a room for 2-3 days per week and do that to avoid the commute while still looking for new work.