How To Take The Leap Into The Next Chapter in Your Life.
Back in 2006, I took a big Leap of Faith into the next chapter in my life. I quit the security of my full time job and went 100% into massage therapy. I had a number of reasons to take the leap for myself:
- 2 siblings who died in their 30’s
- Mom who died at 59
- My younger sister was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 1 month after I graduated from massage school
- My “job” as an IT Director was too stressful
- I suffered from daily headaches, taking 10-12 ibuprofen everyday for relief
- I knew I wanted to be my own boss
- I was ready to throw off the “golden handcuffs” of a job I both loved and hated
I truly knew about the Leap of Faith it requires to charge into the next chapter in your life. I remember talking with my husband and the conversation always came down to money – would I be able to bring home the same amount that I was making as an IT Director? I used the words “leap of faith” but that if I didn’t take it, massage would always be on the side, I would always be working 2 jobs, and I would always be tired.
I took specific actions and had a plan for leaving full time employment and it worked like a charm. My plan was to “Transition from Full Time Employment.” I took 2 days a week off as vacation (I had enough hours in my bank) and used those days to build my practice. At the end of 3 months, I had a full clientele and was able to quit my job.
Only twice in the first year did I not make enough to cover what I had been making as an IT Director – but I made up for it other weeks when I did better.
Flash forward to now 10 years post graduation from Bodymechanics School and I have pushed forward with plans several times – including opening the new school location in Vancouver. It hasn’t always been easy – I’ve had many challenges, including a traumatic finger amputation which caused me to change my focus and work ON my business.
Over the years, I have been curious about figuring out why I was okay with making the leap of faith. Why wasn’t security as important to me? I do know that I’ve been determined to keep going. I recently joined a new coaching program with Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach and I read the following bit in one of his books and it makes perfect sense.
2 Economies
Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach talks about the “risk barrier” that enables people to either stay or leave the job force. I definitely fell into the group called RESULTS where others I know who fear leaving the secure job fall into the TIME & EFFORT group.
RESULTS group Sees Opportunity No guaranteed Income (entrepreneur)
TIME & EFFORT group Seeks Security Guaranteed income (job)
Once entrepreneurs see results and understand that they don’t need an employer or job, possibilities are endless. They need the opportunity to create value for others. I have spent the better part of the last 6 years creating value and helping others reach their goal.
Trust me, I get it. Leaving the security of a job can be scary. I left the 401k, vacation and sick pay to creating my own way in the world. I took money out of my 401k to fund projects. I do not have a “traditional” retirement plan in place.
But, what I do have is opportunities to create.
Create my own version of life.
I get to build my dream.
In 2012, I bought the building in Tumwater that houses 3 separate businesses: Bodymechanics School, Integrative Health Clinic and Bodymechanics Fit Body Boot Camp. The Motorman building is my retirement plan when I’m ready to sell or lease it out. I learned early in my entrepreneurial adventures to invest in myself and my business first. (I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s a lot of fun planning your own business.)
So for those of you who are ready to trade safety for opportunity, I’m here to tell you that it is possible to succeed. I’m also here to help you create your exit strategy and take the leap yourself.
Another consideration
Stay at home parents have a very important “job.”
24/7 365 days a year for many years is exhausting but very rewarding.
But, what about the time that you are looking for something more? The kids are in school and you are ready to start your next the chapter in your life? Consider a massage career if having a rewarding career that is flexible enough to earn a better than average salary, yet spend plenty of time with your family.
Many students come to Bodymechanics School because they are ready to take the leap – whether job change, or their kids are now in school.
Whatever the reason – taking the leap of faith into the next chapter of your life will be scary. Only you can decide if you are ready and if a massage career is right for you. I can help you make that decision by sharing my experience, my story and my program with you.
With classes starting soon in both our Tumwater and Vancouver massage schools, I’d love to meet with you and talk about your goals.
Committed to your success
Shari Aldrich, LMP
President
Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage
