I’m unemployed. A former CEO of a $45M revenue company and I can’t get a job…sigh. I’m up against Ageism and skepticism. I live in a college town with a ton of “over qualified” people. I’m feeling pushed into a “scarcity mind set”. Taking a low paying job or jumping into the “frying pan” again. I’m so scared and anxious. However, I have an opportunity to become self employed as a “Fractional COO” for mid size companies. I’ll need to get my own clients, but there is a need out there for “Fractional COOs”.
How does one trust their HP and rid themselves of this “scarcity mind set”? I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. But, fear, imposter syndrome and “scarcity mindset” have afflicted my ability to succeed.
I value this community and any wise counsel will be greatly appreciated. Thank you-
First of all Howdy, nice to meet a fellow “Soberite”.
I am not at all in your upscale corporate world of employment. However I have been an accountant for over 40 years and had hundreds of clients (doctors, dentists, attorneys, etc)
I was once told back in my 20s to become self employed. With my skills the clients will come and I will do fine. Scared at first I kept my employment and begin building my client base. With that experience and you knowing there is a need for “Fractional COOs” I say go for it. Not sure of the start up costs for such a venture but right now what have you got to lose?
I love you are going to AA later… again maybe might have to take a lower pay until you get your Venture Rolling. Pray about it…
Please know I only am making suggestions based on my experience. Let us know how it all goes. Congratulations on your sobriety.
First and foremost, you probably know this already but we all need to hear this from time to time: being unemployed and unable (thus far) to land a new job is not personal, a lot of stars need to align before a job lands and that takes time and, frankly, the luck of knowing the right people and being available at the right time.
Being self-employed and picking up fractional roles is not as scary as it sounds. From experience, you need two things to succeed:
Good professionals (accountant, attorney, insurance broker etc.) to teach you how to run a legally and financially viable company that generates enough profit for a decent living.
The energy to do ongoing network- and business development or a good network of recruiters to help you land gigs. The biggest pitfall is to get absorbed in your temporary gigs and only resurface once they stop, with no pipeline to help you to the next one.
As @tailee17 stated: the above is based on my personal experience, mileage may vary. Good luck!
