When you veer from the status quo and do what many “people” wish they could be doing, people will have thoughts and opinions. They’ll offer unsolicited advice and input on everything from the service (product) you offer, to pricing, your logo and font selection, and the (to some unfathomable) concept of being self-employed in general. Some people will try and bring you down, whereas others will want to be part of your (new and exciting) thing … perhaps in the hope that some of your rebel dust rubs off. 

It is likely (but not guaranteed) that for some time post-leap, more “militant” corporate types, even close friends, former colleagues and family, might regard you as a curiosity, someone who betrayed the corporate tribe, a subversive not to be trusted. Let them. Chances are they’ll come around and, who knows, suddenly they might even be in the market for your particular services. Also keep in mind, a new tribe – the professionally independent – await your pleasure. 

When facing detractors, nay-sayers and ignorance on the subject (of professional independence), take the high road and cut people some slack. An all too common human affliction is to “neg” unfamiliar concepts and things we do not fully understand. If discussing solopreneurship with a happy-to-be corporate cog or company person, with no self-employment experience and no inclinations to explore such a path, it is unlikely to be a fruitful discussion. It is, however, a good opportunity for you to practice your pitch and calmly explain your brand’s and business’s raison d’être …   

Paradoxically, once you go indie, you will have more in common (from a career path point-of-view) with young, professional YouTube:ers and/or TikTok:ers, than with former corporate colleagues and friends. While some immutable laws of branding and business are shared by companies of all types and sizes, as an independent you will play by a different set of rules. Indeed, you’ll be making many of the rules yourself.

Keep “fans” and independence-friendly friends close. And put together a small, informal advisory board; ideally comprising a diverse set of individuals with entrepreneurship and/or self-employment experience – reciprocate on request. Get the people you truly care about, closest to you, on the same page. A private cheerleading squad is always handy.

Most importantly, focus on what (prospective) clients think and make sure they are delighted; don’t waste energy pondering what other “people” may or may not think. This professional independence thing is for you. It is unlikely you will reflect back on your life wishing you had attended more budget meetings, stabbed more people in the back as a way to climb the corporate ladder, engaged in more office politics, endured more soul-sucking bosses (or employees) or worked more unpaid overtime.