The Story of How I Switched from 9-5 to 24x7

A random Instagram Page was how it started.

It was August of 2022.
I was scrolling my Instagram after a long day at work.

That’s when I came across a Page - Social Rehash. 
I loved her designs and decided to follow her.

Being the stalker I am, I clicked on the link in her bio and found a YouTube video featuring her with none other than Saheli Chatterjee.

Believe it or not - that’s how I was introduced to the concept of “Freelancing”.
Or rather – how to do it right.
That there was actually a system to it.

Now, I’m not going to lie - this wasn’t my first attempt at owning a business.

I had toyed with at least 10 different business ideas in the past.
Planned, executed, and everything.

Owning a business had been a dream since day 1 of my job.

I still remember my first day at work – I came back home overwhelmed.
I cried, wondering if this was how my whole life was going to look like.

I promised myself – it wouldn’t.

So as soon as I came to know of freelancing, I bought a notebook, a few pens (as I do with every learning prospect of mine) and started consuming content.

I went through everything I could find online on freelancing - and started making notes.

But I never thought of making the actual leap… until the end of the year.

Cut to December 2022.
Work situation had become unbearable.
Despite giving my 100%, I couldn’t escape the claws of office politics.

One day, we were called into a team meeting and given ultimatums.

I faced a difficult decision to upskill and switch to a managerial role.
And that was the last thing I wanted.

I had seen my managers facing excruciating deadlines.
And basically zero personal life.

The only other option in sight was to quit.
In the back of my mind- this was precisely the moment I was looking for.

Now or never.

As soon as I got off the call, I texted a friend and discussed the scenario.

The conclusion was in my favor:
I was going to own a business!

Because if I didn’t- who else will?

I had been prepping for this and I knew I had the exact skills needed.
If I could replicate just 50% of what I had learned, I’d be good to go.

The next week- I put in my papers.
And that’s how it all began.

Now, while it might seem like I took a “leap,” I had actually been prepping for this for months (3.5 months to be precise).

That said, there are a few key things I wish I’d known before making the jump.:

• Probably the most important one- Not everyone is a business person. Ask yourself - are you one?

• Do not just quit because everyone else is. You may easily start with a part-time gig. Build foundation.

• If you’re anything like me- finances will keep bothering you day and night. You must have 6 months of living + entertainment expenses saved up for rainy days.

• Building a business is lonely. You’ll mostly be spending days in your pajamas with no one to talk to. And yes, you miss people the most. Even if you’re an introvert and prefer quiet time.

• If you love your work (for example making videos)- it will probably take up only 10% of the task sheet as a business owner. At least initially. Be ready to do everything from admin tasks to marketing to sales.

Here’s a checklist for anyone thinking of starting out:

But on the other hand, no matter how much you plan - something you’ll only know when you actually do it.

(That’s something I can assure you from my recent swimming lessons)

Sometimes, all you need is a leap of faith.
Even if you think you might drown.

Are you ready to surrender?

Here to guide you when you do

- Shrishti