Hi Dreamers and doers,
I am not sure how many of you are entrepreneurs or solo-preneurs already, but for those flirting with making the jump → This conversation is for YOU!
Sal Gallaher Author and myself sat down for a candid conversation about making the jump from corporate career to taking on a solo-preneur journey. See the below timestamps to see where the conversation took us.
Last but certainly not least, thank you yo Margaret Williams, MS, ACC Diamantino Almeida and all the others who joined us LIVE for the conversation and if you joined a bit later, this is your recording of the full conversation.
I hope you enjoy and it inspires someone.
Conversation Timestamps
00:04 — The decision to go solo
00:17 — The moment when we “quit” and how it felt for each of us
00:19 — When you free up space and time, you will find opportunities flood in
00:21 — The realities of solo-preneurship
00:48 — Noemi and Sal answer: “If you could have a do over, would we do it again?”
1) The decision to go solo — 00:06:23
Sal walked us through a measured path to solopreneurship. She reduced her employed days, built skills, tested offers, and watched the signal. When the timing aligned, she stepped out with intention.
I shared my own decision point. I was unhappy in a dream job at least on paper. I asked for Me Time, for real. I wanted alignment, family time, and the freedom to choose my priorities again. Clarity came from trying things while still employed, then deciding to jump on my own.
What helped
Build a brand/Test while you still have a salary
Know who you want to be useful to
Choose boundaries that protect time and attention
Try this
Write one sentence that starts with “I am useful to…” and ends with a specific person and problem. Use it as your filter for business ideas.
2) Quitting time and how it felt — 00:17:01
Sal described telling her boss. It felt like relief and happiness right away. Confirmation from home that it was the right move.
I talked about asking my boss for Me Time, giving notice, and the immediate feeling of joy and freedom. Not reckless. Responsible to my health and my family.
What it can mean for you
You can leave with dignity and a plan
Relief is data your body gives you
Responsible and brave can coexist in the same decision
3) When space and time opens up, opportunities flood in — 00:19:21
When your calendar stops squeezing you, new things show up. Sal saw invitations, library events, reader momentum, creative collaborations. I saw the same pattern, my new gig found me before my last day of work.
Why this happens
Leaving space lets you notice the right opportunities.
Free time to think of next steps helps you connect to the opportunities you really want
Non productive time is productive. Rest is productive and imperative for creativity.
Try this
Block two hours each week called White Space. No inbox. No errands. Have a pen an paper and write what comes to mind. hopes, dreams, projects opportunities, hopes. Put it in writing so it moves from gut feeling, to conscious brain and then your frontal cortex can register opportunities that fit your written hopes, dreams and goals.
4) The realities of solopreneurship — 00:08:53
This is the part most people skip. We did not.
Time management
I shared my daily rule. One must do. Two may dos. That is it. Sal resets from overwhelm with movement. Yoga, swim, run. Energy before output.
Being your own boss
You get to say no, and you have to say no. Define your ideal reader or client and stick to it. Selling becomes simple when the fit is clear.
Signal vs noise
Do the work that moves the needle. Writing the piece. Shipping the offer. Serving current subscribers or clients. Tinkering and performative busyness can wait.
Time vs money
Pay for help when it frees you to do higher value work. Money replenishes. Time does not.
Health
Autonomy improved our well-being. Better sleep, calmer minds, more presence with family. That matters.
Try this
Choose tomorrow’s one must do before you close the laptop
Keep a Done List to see compounding progress
When unsure, ask: does this drive value for my ideal person or for my business?
5) Would we do it again — 00:48:00
Sal’s answer was immediate. 150 percent yes!
My answer after almost a year is also a big YES! Not because every day is easy. Because every day is mine. I feel proud of the work and present with my family. That is the point.
If this helped, share it with one person who is on the fence. Block your first White Space session this week and tell me what walks in. 🎈
Rooting for your success,
Noemi Apetri
