It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since I founded On Purpose Communications. Back in November 2020, it seemed like a leap of faith to launch a small business in the middle of a pandemic. Now I know that I was just ahead of the trend, as more people take part in the Great Resignation, leaving corporate life and secure jobs to find their “purpose.”
According to the Harvard Business Review, more than 4 million people, mostly mid-career, left their jobs in July 2021. What once seemed like a luxury or something one would “do later” has become more urgent, even essential. Prompted by the pandemic, people are rethinking their life goals, and technology and remote work open up possibilities that were previously unimaginable.
What took us so long? I can say with conviction being an entrepreneur is an unbeatable feeling. Even the most mundane tasks, such as setting up my own accounting system, are fun at the moment, because I’m learning something new. Also, there’s something extremely satisfying about depositing a check with your company’s name on it!
Most importantly, I’m doing work I love, sharing positive stories about people and organizations who are making a difference and creating change in this world. It’s been a triumph to slowly build a roster of clients who are doing important work in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and social impact, including JBG SMITH, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, Sodexo and Human Capital Consultants.
I thank them all for putting their confidence in me and for being a part of On Purpose Communications’ success. I thank the people behind those organizations for being my advocates, including my very first client, Dawnita Wilson, VP of Diversity + Inclusion for JBG SMITH, and my former boss and mentor Gordon Lambourne, VP of Communications + Events at NRAEF.
I’d also like to thank all the other entrepreneurs who shared their secrets to success, giving me an inside look at their communications consulting businesses. I’m talking about you, Janice D’Arcy, Dee Dee Dochen, Roo Johnson, Nina Madoo, Christy Parrish, Lisa Patten, Susan Rink, Mark Webster and Bob Witeck.
Don’t misunderstand me – I’m not saying everyone should leave their corporate roles and join the Great Resignation. For me, it was made possible by a very nice safety net and a great network built during a 30-year corporate career, as well as a very supportive husband with great health care benefits.
What I do know is that when you follow your heart and your purpose, your career—whether as an entrepreneur or for an organization—will prosper. And I’m not looking back.
Stephanie, it was my pleasure to help get you on your path to independence. I have always known you to be a superstar, in everything you took on.
As I prepare to retire in the next few weeks and look back on the past 15 years of being my own boss, I have to say that this has been the best, most fulfilling, most challenging and most rewarding period of my career.
I am looking forward to following your path and I wish you all the success in the world as you embark upon Year Two of your Great Liberation. Fondly, Susan
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