Many aspire to reach the top of their career ladder, believing that a high-paying job and prestigious title will bring them happiness. I used to believe that, too. I worked hard, got promoted, and became CEO, but something was still missing. There was a deeper yearning for freedom, creativity, and alignment with my personal values that the corporate world couldn’t fulfill. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey of leaving behind a high-profile role to bet on myself and start my own company, All In Content, and why this has led to the most fulfilling chapter of my life. Starting my own business with All In Content is by far the best decision I’ve ever made.
Fired Twice: A Wake-Up Call
Losing a job can be devastating, but it can also be an opportunity to reevaluate your path. I was fired not once but twice throughout my career. While initially disheartening the first time around, these experiences forced me to confront an uncomfortable truth: I was giving my all to someone else’s vision, yet it wasn’t fully satisfying. I say the first time around, because the second time it happened, having gone through it before, I wasn’t fazed.
The first termination pushed me to explore side hustles and passions outside the 9-to-5 grind. I began doing freelance work, consulting, and building my own projects all while working and it unlocked a desire to one day strike out on my own. The freedom to control my work and align it with my own values sparked something I hadn’t felt before. Still, I didn’t dare to go “all in” alone — not yet.
Reaching the Top: CEO, But Still Unfulfilled
Eventually, I achieved what many would consider the pinnacle of success: I became the CEO of a thriving company. I earned fantastic money, had influence, and held a role many dreamed of, but something still felt empty. I was implementing someone else’s vision, working within parameters I hadn’t set, and answering to an owner that didn’t share my values. Despite the prestige and financial rewards, I realized this wasn’t the life I wanted.
That’s when it hit me — climbing the corporate ladder had only taken me further away from true fulfillment. It didn’t matter how high I rose in someone else’s company; I was still working for someone else. I yearned for the freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment that could only come from building something 100% mine.
Taking the Leap: Starting My Own Business
Almost two years ago, I made the scariest decision of my life. I resigned from my CEO role and decided to bet on myself. I leaped to create something from scratch, on my terms, and eventually founded All In Content. This wasn’t just about starting my own business but taking control of my life. I finally had the opportunity to create something aligned with my values, work schedule, and vision.
This decision wasn’t easy. Leaving a stable, high-paying job came with risks, financial uncertainties, and a steep learning curve. But each challenge also came with the excitement of knowing I was finally in control of my fate. I was building a company where I set the mission, chose the clients, and decided the direction. And that’s when everything changed.
Freedom, Flexibility, and Fulfillment: What I Gained from Going All In
Betting on myself, and starting my own business, led to three core rewards that no salary or title could match: freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.
- Freedom: I could make decisions without red tape or opinions I didn’t care to accept for the first time. I had the freedom to build a brand that reflected my values and passions.
- Flexibility: I could set my own schedule and design my days around my life, not the other way around. Flexibility became one of my greatest assets, whether that meant working from Vegas or Mexico, taking a mid-day break, or working only with clients who aligned with my vision.
- Fulfillment: Building All In Content has allowed me to find meaning in my work. I create video content that empowers other business owners, helping them grow and achieve their dreams. Seeing my clients succeed is incredibly rewarding, knowing I played a part in their journey.
Embracing the Journey as a Solopreneur Starting My Own Business
Working as a solopreneur for the last two years has been an invaluable experience. Managing every aspect of my business—from client acquisition to video production to done-for-you marketing—allowed me to learn the ins and outs of my company and understand exactly what All In Content stands for. There’s something incredibly empowering about saying, “I built this from the ground up,” and I wouldn’t trade that journey for anything.
But as fulfilling as it’s been to do everything myself, I’ve come to a new realization: to scale truly, I need to evolve from solopreneur to business owner. While the early days of “doing it all” were essential for growth and self-discovery, I know that running a business single-handedly isn’t sustainable in the long term. If I want All In Content to reach new heights and continue to deliver outstanding results for my clients, I need to bring in the right people who share my vision and values.
Hiring will allow me to step back from some of the day-to-day tasks and focus more on strategic growth, client relationships, and the long-term vision for All In Content. This evolution is a natural next step that I’m excited to embrace.
What I Learned Along the Way: Key Lessons from Starting My Own Business
Transitioning from CEO of another person’s company to Founder and CEO of starting my own business while betting on myself taught me a few invaluable lessons that I hope can inspire others to feel unfulfilled in their current careers.
1. Success Isn’t About the Title or Paycheck
Money and titles can be alluring but don’t necessarily lead to fulfillment. True success comes from doing work that excites and challenges you, not just adding another title to your resume. I chased so many promotions and raises over the years, only to grow more and more miserable.
2. Being in Control of Your Vision Matters
Working under someone else’s vision can stifle creativity and limit potential. You get to create something that genuinely reflects your beliefs, interests, and passions when you’re in charge. You’ll have more control, often leading to better results and a stronger connection to your work.
3. Flexibility Is Priceless
Flexibility allows you to create a life that fits around your work rather than being at the mercy of someone else’s schedule. It’s not just about working when you want; it’s about building a lifestyle supporting your personal and professional goals.
4. Failure Isn’t the End, It’s a Redirection
Getting fired was tough, but it was a necessary wake-up call that ultimately redirected me toward a more fulfilling path. I am so thankful and happy to have gotten fired both times. Plus, I learned a ton at each company. Each failure taught me resilience and the importance of aligning my work with my values. Sometimes, what feels like a setback is pushing you toward something better. I think getting fired twice gave me the confidence to resign from my position as CEO, as I knew that I could handle rebuilding myself.
5. Scaling Requires Letting Go
If you want to scale, you have to be willing to delegate and trust others with parts of your business. Being a solopreneur gave me invaluable insights, and bringing on a team will allow All In Content to grow in ways one person alone can’t achieve. Sometimes, stepping back so others can step in is the key to growth.
If You’re Ready to Bet on Yourself, Start Building Your Brand
If you’re feeling a lack of fulfillment in your career or are ready to take control of your own path, I encourage you to consider betting on yourself. Starting my own company was the best decision I ever made. I’ve found a level of happiness, success, and freedom I never experienced working for someone else.
Building a personal brand is one of the best ways to start that journey. At All In Content, I help people like you create impactful video content that reflects your values, attracts your ideal clients, and builds your reputation. With one powerful session, you can set up months’ worth of video content that fuels your brand’s growth — without feeling overwhelmed by constant content creation.
Conclusion: Is It Time to Bet on Yourself?
Leaving a high-paying job to start my own business was a risk, but it was the best investment I ever made. Betting on myself has given me more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment than any traditional job ever could. But more than that, it’s shown me that we must evolve to grow even as solopreneurs. For me, that means building a team to help All In Content reach new heights and empower even more clients.
If you’re considering taking that leap, remember that success isn’t just about financial gains; it’s about finding purpose and joy in your daily work. Whether you want to start a side hustle, create your brand, or launch a business, now is the time to bet on you.
Ready to make your mark? Let’s connect and discuss how we can help you build your brand through video. Book a consultation with All In Content and start your journey towards a fulfilling career today.