10 years self-employed
What a ride!
How time flies: I started my own business in October 2014! A reason to celebrate!
I still remember the exact moment when I submitted my first offer and the enormous joy of my first big assignment. Since then, I have been able to get to know so many wonderful people and support them on their journey in my role as a coach and organizational development consultant. I am incredibly grateful for that.
If I could tell my younger self something, it would probably be: “Look forward to it! This will be one of the best decisions of your life!”
Whether international corporations, SMEs or start-ups - whether coaching, team workshops or large group events - whether mindfulness workshops, change processes or design thinking sessions - it is this wide variety that makes my job so great. I feel very fortunate to be able to bring the topics close to my heart into a wide variety of contexts.
Last year, the co-founding of changeglück was a milestone and the perfect complement to my solo self-employment. My colleague Heike and I are pooling our expertise in supporting change processes. It's great to see how we can achieve even more together.
Of course, there have also been challenging times in these 10 years, first and foremost the drastic slump in orders in the COVID-19 year 2020. And yes, sometimes I simply don't have the energy for acquisition activities or the next LinkedIn post. But I wouldn't want to miss out on the freedom to shape my own path.
So what have these 10 years taught me? A wealth of valuable moments and important insights:
- I have learned to trust my intuition. My gut and heart have become my guideposts. They help me to decide where to say yes and how best to use my strengths.
- Bumpy phases and lulls are also part of it. That's when confidence and the willingness to explore new paths help me. This is often when unexpected, exciting opportunities arise.
- The line between work and private life blurs quite quickly as a self-employed person. Today I know that self-care is not a luxury. My Wednesday yoga class is just as important as a customer appointment.
- My network is my source of strength. Sharing ideas with others not only gives me helpful inspiration and support, but also recharges my batteries for new challenges.
A big thank you goes especially to:
- My customers for their trust and the opportunity to grow together.
- My peer group for countless inspirations and changes of perspective.
- My friends and companions for valuable conversations and shared learning experiences.
- My husband for his support and much more.
I am very much looking forward to the next 10 years and what lies ahead.
