Three Years Since I Left My Job: A Journey of Growth and Entrepreneurship
In this blog, I want to share my story: how I made the decision to leave, how I found my first clients, and how my career has evolved over time.
It’s been three years since I left my full-time job. Three years might seem like a long time, but the journey that led me here and the path I’ve walked since then have been far from simple. In this blog, I want to share my story: how I made the decision to leave, how I found my first clients, and how my career has evolved over time.
The Beginning: From Engineer to Brand Manager
Let me start with some background. At 18, I moved to Poland to study computer engineering. My childhood and teenage years were deeply rooted in web development and design. I spent countless hours honing my skills in technology, but I was never a "classic" software engineer. My personality naturally gravitated toward networking and building relationships, which allowed me to create a wide-reaching global network over the years.
After my studies, I pursued a master’s degree in the U.S. and even spent time in South America learning a new language. Eventually, I returned to Poland and began working as a Sales Representative for one of Europe’s largest döner kebab manufacturing companies. It might seem like an unusual pivot, but I felt it was time to explore a different path. Within a short time, I transitioned into the role of Brand Manager.
During my six years in that position, I handled a variety of projects: designing logos, managing corporate identities, creating marketing and promotional materials, organizing trade fairs, overseeing social media strategies, and even securing funding for large-scale advertising projects. From professional photography to PR campaigns, patent work, and award-winning brand launches, I managed hundreds—if not thousands—of projects.
The Leap: Leaving Stability Behind
Some people dream of climbing the corporate ladder, while others feel an entrepreneurial itch. Neither is inherently right or wrong—it depends on who you are. For me, entrepreneurship was always in my DNA. As a student, I designed websites, wrote blogs to support myself financially, and chased international startup projects. By the time I decided to leave my full-time job, I knew it was time to build something of my own.
I had a candid conversation with my managers about my aspirations. Thankfully, the company supported my transition, even becoming my first and largest client when I started my own media services business. This initial support gave me the runway I needed to get started, but it was far from easy.
The Early Days of Entrepreneurship
The first few months were daunting. After deciding to leave my full-time position, I committed to working for the company part-time for 1–2 months while simultaneously searching for new clients. Once I announced my new venture to my network, things started moving quickly. Within three months, we had signed contracts with over 10 clients across multiple countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Poland, the U.S., and France. It was a whirlwind.
Of course, stepping away from a steady paycheck into the unpredictable world of self-employment was a massive risk. But the satisfaction of working for myself, the ability to control my earnings through hard work, and the freedom to make my own decisions made it all worth it.
What Changed Over Three Years?
The past three years have brought immense growth and change. My team and I have expanded our services to clients across different industries and countries. We established not only a strong presence in Poland but also incorporated a company in the U.S., catering to North American markets.
We’ve participated in EU-funded projects, scaled our operations, and delivered thousands of projects across various sectors. Each challenge and milestone reinforced my belief that taking that leap was the right decision.
Key Lessons Learned
Throughout this journey, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and experience, including:
Time Management: Balancing multiple projects and clients requires razor-sharp time management skills.
Task and CRM Management: Implementing tools to streamline operations and manage customer relationships effectively.
Team Leadership: Building and leading a team taught me invaluable lessons about delegation, communication, and fostering growth.
Cross-Time Zone Workflows: I mastered the art of working with clients and team members spread across different time zones.
Emerging Technologies: I delved into new technologies, particularly in the field of AI, to stay ahead in a competitive market.
Startup Experience: Running my own company has given me hands-on startup experience, from strategy and operations to scaling.
What I Gained
A Global Network: I now have connections in dozens of countries, collaborating with clients and partners worldwide.
Freedom: The ability to work remotely has given me unparalleled flexibility to spend time with family while growing my business.
Expansion: Incorporating a company in the U.S. allowed us to break into the North American market and expand our reach.
Diverse Projects: With hundreds of projects completed, I’ve gained insights into industries I never imagined working in.
Personal Fulfillment: Above all, the joy of building something from the ground up and watching it thrive is priceless.
Final Thoughts
If you’re working full-time and dreaming of starting your own business, let this serve as inspiration and encouragement. The road is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Taking that first step is the hardest part, but once you’re on the journey, growth and opportunities will follow.
Three years ago, I left the stability of a corporate job to take a chance on myself—and it was the best decision I ever made. If you’re contemplating a similar leap, I hope this story gives you the motivation to take that first step.
What’s your story? If you’ve been through a similar experience or are considering making a big career change, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect!