A year ago I left my full-time job to work for myself. I’ve read a lot of articles and blogs and heard people talk about doing this over the years, but none of them were a story like mine.

I didn’t storm out the office one day, my chair still spinning as I flicked two fingers to the comfort of a regular salary to ‘be true to myself’. It wasn’t an impulse decision and it didn’t happen overnight. One year on, I know it was the right choice for me, but that doesn’t mean I’d never go back to a regular job again.

So here’s a few words of advice, pointers, anecdotes, whatever.

I actually liked my job. I wasn’t in a ‘dead-end job’ and I wasn’t trapped in a ‘soulless corporate hell’. I worked for a cancer charity writing and editing medical booklets to give information and support to people going through a pretty rubbish time. It was rewarding and I was good at it, but I’d done it for 8 years, and it was time for a change.

I’d already built a business. I’d been coaching runners for more than two years when I went full time. Three to four nights a week I’d go straight from my office to meet my running groups. I’d written two books and did a bit of freelance writing too, all while holding down a 9-5.

Looking back on the 11 hour days, it feels exhausting, and it was. But at the time I didn’t notice because I was enjoying what I did. All this meant that when I left my 9-5 behind, I wasn’t starting from zero.

I’d saved up. I don’t have a trust fund or a rich partner or a fairy godmother. I have to pay my rent and buy food like most people. But I did have savings. All the money I earned from any work outside of my 9-5 (after tax) went into an account (mainly because I didn’t have time to spend it). So once I left work, I had enough to see me through six months+ if I needed it. (I haven’t so far.)

I got ill. That’s the thing you worry about most when you work for yourself: what if you’re ill and can’t work? This summer I had a lot of trips to the hospital, which in some ways would have been easier to manage if I were at my old job with paid sick days. But my new life allowed me to slow down, sleep in some days and create a schedule that worked for me. And I think that’s been a big factor in why I’m well now.

I had support from friends and family. I don’t think one person told me I was making a mistake or asked “But what about….” questions. My friend Liz also works for herself and it’s good to have someone to bounce ideas off or Skype for a bit of company on days at my desk. I’m looking forward to our ‘virtual office Christmas party’ next week.

So there you go. It’s not everyone’s experience, but it’s my experience. Thanks to all my lovely clients this year. It’s been lots of fun and I’m looking forward to 2017.

Looking to run your first marathon in 2017? Join me for a one-day workshop to give you the confidence and knowledge to make it to the finish line.