How to move on from coporate and start your own business with Shannon Russell

How to Successfully Transition from a 9-to-5 to Entrepreneurship

Quitting your corporate job to start your own business might sound like a dream—but let’s be real, it’s also terrifying. The security of a paycheck is hard to walk away from, even when you know you’re ready for more flexibility and fulfillment.

In a recent Content Magic podcast episode, I sat down with Shannon Russell, career transition and business coach at Second Act Success, to talk about what it really takes to move from the corporate world to entrepreneurship.

Why Do People Leave Corporate Jobs?

If you’ve been thinking about making the leap, you’re not alone. Many of Shannon’s clients leave their jobs for one main reason: flexibility.

“It’s knowing that you won’t have to miss your kid’s birthday or ballet recital. It’s having control over your time again.” — Shannon Russell

But it’s not just parents looking for flexibility—many people feel stuck in jobs that no longer fit their lifestyle or goals. Maybe your responsibilities are shrinking, or the company isn’t growing the way you hoped. Whatever the reason, making the switch to self-employment is a huge decision.

Shannon’s Journey: From TV Producer to Entrepreneur

Shannon spent 16 years as a television producer in New York and Los Angeles. She loved her career, but once she had a family, the demanding hours didn’t align with the life she wanted.

Instead of staying in an industry that no longer worked for her, she took a leap and bought a franchise—a move that gave her the freedom she needed. After running that business for eight years, she sold it and launched her coaching practice to help other women navigate career transitions.

How to Know If It’s Time to Leave Your Job

You might be ready to make a change if: ✔️ Your job no longer aligns with your priorities. ✔️ You feel stagnant with no room for growth. ✔️ You want more control over your schedule and income. ✔️ You’re constantly wondering if there’s something better.

That last one? That’s your gut telling you it’s time to explore other options.

The Myth of the “Perfect Time”

Spoiler alert: there’s never a perfect time to start a business. Waiting for the “right moment” often leads to years of staying in the same place.

“So many women think they have to wait until their kids are in college or until they have some magical safety net. But the truth is, that time never really comes.” — Shannon Russell

The key is to start planning now. Even if you’re not ready to quit today, you can start building the foundation for your business while you’re still employed.

The Reality of Entrepreneurship: It’s Not Always Glamorous

We see Instagram highlight reels of six-figure entrepreneurs working from the beach, but the truth is that running a business comes with ups and downs. There’s uncertainty, failed launches, and months that don’t go as planned.

But the tradeoff? Freedom, flexibility, and the ability to build something that truly lights you up.

“We built these businesses to be flexible—so why do we feel guilty when we actually take advantage of that flexibility?” — Lindsay Smith

Moving from Employee Mindset to CEO Mindset

One of the biggest challenges new entrepreneurs face is shifting from being an expert in their field to actually running a business. Being great at what you do is one thing—knowing how to sell, market, and scale is another.

Shannon and I both agree: successful business owners aren’t just talented—they’re strategic. That means learning how to delegate, streamline, and focus on what actually moves the needle.

Your Next Step: Start Small, But Start Now

If you’re feeling stuck in your career, now is the time to explore your options. You don’t have to quit tomorrow, but you can start: ✅ Identifying your skills that are transferable to entrepreneurship. ✅ Testing the waters with a side hustle. ✅ Investing in a coach or strategist to guide you. ✅ Building an exit plan so you feel prepared when the time comes.

And if you need support in making that transition, Shannon Russell is the go-to expert. You can find her at Second Act Success and on her podcast, Second Act Success Career Podcast.

Want more insights on entrepreneurship, content marketing, and building a business that fits your life? Follow me on Instagram @lindsaysmithcreative and stay tuned for more episodes of Content Magic! 🚀

CONNECT WITH SHANNON!
Instagram: @secondactsuccess 
Website: secondactsuccess.co
Podcast: Second Act Success Career 
Freebie: Second Act Journal