If you had told me a year ago that I’d be writing a blog post titled “From Corporate to Entrepreneur: My Journey One Year Later,” I probably would’ve laughed… and maybe even called you mad.
I mean, who willingly walks away from a stable job — with a guaranteed salary, medical aid, a retirement fund, and yes, reserved parking — during a pandemic?
Who leaves the status and social currency that comes with a job title?
The kind of influence that opens doors, secures speaking slots, and makes your phone buzz with invites and opportunities?
Well, me. I walked away.
To add to the drama, I didn’t leave at a time when the economy was booming. Nope. I left during the peak of COVID-19, when retrenchments, salary cuts, and uncertainty were the order of the day. And I left to pursue a dream — to build a business that empowers people with financial skills.
Some might call it foolish. I call it purpose-driven.
A New Chapter: Opening the Doors of TKO Financial Wellness
On 1 August 2021, I stepped into my new office in Maseru West in Lesotho. The space was beautiful. I was full of dreams, hope, and ambition. But also — full of nerves. I was officially my own boss. No more check-ins. No one to send me a salary. No IT helpdesk to fix my email. Freedom!
But also… pressure. Thirty days fly by fast when you’re the one responsible for paying the bills — and yourself.
This blog series is my way of sharing the behind-the-scenes of what the first year of entrepreneurship has looked like. The highs. The heartbreak. The healing. If you’re standing at a career crossroads — wondering if you should stay for security or leap into your dreams — this is for you.1. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Leaving
I didn’t expect the emotional chaos that followed.
Nine months in, I finally admitted to myself: I’m struggling.
I missed my title, the relevance it gave me, and the validation I received in social and professional spaces. I didn’t think it would hurt so much to no longer be “invited.” Watching my old hashtags being used by others made me feel irrelevant.
I felt like I had become invisible. I missed hallway chats, lunchtime banter, and even the internal emails I used to complain about. I was grieving the life I left behind.
2. The Lifestyle Tug-of-War
Confession time: I didn’t adjust my lifestyle immediately.
I still wanted the outfits, the fancy lunches, the networking events. I kept spending like I still had a guaranteed paycheck. I dipped into savings, shopped unnecessarily, and avoided the uncomfortable truth: my income was now unpredictable.
I felt like a fraud. I was a financial wellness coach who wasn’t walking the talk — and the guilt was heavy.
3. The Weight of Loneliness
As money got tighter, I started declining social invites. I told myself I was “focused on my business,” but in truth, I was hiding. I felt misunderstood. Alone.
My friends were still in structured jobs. Their lives hadn’t changed. Mine had. The disconnect was real — and painful.
I cried more than I care to admit.
In public, I smiled. Online, I posted wins. But behind the scenes, I was doubting everything.
4. Wrestling with Imposter Syndrome
Even with a business plan and years of experience, I doubted my value.
Every time I sent a proposal or quote, I second-guessed it.
Was it too much? Too little? Am I worth this?
I compared myself to others — people in completely different industries and phases of their journey. That comparison stole my joy and shook my confidence.
One Year Later: What I’ve Learned
It’s been a full year of becoming. A year of growth, humility, healing, and rediscovery.
I’ve cried. I’ve celebrated. I’ve made mistakes — and I’ve survived them. I’ve learned to honour my journey and give myself grace.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing the tools, habits, and mindsets that have helped me cope and grow: from therapy and journaling to budgeting hacks and spiritual practices.
But for now, if you’re considering leaving corporate to pursue a calling — breathe.
Prepare, plan, and pause when you need to. This journey is not for the faint-hearted, but it is for the bold, the brave, and the believers.
You are not alone.
With love, light & wellness, stay trailblazing!
TKay Nthebe
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