Choosing Happiness: The Day I quit Entreprenuership
In 2021, I made a bold move: I quit my job, dove headfirst into entrepreneurship, and opened a small business. On paper, everything was perfect. I had meticulously prepared a business plan that outlined every detail, from target markets to financial projections. The business, a consignment outdoor gear shop, was a success. Revenues grew steadily, and customers were happy. But beneath the surface, I was unraveling.
It took me a while to realize that while I had done all the research to prepare my business for success, I hadn’t done the research on myself. As an introvert, I had plunged into an extrovert’s world. Running a retail business required constant customer interactions, community engagement, and an endless stream of energy that I simply couldn’t sustain. I’d created a great business but failed to consider whether it aligned with my personal needs and strengths.
The demands of entrepreneurship consumed my life. My mornings, evenings, and weekends were no longer mine. I felt a pressure to always be “on,” and over time, my well-being took a backseat. Worse yet, I began to feel horrible about hating my business—something I had poured my heart and soul into. I couldn’t stand it. I felt like I had failed, even though the business was growing and successful. I had been achieving exactly what I set out to do: I was my own boss, and I was connecting with my community. Yet, despite all that, I was miserable.
That moment of clarity led me to one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made: I decided to sell my business. I knew it was the right choice, but it didn’t make it any less terrifying. What would people think? Where would I go next? Who was I if not “the owner”? Despite my fears, I forged ahead. I created a plan, found the right buyer, and said goodbye to the business I had poured my heart into.
Want to sell your business?
Get my Biz Sale Master Plan for $9.99. A downloadable guide to selling your small business.
Selling the business was just the beginning. Shortly after, I landed a job in marine engineering and moved to Hawaii. The transition was grueling—selling a business and relocating across the ocean within a short time frame felt like a whirlwind. There were moments when everything seemed like a blur, and I wondered if I’d ever feel grounded again.
Now, as I reflect, I can see how the chaos eventually gave way to calm. Life is finally starting to slow down, and for the first time in years, it feels good. At the end of the day, I sold out, I went back to a 9 to 5, and it feels great. I’ve learned to embrace balance and give myself permission to live life at my own pace.
Looking back, I realize that entrepreneurship often emphasizes preparing the business but rarely preparing the business owner. It’s easy to focus on market trends, profit margins, and customer demographics while neglecting to ask the most critical question: Is this right for me?
I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the path I’m now on. My journey to slow living wasn’t linear, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth every step. If there’s one takeaway from my story, it’s this: success isn’t just about what you build; it’s about how you live.
Want Affordable Business Support?
Paige offers affordable business support. Let’s make a plan, playbook or strategy to take your business to the next level
I want to let entrepreneurs and anyone with a job know that quitting is not failure. Failure is when you are not staying true to yourself. Please reach out if you are struggling with entrepreneurship and want to develop a plan to close or sell your business. Send me an email if you feel upside down because everything you built feels like your personal hell. I have been there. Change will come. Email me, Paige, at paigeofthepalms@gmail.com. I am always happy to chat.