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GLOBAL WOMEN FOUNDERS 

What I Wish I Knew: The Don’ts of Starting a Business After a Life Transition

At Global Women Founders, many of us are building businesses after a big life change:✨ Moving to a new country✨ Leaving a corporate career✨ Returning after family years✨ Recovering from burnout✨ Starting a second life after a personal transition


It’s exciting — and also full of unknowns.


One of the most popular conversations in our community is:👉 “What do you wish you had known before you started?”


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So here are some of the most common “don’ts” — things our founders say they wish they’d done differently when starting a business after a life transition:


  • Don’t wait until you feel “ready” — start small and explore

Life transitions often shake your confidence. Many of us waited too long, thinking we needed the perfect plan, perfect logo, perfect time.

Reality: There is no perfect moment. Starting with small steps — conversations, testing ideas, doing light projects — builds momentum and clarity.

👉 Start imperfectly. Action brings learning.


  • Don’t isolate yourself — build a circle early

When starting after a transition (especially abroad), it’s tempting to “figure it out alone” first.

But: Entrepreneurship after a life change is already full of uncertainty — you need support.Find circles where people understand your path: other founders in transition, second-life entrepreneurs, mentors.

👉 You’ll move faster and feel less alone.


  • Don’t build the business you “should” — build what fits your life now

After transitions, we often carry old expectations: “I should build a scalable startup” or “I should match my past career.”


But your life may have changed — your business can reflect that: maybe smaller, more flexible, more aligned with what matters now.

👉 Design a business that serves the life you want to build now.


  • Don’t overlook the legal & financial basics — especially cross-border

Many second-life founders launch quickly — but skip key legal, tax, or financial questions (especially when moving countries).

👉 Talk to professionals early. Avoid future stress. Cross-border legal & tax mistakes are common — and expensive.


GWF Ask the Founder sessions often cover this — join one!


  • Don’t compare your timeline to others

Big trap: looking at others who seem to be “ahead” — forgetting they may not have gone through the same transitions.

After life changes, your timeline is yours — it’s normal to go slower, to need time to rebuild networks, confidence, or energy.

👉 Focus on consistent small steps — not fast comparison.


SO IN ONE WORD:

Starting a business after a life transition is one of the most creative, brave things you can do.It’s not just about work — it’s about building a life that reflects who you are now.


At Global Women Founders, we’re here to share experiences, support each other, and help you avoid the mistakes we made.Because yes — you really can gain a year by learning from those who’ve been there.


Come join us for a coffee, a conversation, or an Ask the Founder session. 🌸



 
 
 

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