What Is the Hardest Part of Leaving a Big Job And How Do You Start Something New?

People imagine that the hardest part of quitting a big corporate role is the risk, the money, or the uncertainty.But every woman who has actually done it knows: the real difficulty is invisible. It’s identity.

You don’t just leave a job. You leave a title, a system where you knew exactly who you were, your inbox full of people needing you, and a clear ladder of what “success” meant.

Starting your own project — whether a business, a studio, or a second life — requires building a whole new definition of yourself.And that is the part nobody prepares you for.

1. The Hardest Part: Losing the “Corporate Identity Shield”

Inside a big role, you carry a badge that opens doors:a respected brand name, a title, a team, a rhythm.

The day you leave, you lose your shield.Suddenly:

• no one introduces you anymore

• no one needs your approval

• your calendar is empty and silent

• your old confidence doesn’t work in this new world

• 
  

You are no longer “Director”, “VP”, “Manager”, “Head of”.

You are simply you ; which sounds poetic, but feels extremely naked.

This loss of identity — not money — is what shocks most founders at the beginning.

2. The Second Difficulty: Re-learning How to Be a Beginner

In corporate life, you are the expert.

When you become a founder, you are the intern, the sales team, the accountant, the creative director, the IT support, the PR manager — all at once.

You are a beginner again.

Your ego hates it.

But your future depends on it.

Many women delay their launch for months because being “bad at something” feels unacceptable after 15–20 years of career excellence.

But competence comes later. Curiosity must come first.

3. The Third Difficulty: Loneliness — the One Nobody Talks About

Leaving a big job means leaving behind:

• hallway conversations

• a team that laughed at your jokes

• colleagues who understood context

• someone to complain with when things got tough

• 
  

Entrepreneurship, especially in the early months, can feel extremely lonely.

This loneliness makes many women question if they made the right decision ; even when their idea is strong.

So… How Do You Actually Start Something New?

Here are four steps that make the difference.

1. Start with a “Small Life Experiment,” Not a Business Plan

Before you commit to the big concept, test a mini-version:

• one workshop

• one prototype

• one Instagram series

• one newsletter

• one client

• 
  

Small experiments build confidence and momentum. Perfection kills both.

2. Build a New Identity Sentence

You need one sentence that feels true and light:

“I help women design their next chapter.”

“I create things that make life easier for travelers.”

“I build joyful spaces for founders.”

This sentence replaces the lost title and becomes your new compass.

3. Create Your Personal Board of Allies

Not advisors.Not investors.Just 3–5 women who get it:

• one who has built a business

• one who knows you deeply

• one who challenges you

• one who supports you emotionally

• 
  

These voices become the anchors you need to keep moving.

4. Accept That You’re Not “Starting Over” — You’re “Starting With”

You are not beginning from zero. You are beginning with:

• 10+ years of experience

• emotional intelligence

• international perspective

• resilience

• a network

• instincts

• taste

• values

• clarity

• 
  

Your “second chapter” is not a rebirth. It is a recomposition.

The Truth

Leaving a big job is not the end of something successful ; it’s the beginning of something intentional.

The hardest part is identity.

The bravest part is beginning again.

The reward is a life where your work and your values finally meet.