Guest Blogger Megan McCurry: How I left my day job to build my own business without burning my bridges
I have been managing a side business for two and half years since I started with it in September 2014. I had high hopes that it would grow to become a full-time job and replace the salary at my 9-5. After hustling for a couple hours per day after “work,” my dream has come to reality. I was making more per month in my part-time gig than I was at a non-profit for 40 hours per week. I could no longer juggle both jobs and do them well, so the only reasonable decision was to leave my day job to pursue the growth of my business.
I met Alex at a conference when we both worked in higher education about five years ago. We became quick friends, and I knew she was headed somewhere big. Exactly one year ago she was traveling to Austin, and was sweet enough to visit me in the hospital after a major surgery. We got caught up on her venture, Ask For It, and I was thankful to know someone with her expertise. I knew it would come in handy at some point in my future.
I decided to give my notice to my current employer and leave at the end of March just before a huge event I was planning was to take place. There was a trip for my business I needed to take, and since my boss would not approve my paid time off (PTO), I had to do what was ultimately best for me and my future. As one who always strives to please people and do the best thing for them over myself, it was not easy to tell my boss my last day would be a week before our largest event of the year, for which I was the main point-person.
I texted Alex that afternoon before meeting with my supervisor to see if I could ask for her advice. She promptly responded, and I gave her the rundown of my situation. I will always remember what she suggested. She said to let my boss know that I needed to resign, but to ask for her help in determining a creative solution to bridge the gap between me leaving and a new hire onboarding. I offered to help interview my replacement and train them until my last day so that we were able to have a smooth transition. After speaking with Alex, I was more confident to give my resignation in person. As someone who has always strived to avoid conflict and disappointing people, I knew this decision was ultimately for me, not them. Though the news caught by manager by surprise, she was very supported and congratulated me on the success of my new endeavor.
I am grateful for the counsel of Alex and the wealth of information I’ve gained from her. She has a great thing going, and I recommend her services 110%.
Want to share your own negotiation story? We'd love to hear it! Contact Lily at lily@askforit.co to learn more about guest blogging.
Megan McCurry
Megan McCurry is an event planner turned entrepreneur who runs a network marketing business in the health and wellness industry, leading a team of nearly 1,000 members.
Megan believes being your best self starts from the inside out, and she truly strives to help every single person around her reach their full potential in their health, relationships, and faith.
Megan has has worked as an event planner in the nonprofit industry in Dallas, New York City, and Austin, TX. She most recently raised over one million dollars through several fundraisers she single-handedly put on for the American Red Cross in Central Texas. She now works full-time teaching others about the infinite uses of essential oils, and her sales neared $60,000 last month.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Texas A&M University.
Learn more about Megan's business at www.peaceloveessentials.com.