Navigating the Transition: How Solopreneurs Are Treated in the Shift Back to Corporate Careers
Many of us continuously seek opportunities and innovative solutions in our personal and professional journeys. A year ago, I founded MeyvnMedia, LLC (pronounced "M-a-v-e-n") to bridge the gap between marketing strategies and the brand vision, creating alignment with broader business growth goals. To help achieve this goal, I not only develop and implement the strategies but also help employees better understand their roles in achieving their company's vision. Since then, I've worked with diverse clients, ranging from fintech startups to Fortune 250 corporations.
Nevertheless, like numerous solopreneurs, I have encountered formidable hurdles. We have been forced to carve out a distinctive niche in a competitive market saturated with players competing to offer similar services. While many may still regard what they do as a "side hustle," some have chosen to make that side hustle their primary and sole focus.
Like many others, I've contemplated where my future path will lead. Do I upskill and pivot in another direction? Adapt to the current environment? I've also explored potential collaborations with other consultants or offering white-label services to startups. But the other possibility I've also pondered is a return to the corporate world.
However, I was in for a surprise. While I was well-prepared for interviews for Senior Director, Lead, VP, and SVP Strategy roles, I was caught off guard by some unexpected questions. Some were perplexing, some bordered on condescending, and some were even offensive. What follows is just a tiny sample of what I was asked.
Do you plan, or will you steal our clients?
Why have you only been at this job for two years? (The median employee tenure in the US is 4.3 years for men and 3.8 years for women. However, employees agree that if you're in a job for 2 years, don't receive any new duties, and exhausted all learning opportunities, it's time to move on).
Can you get along with others?
Will you be able to follow a schedule and meet timelines?
Do you have client-facing experience?
Have you managed a team before?
How are your time management skills?
And my favorite: What horoscope sign are you?
Of course, there were valid questions that deserved thoughtful responses. For example, the top three questions needing detailed explanations are:
Why did you leave your last full-time role in a company to start your venture?
What are you looking for in the role you're applying for?
What are your plans for your company if you were to secure this job?
Additional questions that can be challenging to address include:
Tell me about yourself and make it unique!
How do you define 'strategy' in your own words?
Why do you want to join our company?
Challenges in Transitioning from Solopreneur to Corporate Career
Embarking on a journey of returning to the corporate workforce as a solopreneur requires careful consideration, adaptability, and a readiness to face unexpected inquiries. While navigating through this journey, we may encounter some intriguing and perplexing questions that may warrant legitimate answers. However, the inquiry into our true intentions and the lingering stigma suggesting we may not measure up are overly simplistic and misguided.
Recently, I came across an article suggesting that companies are reluctant to hire solopreneurs because we pose a threat. The concern is that we may need to improve the caliber of the company's output by challenging conventions or being excessively innovative to make ourselves look good at the organization's expense.
Returning to the corporate workforce marks a substantial shift in one's professional journey. And let's be honest, it's no cakewalk. But what drives this return? It's crucial to clarify that these motivations don't involve any nefarious client-stealing schemes; it's quite the opposite. In conversations with fellow solopreneurs, particularly in marketing and advertising, four prevailing themes emerge:
Loneliness and the Need for Collaboration: Working independently in our careers, away from the daily interaction and support of office colleagues, can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. During my first three months as a solo entrepreneur, I experienced feelings of disconnection and frequent emotional struggles. We miss collaborating with colleagues as subject matter experts because we value idea exchange, feedback, and the sense of belonging from working with those with similar professional interests and challenges. This collaboration is vital for our growth, innovation, and overcoming the isolation often linked to solopreneurship.
Work-Life Balance: Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be an ongoing challenge for solopreneurs who often burn the midnight oil. Returning to the corporate sphere can be a conscious decision to regain equilibrium, with clearly defined work hours and the ability to disconnect from work when the day ends. Initially, working those adrenaline-fueled 16-hour days felt like a tremendous triumph. I relished the accomplishment of exceeding expectations and driving projects to completion. But the toll it took on my well-being became evident. In my 10-plus years in marketing, I had never experienced it before, but last year, I had three panic attacks within three months.
Stability and Security: Entrepreneurship can be thrilling but often comes with its fair share of anxiety. Many solopreneurs venture into the corporate fold to pursue a stable income, benefits, and a financial safety net. The reassurance of a consistent paycheck and financial security offered by a corporate job can be comforting in the turbulent business landscape.
Career Growth: While managing a solo venture can be deeply fulfilling, it may provide different avenues for career progression and development compared to a corporate position. Solopreneurs may choose to rejoin the corporate ranks to tap into structured career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and the opportunity to ascend the corporate ladder. As much as I enjoy mentoring several exceptional women, I'm also actively looking for a mentor to guide my journey.
In the current landscape of transitions, the desire to rejoin the corporate world is grounded in genuine intentions. Additionally, the decision to return also involves self-discovery, growth, and a pursuit of balance.
In the meantime, another burning question bears discussing: "Is Corporate America Punishing Solopreneurs for Their Return to the 9-to-5 Grind?" We'll answer that next time.
