When I decided to leave my corporate job and venture into self-employment, it wasn’t a decision I made lightly. Like many engineers, I had built my career on stability, structure, and clear processes. I had worked as a research assistant in biomimetics at the University of Utah, taught Pashto language courses, and later joined Fresenius Medical Care, working in sustaining engineering and project management. My work was challenging and meaningful—but over time, I began to feel something was missing.

I craved flexibility. I wanted more time with my family. I wanted space to explore new ideas and passions that didn’t fit neatly into a corporate job description. So, I made a leap that many professionals dream about but hesitate to take: I became self-employed.

The Comfort and Constraints of Corporate Life

Working in the corporate world gave me a solid foundation. I learned how to work on complex projects, collaborate with diverse teams, manage timelines, and contribute to real-world solutions. There’s a certain comfort in having a defined role, a steady paycheck, and a predictable schedule.

But that comfort can come with constraints. I often felt boxed in—like my potential and creativity were being filtered through a narrow job title. In engineering, everything is process-driven, and while that’s part of what I love about the field, I also wanted the freedom to follow my curiosity and passions without being limited by company policies or rigid hierarchies.

The Challenges of Going Solo

Transitioning to self-employment wasn’t easy. One of the first things I realized was how much I had relied on structure—not just to guide my work, but to give me a sense of identity. Suddenly, I was my own boss, my own project manager, and my own support team.

There were days when I questioned my decision. When you work for yourself, there’s no one to tell you what to do or how to do it. That freedom is empowering, but it can also be overwhelming. You have to create your own routines, find your own clients or projects, and stay motivated even when things don’t go according to plan.

But with time, I started to embrace the learning curve. I treated it like any engineering problem: break it down into manageable steps, troubleshoot when necessary, and don’t be afraid to iterate.

How Engineering Prepared Me for This

Even though I changed paths, my background in engineering continues to guide me. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and project management are skills that apply just as much to running your own business as they do to designing systems or managing product lifecycles.

In fact, I often find myself relying on my engineering mindset to approach challenges strategically. Whether I’m organizing my daily workflow, setting business goals, or planning long-term projects, I use the same principles I learned in the lab and on the job: measure, evaluate, improve.

The precision and discipline I developed as an engineer gave me the confidence to move forward, even when things felt uncertain.

Redefining Success

One of the biggest shifts I experienced was how I define success. In the corporate world, success often means climbing the ladder, getting promoted, and hitting performance targets. But when you work for yourself, those traditional markers don’t always apply.

Now, success means something different to me. It’s about flexibility. It’s about waking up and having the freedom to spend time with my kids, go for a run, or bake without feeling rushed. It’s about aligning my work with my values and having the space to grow—not just professionally, but personally.

Self-employment has given me a chance to design a life that supports my health, my family, and my long-term goals. That’s not always easy, and it requires a lot of planning and resilience. But the trade-off has been worth it.

Advice for Others on This Path

If you’re an engineer—or anyone, really—thinking about making the transition from corporate to self-employment, here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• Start with clarity. Know what you want from self-employment. Is it more time? Creative freedom? Financial independence? Having a clear reason will guide your decisions.
  
• Lean on your skills. The abilities you’ve developed in your career—especially in problem-solving, planning, and communication—are incredibly valuable outside of corporate structures.
  
• Be patient with the process. The transition won’t happen overnight. There will be setbacks and doubts, but give yourself time to adjust.
  
• Stay connected. Just because you’re self-employed doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. Reach out to mentors, former colleagues, or other entrepreneurs. Community is essential.
  
• Make space for joy. Don’t forget to enjoy the freedom you’ve worked so hard to create. Whether that’s through travel, exercise, or time with family, those moments matter.
  

A Journey Worth Taking

Looking back, I don’t regret my years in the corporate world—they shaped who I am today. But I also don’t regret stepping away. Self-employment has given me a chance to live more intentionally, pursue new interests, and build something that reflects who I truly am.

As engineers, we’re trained to solve problems, but sometimes the biggest challenge is designing a life that aligns with your values. For me, leaving corporate life was less about running away and more about moving toward something better—a life with more purpose, more flexibility, and more heart.

And that’s a journey I’ll never stop being grateful for.