By Susan Stilwell, Executive Growth Strategist, The Entrepreneur’s Source
As women navigating today’s professional landscape, many of us are rethinking what security really means for our careers. With the rapid rise of AI and increasing job volatility, the traditional corporate job no longer guarantees stability or control over our futures.
But there’s a growing realization among women: we don’t have to settle for uncertainty. Business ownership is emerging as a powerful way to take back control, offering independence, flexibility, and the ability to shape a career that aligns with our values and goals.
According to The Entrepreneur’s Source Generational Career Confidence Survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, 77% of women believe starting or owning a business offers more career control than a traditional job. Even more telling, 63% of women said they’d be willing (or would have been willing) to forgo a big wedding to use those funds to start their own business. That’s how much we value independence and freedom.
The desire to take control of our careers is stronger than ever. Yet, navigating the path from corporate leadership to business ownership can feel overwhelming. Many of us know we want a change, but we’re unsure of where to start or how to make it happen.
I’ve been in those same shoes. For 15 years, I worked in the staffing industry, helping people find jobs and companies solve staffing problems. I had a high-level position at one of the most respected firms in the country. On paper, I was successful. But deep down, I felt stuck. I was tired of making money for other people and wanted to reap the rewards of my own efforts.
The problem? I didn’t know where to start. Like so many women, I had the skills and the drive, but I lacked the confidence to take the leap on my own. Eventually, I partnered with others to start a business, and while that experience was rewarding, it also taught me how challenging it can be to build a business without a support system.
That experience shaped how I approach my work today. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have guidance, clarity, and the right resources when making a major career pivot. It’s why I’m passionate about equipping aspiring business owners with the right tools.
If you’re feeling unsure about your next step, here are five lessons to help you take control of your future.
Susan Stilwell, Executive Growth Strategist, The Entrepreneur’s Source
1. Start with Your Why
One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping straight into the what – the industry, the product or the business idea – before they’ve even figured out their why.
Your why is your foundation. It’s your purpose. It’s the reason you’re doing this in the first place. When you’re clear on your why, everything else falls into place.
I once worked with a client who wanted a business that provided a strong return on investment and a product in high demand. The best fit for his goals turned out to be a porta potty business. Was he passionate about porta potties? No. But the business model aligned perfectly with his why: financial security and flexibility for his family.
Your business is just the vehicle to achieve your goals. Start with your why and let that guide your decisions.
2. Define Your I.L.W.E Goals
Clarity is key when it comes to making big career decisions. That’s why I encourage clients to think about their I.L.W.E. goals – Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity. These four areas help paint a clear picture of what you want your life to look like and how business ownership can help you get there.
- Income: What are your non-negotiable financial requirements? Think about the recurring earnings you need to support your family and lifestyle in the next three to five years.
- Lifestyle: What do you want your daily schedule to look like? Do you want more flexibility to spend time with family or pursue personal interests?
- Wealth: How do you envision your wealth portfolio in the next 15 to 20 years? Are you building long-term financial security?
- Equity: What assets will you own that provide lasting value? Consider the legacy you want to create for your family over the next 10 to 20 years.
The porta potty business I mentioned earlier wasn’t about the product. It was about how the business model helped my client achieve his I.L.W.E. goals. He wanted financial security, flexibility, and a sustainable business that aligned with his long-term vision.
When you define your I.L.W.E. goals, you gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters, making it easier to evaluate your options with confidence.
3. Build a Career Firewall in the Age of AI
AI is reshaping the job market, now and for the foreseeable future. If you’re not thinking about how this technology impacts your career, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage.
The same survey found that 60% of women see business ownership as the best safeguard against AI making their careers obsolete. Why? Because when you own your own business, you’re in control. You can adapt to technological changes and use AI as a tool to grow your business, rather than worrying about it replacing your role.
Think of business ownership as building a “career firewall” – a protective barrier that shields your livelihood from the disruptions of AI. By owning a business, you’re future-proofing your career and ensuring that AI becomes an asset, not a threat.
4. Leverage Your Transferable Skills
Many professionals find themselves questioning their career paths, feeling pigeonholed by their current roles and responsibilities. But the transferable skills you possess can serve as a key to unlocking the right business ownership opportunity.
Transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, leadership and project management, are valuable across industries. These skills aren’t tied to any specific job but instead form the backbone of your professional capability. By identifying these strengths, you can build confidence in your ability to succeed in a new venture.
You don’t need to have industry-specific experience to thrive as a business owner. What matters most is your willingness to learn, adapt, and apply your skills in new ways.
5. Think About Your Legacy
Your career pivot isn’t just about you. It’s about the example you’re setting for the next generation and the impact you want to leave behind.
According to The Entrepreneur’s Source survey, 82% of women believe supporting their child opening their own business would be a good investment for their child’s long-term financial security. By taking the leap into business ownership now, you’re modeling resilience, self-reliance, and the type of leadership that inspires your children to do the same.
Think about the legacy you want to create. Do you want to build a business that can be passed down to your children, giving them a foundation for their own success? Business ownership gives you the opportunity to create a future that reflects your values and provides lasting security for your family.
Take the Next Step
Taking control of your career begins with exploring what’s possible. If you’re ready to consider business ownership, career ownership coaches can help you uncover opportunities, align them with your vision, and move forward with confidence.
Career ownership coaching isn’t just a resource; it can also serve as a career path. If you’re someone who enjoys mentoring others, guiding them through important decisions, and supporting them in achieving their goals, coaching offers a meaningful way to build a business. It’s a chance to create a flexible and rewarding career while making a positive impact on others.
By focusing on your why, defining your goals, and leveraging your unique skills, you can build a business that offers both security and success. The next step is yours to take. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or considering a path in coaching, this is your chance to create a life and legacy that aligns with your values and future.
Susan Stilwell is an executive at The Entrepreneur’s Source, North America’s leading career ownership coaching organization that has guided thousands of professionals through career transitions and provided coaching and business ownership opportunities that help people improve their lives. Connect with a Career Ownership Coach to learn more.
