To win, you just have to
Once upon a time, I sat right where you are.
I loved working with clients. There’s no better feeling than helping a client breakthrough to the next level. But, I knew I didn’t want to just work for someone else forever.
I began my private practice with just one client while working a full-time job. Over time, I expanded to increase private clients while I worked on decreasing hours at my full-time job. I went from 40 hours a week down to a part-time job and then, eventually, I was able to leave the job completely. One client at a time.
Along the way, I had to learn how to become a business. Taxes, accounting, scheduling, finding dedicated space to see clients. It all took time and quite a bit of trial and error to figure it out on my own.
But, when I figured it out, it opened my life to all kinds of possibilities.
In 2018, my life took a turn. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
For many people, treatment is bittersweet. On one hand, you work through cancer, but on the other hand, you have mounting medical bills, lost work hours, and major lifestyle changes.
Having my own business allowed me to miss 2 ½ weeks of work and gave me the flexibility to move clients around, as needed, throughout the 20 months of chemo, surgery, more chemo, and recovery. Go figure, 2019 was a full calendar year of cancer and somehow managed to be my best fiscal year ever.
Thankfully, not everyone has that story.
Focusing on your health, happiness, personal and professional growth, and financial freedom, however, seems to be a common thread in so many of the stories I hear from other SLPs.
As healers, we often put ourselves last. But, giving so much of yourself to clients, as so many of us do, means pouring from your own metaphorical cup. Your health and happiness do matter.
Take the first step
No matter where you are in your journey, I believe there’s so much to be gained from starting your own private practice. I’m a huge believer in meeting you where you’re at.