Based on the answers you gave, there are some things about your current work that you like—but other aspects are really frustrating you. It sounds like you’re fed up enough that you’re ready to make big changes. You might: 

• Take on a more ambitious role.
  You might deepen your skills so that you can offer more to those you work with.
• Increase your prestige with certificates or a degree.
  Continuous learning is a sign of a thoughtful professional who’s interested in innovation and lifelong learning—someone who’s up for a challenge.
• Add a whole new set of skills to your repertoire.
  Think about the the processes related to the work you currently do: what happens before and after your part? Understanding the larger ecosystem that you’re working in will put you in a much better position to add new skills that are of high value to your company and clients.
• Move up to the big leagues.
  Find out what it takes in your industry to start working with companies with more market share, higher brand recognition, bigger budgets, or higher-quality contracts, and make it a point to grow into that level.
• Change your location.
  If options are limited where you’re at, look for hubs of activity that will open up new opportunities for you.
• Go independent.
  If you’ve got ideas for offering a new approach to what you do, working for yourself will give you the room to explore and innovate.

QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
Before embarking on a significant career change, it’s crucial to take inventory of where you are now:

1. What exactly do you wish were different?
2. In what ways are you already prepared for the change you want?
3. What skills, credentials, experience, or connections are you missing?
4. What do you need to do to fill those gaps?
5. How determined are you to make this happen? What will you do when the road gets tough?
6. What resources (such as family support) can you rely on to help you make this journey?
7. How will you fund the transition? Are your savings enough or will you need outside help?

Give yourself some time to really consider these questions. Your answers will tell you a lot about what kinds of change could work for you and how you should get started.

From what you’ve told us, it sounds like you could be up to the challenge of building your own business. 

Unlike freelancers and employees, who sell their time in exchange for services, an entrepreneur works at creating a business that’s bigger than themselves. While such an operation is more complex and requires an initial investment, it has the potential to be scalable—and that means a chance for higher profits in the future.

Entrepreneurship takes vision. A promising entrepreneur is one who sees a gap in the market and works to fill it: opening a pet spa resort and hotel in a neighborhood where none exist, creating a new-and-improved last-mile delivery service, developing an online therapist finder…. The possibilities are truly endless, if you’ve got the right perspective.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
We’ve seen too many entrepreneurs jump into building their business full of hope and confidence and faith—but short on planning and analysis. Think about this: only one out of ten new businesses survives beyond 2 years. The other nine go under. 

Taking the time to carefully prepare before you make the leap can make the difference between survival and going broke. For example: 

• Researching the market you want to enter, to know where the best gaps and opportunities are
• Knowing the profile and needs of your ideal customer
• Writing a plan for your business to help you think through the details
• Thinking through possible scenarios, risks, and problems before they arise, so you aren’t taken by surprise
• Creating a plan for funding the business that allows you a realistic amount of time to become profitable
• Setting goals, so you’ll know whether you’re on track or getting into trouble
• Figuring out where you’ll go for expert advice when you need it
• Rounding out your own soft skills as a leader and professional

YOU CAN DO THIS
If you’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit and a vision for a business of your own, then you’ve got what you need to start the planning process. Everything else can be learned along the way.

We’re not gonna lie: to do this right takes determination … and a lot of work. But if you’re disciplined, careful, and ready to learn, building your own business could be one of the most amazing things you’ll do in your life. 

It doesn’t matter how old you are, who you are, or where you’re from. With the right mindset, the right tools, some patience, and plenty of determination, you can achieve any career goal you dream of.   

We hope these recommendations spark your imagination and give you a sense of direction. Over the next few days, we’re going to email you some more ideas and resources, so that you can explore your options from a solid foundation. 

No matter which path you decide to take in your career, we want you to know that you can do this! You absolutely have it within you to learn, to gain new skills, to kick ass in a new job, and to bring something unique and innovative to what you do. We’re so excited for your career journey! And we hope to be with you every step of the way.