In April of this year, I started my first ever full-time job. After selling my business in 2022 and experiencing a period without regular income, I found myself transitioning from entrepreneur to employee. This blog post is my attempt to document and question the personal growth I’ve experienced through this significant change in my professional life.

MAKE NO FUCKING MISTAKE, MY GOAL IS TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENUER.

I’m dealing with family responsibilities now. But I haven’t forgotten my dreams. I’m still working towards my goal, even if progress is slow. I’ll come back stronger and better than ever.

Introduction:

The path from running my own business to becoming an employee was not one I had originally envisioned for myself. Yet, here I am, navigating the corporate world and learning more about myself than I ever expected. This transition has challenged my preconceptions about success, money, and professional identity. Join me as I explore the unexpected revelations and growth that have come from this new chapter in my career.

1. The Salary Dream vs. Reality

Question: “How did achieving my ‘dream salary’ change my perspective on money?”

Growing up, I always had this magical number in mind: 10,000 per month. It seemed like the salary that would solve all of life’s problems. I remember thinking that when my dad earned 10k, he was like a king. Or hearing about others earning that much and thinking they must be in “god mode.”

So when I landed a job that brought me close to this figure, I was ecstatic. But the reality was far from what I had imagined. Instead of feeling rich, I felt… poorer. How is that possible?

The moment my first salary hit my account, it was a wake-up call. After taxes, CPF contributions, and basic expenses, that “dream” amount dwindled quickly. It was a shocking realization: 10k is not a lot! In fact, attaining this 10k made me feel poorer than ever. After paying off all expenses, I’m looking at my account like, “Who the fuck stole my money?”

Before, even without a steady income, I had the dream of 10k and some savings in the bank. Now, I had the 10k, but I was robbed of the dream. It was a false reality. Suddenly, everyone I knew who was earning around this figure seemed poor to me. I realized I had never really known a truly rich person before.

This realization has fundamentally shifted my perspective on money and success. It’s not about hitting a specific number; it’s about creating value and having the freedom to pursue your goals. The experience has made me more determined than ever to excel in my current role while also planning for future entrepreneurial ventures.

2. Professional Identity Shift

Question: “How has my self-perception changed moving from entrepreneur to employee?”

Transitioning from being my own boss to working for someone else has been a significant adjustment. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is imposter syndrome. Despite my past successes as an entrepreneur, I found myself constantly afraid that people would “see through” me and realize how inexperienced I was in this new role.

The fear was particularly acute because I got the job primarily through connections rather than a rigorous interview process. This made me question whether I truly deserved the position and if I could live up to expectations.

To combat these feelings, I’ve been intentional about maintaining what I call a “founder’s mentality” in my new roles. This means:

1. Always striving to provide answers and solutions, even in the face of uncertainty.
2. Never saying no to orders or requests, but instead finding ways to make things happen.
3. Continuously looking for ways to automate or delegate manual tasks to create scalable solutions.

By approaching my job with this entrepreneurial spirit, I’m not only adding value to the company but also reinforcing my own confidence. It’s a reminder that the skills and mindset I developed as an entrepreneur are valuable assets in any professional context.

As time goes on, I’m learning to cope better with the imposter syndrome. I’m taking on more responsibilities, making decisions, and being accountable for outcomes. I’m also reminding myself that some tasks, like securing VC funding, are challenging for everyone. This perspective helps me be kinder to myself and recognize the unique value I bring to the table.

3. Financial Behavior Changes

Question: “Why did I become more frugal despite earning more?”

One of the most surprising changes I’ve noticed since starting this job is in my spending habits. Despite earning a steady (and higher) income for the first time in years, I’ve become more frugal. It’s a paradox that’s forced me to really examine my relationship with money.

When I was running my own business or even in the period after selling it, I felt “rich” in a way. I had time, I could pursue things I wanted, train hard, travel whenever, and eat whatever I wanted. There was always the optimism of new financial goals on the horizon.

But with a fixed salary, even though it’s higher than what I was making before, I’ve become more cautious with my spending. I’ve caught myself being less generous with donations and more hesitant about eating out or making purchases.

I think this change stems from the sudden awareness of limits. As an entrepreneur, there was always the potential for unlimited income. But as an employee, there’s a clear ceiling to what I can earn each month. This realization has made me more conscious of every dollar spent.

However, I’m trying to strike a balance. Being frugal can be positive, but being stingy is not. I’m working on maintaining a generous spirit while being smart with my finances. It’s a reminder that true wealth isn’t just about the numbers in your bank account, but about the freedom and peace of mind that comes with financial stability and smart money management.

4. Value of Connections vs. Skills

Question: “How do I reconcile the importance of networking with the need for skill development?”

Getting this job was more about who I knew than what I could do on paper. It was a stark reminder of how powerful connections can be in the professional world. There were no rigorous tests or extensive talks about my capabilities; knowing the right person put me in this position.

This experience has made me reflect deeply on the balance between networking and skill development. On one hand, it’s clear that connections can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. On the other hand, once you’re through that door, you need the skills to back it up.

I’ve always wondered why sometimes seemingly incompetent people end up in high positions. This experience has shed some light on that mystery. But rather than feeling cynical about it, I see it as valuable insight for navigating the professional world.

Moving forward, I’m focusing on strengthening both my network and my skillset. While I continue to build relationships and expand my professional circle, I’m also dedicated to honing my abilities and bringing real value to my role. It’s not enough to just get your foot in the door; you need to prove why you deserve to stay.

This balance is crucial. Relying too heavily on connections without the skills to back it up is a recipe for imposter syndrome and potential failure. But having amazing skills without the network to showcase them can leave you overlooked. The sweet spot is where both strong connections and solid skills intersect.

5. Balancing Multiple Roles

Question: “How am I managing multiple responsibilities, and what am I learning from this?”

In an unexpected turn of events, I’ve found myself taking on multiple roles within the same company. Currently, my role count stands at three, each with its own set of responsibilities and challenges. This situation has pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated.

Managing multiple roles requires a level of organization and prioritization that I’m still perfecting. It’s a constant juggling act, ensuring that I’m giving adequate attention to each responsibility without letting anything slip through the cracks.

What I’m learning from this experience is invaluable:

1. Adaptability: Each role requires a slightly different skillset and mindset. Switching between them has improved my ability to adapt quickly to different situations.

2. Time Management: With multiple responsibilities, efficient use of time has become crucial. I’m learning to prioritize tasks across roles and make the most of every hour.

3. Cross-Pollination of Ideas: Interestingly, insights from one role often prove useful in another. This cross-pollination of ideas has made me more creative and innovative in problem-solving.

4. Expanded Skill Set: Each role is teaching me something new, rapidly expanding my professional toolkit.

5. Network Expansion: Working across different areas of the company has allowed me to build a broader internal network, which has been invaluable for getting things done.

While it’s challenging, I see this multi-role experience as an accelerated growth opportunity. It’s pushing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to develop a more rounded skill set. However, I’m also aware of the potential for burnout and am constantly checking in with myself to ensure I’m maintaining a healthy balance.

Self-Reflection Questions:

As I navigate this new phase of my career, I find myself pondering several questions:

1. “What aspects of entrepreneurship do I miss, and how can I incorporate them into my current roles?” I miss the unlimited potential and the direct link between effort and reward. I’m trying to bring this entrepreneurial spirit into my current roles by always looking for ways to innovate and add value beyond my job description.

2. “How has my definition of ‘success’ changed through this experience?” Success is no longer just about hitting a certain income level. It’s about creating value, continuing to grow and learn, and maintaining the freedom to pursue my goals.

3. “What skills or mindsets from my entrepreneurial past are serving me well in this new context?” The ability to think on my feet, see the big picture, and not be afraid of challenges are all serving me well. The entrepreneurial mindset of always looking for opportunities and solutions is invaluable.

4. “Where do I see potential for burnout, and how can I prevent it?” Juggling multiple roles and constantly pushing myself presents a real risk of burnout. I need to be mindful of my limits, ensure I’m taking time for self-care, and not neglect my personal life in pursuit of professional goals.

Lessons Learned:

1. Money doesn’t equal wealth: A high salary doesn’t necessarily make you feel rich. True wealth comes from a combination of financial stability and the freedom to pursue your goals.

2. Skills and connections both matter: While networking can open doors, it’s your skills and work ethic that will keep you there and help you thrive.

3. Mindset is everything: Maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset can help you stand out and add unique value, even in a corporate setting.

4. Growth often comes from discomfort: Taking on new challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone is where real personal and professional growth happens.

5. Balance is crucial: Whether it’s balancing multiple roles, or balancing work and personal life, finding equilibrium is key to long-term success and satisfaction.

6. Open salary discussions can be beneficial:

It’s the reason why I joined this friend at his company. Recently, I’ve had frank conversations about salaries with a close friend and my brother. These talks have been eye-opening and inspiring. I’ve realized that having open discussions about compensation with peers can be incredibly valuable. Here’s why:

• Reality Check: It gives you a real-world gauge of where you stand in the market. Sometimes, we operate based on assumptions or outdated information about what’s “normal” or “good” in terms of salary.
• Motivation: Learning what others in similar positions or industries are earning can be a powerful motivator. It’s inspired me to aim higher and push for more in my career.
• Transparency: These conversations help break down the taboo around discussing money. The more open we are, the more equipped we all are to negotiate fair compensation.
• Career Planning: Understanding the salary landscape across different roles and industries can inform your career decisions and help you set realistic goals.

These conversations have reinforced my belief that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to compensation. While it’s important to approach these discussions sensitively and with trusted individuals, the insights gained can be invaluable for personal and professional growth.

Looking Forward:

This experience has reshaped my future career goals. While I’m committed to excelling in my current roles, I also see them as stepping stones. I’m gaining valuable skills, insights, and connections that will serve me well in future entrepreneurial ventures.

I plan to continue pushing myself, taking on new challenges, and expanding my skill set. At the same time, I’m more aware than ever of the importance of maintaining work-life balance and not losing sight of my personal values and long-term goals.

Conclusion:

The transition from entrepreneur to employee has been a journey of unexpected growth and self-discovery. It’s challenged my preconceptions, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and given me new perspectives on success, money, and professional identity.

As I continue on this path, I’m left with a final question to ponder: How can I best use this experience as a launchpad for future success, whether that’s climbing the corporate ladder or returning to entrepreneurship with new skills and insights?

One thing is certain – the growth and lessons from this chapter of my career will shape whatever comes next. Here’s to embracing the journey, with all its surprises and challenges, and continuing to evolve both personally and professionally.