People Helping People Problem Solving: How Best Can I Set Myself Up to Succeed When I go Solo?

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About the Caribbean STEM Coaching Club’s People Helping People Initiative

For the past 10 years, the Caribbean STEM Coaching Club has been a trusted space for families to tap into the collective expertise and lived experiences of our members. Through open conversations and shared insights, we help each other navigate challenges and discover new opportunities in Parenting, Learning, Careers, and Family Finances.

Whilst we do not advise, we share fresh perspectives to help our members think critically and find effective solutions for themselves.

In March 2025, we came together to brainstorm solutions to challenges our members were facing. We could perhaps all learn from the perspectives shared on the problem spotlighted below.  Please read on.

Problem: I would like to leave my job and go it alone but don’t know how best to position myself for success 

 The corporate world has given me valuable experience, but it’s also been bruising. With Trump part 2, the DEI backlash, and looming AI disruptions, I’m starting to feel that, for the sake of my health and sanity, I might need to step away and set up on my own as a freelancer, adviser, or consultant. I know, though, that going out on your own is tough — and the failure rate for start-ups is high.

My question

What practical steps can I take now, while I’m still employed, to set myself up for success as a freelancer, adviser, or consultant in the future?

Perspectives from Members of the Club

  • Start thinking of yourself as a business whilst you are still employed. This will help you develop an entrepreneurial mindset. Start from now to build your own personal “board of directors”  1) an HR director, 2) a legal expert in employment law 3) a financial and wealth adviser 4) a union representative 5) a career coach. Define your own personal short-term and long-term goals and continually evaluate where you are.
  • Think very clearly about the need in the market your skills equip you very well to meet. Who will be willing to pay handsomely to meet this need? Who will be your competitors? Will you be well positioned to compete?
  • Think about the additional skills you will need to develop to go it alone. Read books. Also, AI offers a massive opportunity to upskill very quickly.  Chat GPT, Microsoft Copilot and NotebookLM are all helpful. AI is also pretty good at brainstorming and spotlighting the new skills you will need to develop. But remember, AI can hallucinate. So always double check as necessary with experienced professionals/industry bodies.
  • Think about the relationships you will need to cultivate before you step out. Start being more intentional about building those relationships while you are still in the job. See if it is possible to build relationships to the point where you can leave with your employer as a client.
  • Be comfortable with learning on demand – as and when you need to. One can get overwhelmed by how much there is to learn and it really is not necessary to learn everything you need to learn in advance.  It is necessary however to know what you need to learn. So learn on the go. There is a wealth of bitesize learning resources out there to help.
  • What you should be learning from now is how AI can help you to deliver more of a higher quality and in less time. This should help you to earn more respect in your current place of employment and will help you to save time and money when you decide to go it alone.
  • Gen AI is not well understood. It offers tremendous opportunities to those who are curious and are willing to experiment. So get experimenting and figure out how to use Gen AI to create value and new opportunities for yourself.
  • Be more intentional about utilising all of the learning and development opportunities you have in your current place of employment. Learn from the processes, templates etc  – in a compliant manner of course.
  • If you are not doing so already, go to meet ups and industry events on a regular basis (London is a veritable goldmine of free meet ups across industry sectors). This will help you keep your ears to the ground, raise your profile and build relationships.
  • Start raising your visibility through speaking assignments and articles. Join relevant linkedin groups, be generous with sharing knowledge, post articles and comments. This will help you to be more widely regarded as an expert in your field.
  • Take on additional projects in your place of work which would help you build your skills and develop your networks in necessary ways. 
  • Build your finance resource base to give you the resilience you need, especially during the start-up phase
  • Remember that to a large extent, you are the product. Invest in yourself – eat healthily, exercise, dress well. Have hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Nurture your soul and meet your emotional needs. The confidence,  positive energy, and enthusiasm you would exude would perhaps be your biggest selling point.
  • Look at the legalities very carefully and determine the insurance policies you will need.
  • Do your due diligence and write a starter business plan from now. Start the business on the side while you are still in your job. Don’t get too caught up in the “optics” – logo, branding, website etc. It is very easy to set up a company yourself online – it only costs a few pounds and can take less than an hour. Do the minimum necessary and start selling your service, develop and pivot as necessary over time.
  • Join organisations such as your local Chamber of Commerce or the Federation of Small Businesses for support. The latter offers considerable support  including 24/7 legal support, HR support, business development support, discounted insurance policies and professional indemnity, cybersecurity, cashflow management and other tools.
  • As far as possible, think globally; don’t restrict yourself to the UK.
  • Remember high-quality graphics, ICT and other “back office” services can be outsourced emerging markets (e.g., Kenya) at a much lower cost.
  • Have a back-up and contingency plan. Don’t burn your bridges.
  • Be excited and have fun. Enthusiasm is attractive and contagious.

Please note that the above is not advice; it presents perspectives to help us reflect and find effective solutions for ourselves.

© PCS. Caribbean STEM Coaching Club, March 2025.

Would you like the Caribbean STEM Coaching Club’s People Helping People community to brainstorm solutions to a problem you are having with Parenting, Learning, Careers, or Family Finances?  If so, please email cstemcc@gmail.com and tell us about it.  Your privacy will be protected.