My Entrepreneurial Path in 2023

In November 2022, my world turned upside down. I was laid off from my job, and as the saying goes, hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back, I should have seen it coming, but it was definitely a blindside. I was the sole HR person at the company, with many layoffs before my own. The feeling of being used and manipulated was overwhelming. I knew I had been misled for months, and it stung.

I was in a position I had never imagined. I was unemployed for the holiday season. And to tell the truth, it was the first time I had ever been unemployed unwillingly. That holiday season was the worst I had ever experienced as an adult. Balancing the pressure of holiday obligations with the uncertainty of unemployment was challenging. Bills piled up, and the weight of responsibilities seemed to grow exponentially. And to make matters worse, the holidays are when everyone asks how you are doing, and you have to weigh between telling them the truth and just keeping up appearances a little longer.

However, I was determined not to dwell on the bad news. I knew I had to make a plan, and I had to do it quickly. So, as soon as the holiday season was over, I embarked on the journey of finding a new job. (Spoiler alert) I didn’t find a job, but what I found was so much better!

I threw myself into months of job applications, submitting hundreds of resumes and cover letters. But anyone who has been job hunting in the past year knows just how tough the job market can has been. Initially, I focused on startup positions, aligning with my most recent career path. However, opportunities were scarce, and I knew venture funding was drying up.

With limited success in the startup world, I decided to pivot and explore opportunities in the nonprofit sector, where I had spent a significant portion of my career. Again, I applied to hundreds of jobs. I reached out to so many contacts within my professional network, hoping to leverage my connections to secure a job. Despite my best efforts, nothing seemed to pan out.

As the months passed without any progress, I started to feel depressed. I began to doubt my skills, question my career goals, and ponder my next steps. It was a difficult period filled with self-doubt and uncertainty. But I knew that I couldn't allow myself to remain stuck. To keep my days full, I started building a company with my partner around event safety and security. It kept my days full, but it wasn’t my passion.

Amidst all of this, a realization began to take hold. A self-reflection of sorts. What had worked for me in the past might not be the right path forward. I needed to reassess my journey and consider alternative options. It was time to delve into my bag of skills and experiences.

For the past decade, I have been coaching individuals and providing consulting services to companies on various aspects of nonprofit management and human resources. It was always something I did on the side, for experience or extra cash or because my skillset was needed for a project. My expertise spanned recruitment, fundraising, onboarding, and virtually every facet of running a nonprofit program or HR department. Additionally, I held a master's degree in management and leadership, which furthered my qualifications.

But, what I loved most about my career was helping people build themselves up and organizations thrive. This insight led me to a pivotal question: Could I be my own boss? Could I start my own consulting company? Could I actually do it!? The answer was a resounding "Yes!!"

In the middle of uncertainty and self-doubt, I made a bold decision to start my own consulting firm. I named it OTBP Consulting, with "OTBP" standing for Off the Beaten Path. It symbolized my departure from the traditional career path and my journey into the world of entrepreneurship.

Starting a business was no small task, and it came with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. However, the prospect of being in control of my destiny and using my skills to help others was exhilarating. I embarked on this new adventure with determination and a renewed sense of purpose.

But I didn't stop there. I also enrolled in a doctorate program in Organizational Leadership, furthering my commitment to lifelong learning. If I was going to do this new path thing, I was going all in! (More about my doctoral path later!)

As I reflect on the past year, I can't help but see the stark contrast between how I began 2023 and how I am entering 2024. The dark days of unemployment and uncertainty have given way to a newfound sense of purpose and optimism. My journey from layoff to entrepreneurship has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it has ultimately led me to a place of fulfillment and self-discovery. This journey has served as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of embracing change. No matter how dire the circumstances may seem, there is always a PATH forward, which may lead you to unexpected and fulfilling destinations.

As I step into 2024, I am grateful for the lessons learned and excited about the adventures that lie ahead. The future is uncertain, but with determination and a willingness to explore options that are Off the Beaten PATH, anything is possible.

(Stay tuned for January 15th for the next blog entitled “What is OTBP Consulting and What Even is OTBP?”)