1. You’re constantly thinking of new business ideas and how to make things better
You find yourself dreaming of inventions in your sleep or you walk into a place and think, “if only they changed this or that, it would be so much BETTER”. You may even have a plethora of ideas around how to improve your company. It’s something that you do innately because you’re a born innovator.
2. Fitting in is not important to you
You think of yourself as an outsider, maybe even since childhood. You don’t quite feel like you fit in because you dislike norms, rules, and the status quo. Besides that, you don’t CARE to fit in because you’re an independent thinker who likes to dance to the beat of your own drum.
3. You’re a build and grow type of person
Even in the Corporate world, you have found yourself drawn to more “unconventional” roles where you’re able to launch new programs, teams, and structure. Basically, you’re a closet entrepreneur secretly hiding behind your Corporate desk. The act of creating and building something from scratch is what you truly thrive on.
4. You’ve always felt you were destined for MORE
You’ve never been satisfied with just “good enough”. You feel strongly that you need to find work that is truly meaningful and fulfilling. You may even be drawn to professions that are more “other-centered”. In a nutshell, your inner voice is telling you that you have a greater purpose and you know that it’s finally time to listen.
5. You are creative at your core
You see the world through a different lens and enjoy hobbies that allow for self-expression. Whether it’s drawing, music, writing, designing, painting, or some other activity, you are an artist at heart. You’re also considered to be resourceful and able to use your creativity for problem solving in a way that others can’t. In fact, as this article states, “Today, creativity, innovation and out-of-the box are the factors spurring success.”
6. You want more control of your time
You work a lot of hours—for someone else. Now you feel like it’s finally time for you to decide what hours you work and when you take vacation. Maybe you finally want to attain work-life balance and if you work for yourself, YOU get to take charge of your own schedule. Being your own boss might be a better fit for your lifestyle and give you more time to do the things that really matter to you.
7. You see opportunities where others see problems
You are motivated by challenges and when something seemingly “bad” happens in your life, you see it as an opportunity rather than a setback. You’re action oriented and drive for results even in the face of adversity. One famous example is Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes. In this article, she discusses how she started her bakery despite many opponents who questioned her idea. Now they have locations in eight states and counting. The key is to persevere and trust your gut.
8. You don’t like feeling constrained
You love being independent on the job and calling the shots. That’s not to say that you’re not collaborative, you just like to be in the driver’s seat. Being a follower or being told what to do is not your thing. You love variety and are a master multitasker.
9. You like to constantly learn and be challenged
You don’t like to be put in a box but rather constantly love to learn new skills and feel stimulated by unique projects. Your Corporate position is no longer allowing you to grow in the areas that you need to feel fulfilled and joyful. There’s nothing left to learn and you’re clearly ready for the next challenge.
10. You have great PASSION
Most of all you have PASSION. Passion for your job, your family, your beliefs, and the world around you. Some people might even call you emotional at times, but it’s really just that fire inside of you that is aching to be set free. You feel things in a big way because you care and want to create a legacy that you can be proud of.
If you can relate to one or more of these things, then it’s more than likely that you’re an entrepreneur at heart!
Originally published at corporateescapeartist.com