Step Into The Magic World of Independent Consultant From Corporate Work

From a young age, we learn to chase milestones—starting with our ABCs and learning our multiplication tables.

Then we graduate high school, get into a dream university, earn a degree, and land that dream 9-to-5 job. For many first-generation college graduates, especially Latinas, this represents more than personal success—it’s a family achievement.

As women, we face extra pressures. We must meet family expectations and navigate male-dominated spaces. Following the yellow brick road can be tough, but the goal is simple: succeed in the corporate world.

If that’s not pressure, I don’t know what is! You are expected to kill it in your career, get married by 30, and have kids! Like it’s some kind of checklist for womanhood. 

At 36, I’m a first-generation Mexican American. Despite facing societal pressures, I rose up the corporate ladder. Now, I’m starting all over again. 

Is this a tragic story or a breakthrough? I will let you be the judge of that. 

What I do know is that the yellow brick road took some unexpected yet rewarding turns. Now I am starting a journey of going from corporate work to independent consultant. And that shift has changed everything.

Breaking Barriers in Corporate Work

After graduating as a first-generation Mexican-American, I moved to Austin, Texas. I got my first “Big Girl” apartment all by myself and landed a marketing career at a software company. This was a huge accomplishment! 

MAMA, I MADE IT!…… or so I thought. 

In six years, I became a Senior Marketing Manager, led the corporate events department, and helped a startup build its marketing team from the ground up. Despite the burnout, I was proud of my success. I had the high-rise apartment with a city view, a six-figure salary, and independence.

I did everything society said would lead to happiness. But I felt unhappy and unfulfilled. I kept asking myself—what more could I want?

The Corporate Breakup

One Tuesday afternoon, I scrolled through TikTok. I saw a post about manifesting your deepest desires. So I pulled out my notebook and wrote down everything I wanted in life and went to bed. 

WOW! The universe worked fast! 

That Friday, I got a calendar invite and joined a Teams call with my boss and HR. You already know how this story ends—I lost my job. Thanks a lot, UNIVERSE! 

The shock was unreal. I had never been let go from a job before and felt like the ultimate failure. After years of busting my behind to climb the corporate ladder, it was all gone. I was infuriated; I did all that work for nothing! 

I then began to question my identity and my future. I felt lost and didn’t know what was next. 

Going back to a 9-5 didn’t sound exciting. I wanted freedom, work-life balance, and a new direction. But did I really have what it took to go from corporate work to independent consultant? Was I ready for the self-employed life? 

The Road to Independent Consulting

I decided to embrace the unknown and launch my own business. I created an LLC and started my independent marketing consultant journey. I updated my resume, reached out to my network, and made a number of phone calls.

My journey from corporate work to independent consultant had officially begun.

At first, I felt amazing. But soon, reality hit, and it hit hard. Finding clients was tough, and the job market wasn’t helping either.

I made tons of calls, sent emails, and LinkedIn messages. Most replies were “congrats” but no one sent leads. I hadn’t signed a single contract.

Finally, I landed my first client! I learned how to build a contract, send invoices, and hold myself accountable. But it didn’t last long—and the income wasn’t enough.

I started to wonder if I had made the wrong choice. At 36, after 9 years of being independent, losing my job and moving back in with my parents I felt defeated. I asked myself if going from corporate work to independent consultant was really worth it.

So, I started applying for jobs again and I’m still figuring it all out. The journey continues.

The Harsh Truth 

The hardest part about leaving corporate work is losing stability. Starting a business takes time, usually 2-3 years, and not having a steady paycheck will absolutely keep you up at night. Moving back in with your parents at 36 stings emotionally, forcing you to confront parts of yourself you thought you had left behind.

Even though the journey from corporate work to independent consultant hasn’t gone as planned, I’m not giving up. Some days I feel empowered, and other days I feel like I’m sinking, but I keep going. Deep down, I know the life I want doesn’t exist inside a cubicle. 

Redefining Success

In American culture, success often means job titles and high salaries. But more and more people are rethinking what success really is. From corporate work to independent consultant, I’ve seen a new side of success.

A Harvard Business Review found that 90% of consultants choose independence for more control over their work-life balance. Four Points Wealth shows that many women leave corporate to find fulfillment. These facts hit close to home. 

To me, success means doing what you love, where and when you want. The path from corporate work to independent consultant has been hard. Yet, it has helped me discover a new passion and lifestyle. That alone has made it worth it.

Conclusion

I still have a long way to go. From corporate work to independent consultant, I’ve discovered a version of myself that values peace, creativity, and purpose. I want flexibility, freedom, and to create an impact with brands I want to work with.

While starting your own business is never easy. It takes courage, grit, and a lot of patience. For a first-generation Latina, this journey has been hard but powerful.

If you’re thinking of doing the same, know that the road will be bumpy. But the destination could lead to the most rewarding chapter of your life yet.

✍️ Written by Stephany Pedroza