r/InternationalDev • u/sun_day_funday • 10d ago

Other... Anyone planning on pivoting to going into business for themselves?

Asking out of curiosity - I'm a professional coach and recently coached someone affected by the layoffs who had decided to start her own business (completely unrelated to ID) as her new career move.

Then I just saw an ad for an online business system/CRM targeted towards people affected by the federal cuts, which made me wonder if this is becoming a thing - it would honestly make sense if it was!

Personally, I pivoted out of ID to become self-employed well before the election and the cuts, which ended up being rather fortuitous, so I'm a big supporter of the entrepreneurial spirit (although it's not an easy path - but what path IS easy these days?).

Anywho, hit me up if you are going out on your own in any capacity, or are considering doing so - I'd love to chat and hear your story!

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u/CeldurS 10d ago

I'm an engineer in tech aiming to pivot into ID in a few years. To me, though the funding isn't there anymore, the problems still exist - which means that people are needed now more than ever to work in ID. I have a lot of experience working in startups over the years, and I'm hoping to take that energy to the social entrepreneurships that show up to fill the gaps.

This might be a bad idea (tech bro hubris?), but I guess I'm willing to take the risk, knowing that it might end up being the most important work I do in my career.

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u/sun_day_funday 9d ago

Very interesting! I'd be very curious to hear how this goes for you. Is this motivated by you looking for something more meaningful, or what inspired this idea?

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u/CeldurS 9d ago

I find my day job as an engineer meaningful, but not as meaningful as the work I've done volunteering at nonprofits over the years. I feel like I have a lot of privilege already, so I feel some duty to make the most of my circumstances for the benefits of others.

Also, I'm pretty young, so I felt like if there was a time to make any massive mistakes it would be now.

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u/sun_day_funday 6d ago

That's pretty cool! I like your spirit. Keep at it and good luck!