Have you ever thought about what it truly means to start over? Not just switching jobs, but hitting the full reset button – a real fresh start. What does that feel like? Scary? Exciting? Usually, a mix of both.
I’ve been there. Honestly? It gets messy. It brings up its share of self-doubt, discomfort, and fear. But stepping into that unknown lets you rethink what success means and shows you just how much freedom you have to design the life you actually want.
Starting over is one of life’s toughest – yet most rewarding – journeys. And trust me, it’s worth every messy moment.
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The Risk of Leaving Security Behind
I always knew I’d start my own business one day, telling myself I’d do it ‘when it feels right.’
In 2022, living in Paris, my digital marketing job no longer fulfilled me. I’d dreamed for years of moving abroad – then came the day I booked my one-way flight to Hong Kong. It felt equal parts liberating and daunting. But staying stuck? That felt worse.
On my podcast, ‘Asian Business Owners,’ I hear this story often: entrepreneurs confessing they left comfort zones, defied family expectations, and faced crushing self-doubt. Hearing their journeys reminds me I’m not alone. And friend? Neither are you.
Why Uncertainty Can Be Your Secret Weapon
Here’s what I learned: you can’t plan everything – and getting comfortable with uncertainty is non-negotiable. That doesn’t mean you won’t stress about cash flow, the future, or lofty goals. But starting over rewires your mindset. I’ve learned to adapt, fuelling creativity, resourcefulness, and unshakeable confidence that I’ll handle whatever comes.
Many entrepreneurs credit starting over for cutting through the noise and focusing on what matters. Some launched without a business plan (though I do recommend having one!) and figured it out step by step. That’s true self-trust. That’s betting on yourself.
Defining Success On Your Own Terms
What changed everything for me was realising success isn’t a fixed destination or a specific income. It’s about your values – what matters most to you. For me, that’s freedom: deciding how I structure my days, who I work with, and owning that autonomy. That’s what fulfillment feels like.
Now, you’ll still work intensely – especially in your business’s first three years – but the grind feels different when you’re building something for yourself, not someone else.
If you’re considering a fresh start, move gently. Give yourself time to experiment, clarify what matters, and follow what aligns.
Your Story Matters More Than You Think
Starting over can feel lonely. That’s exactly why I launched ‘Asian Business Owners’ – to share real, unfiltered journeys: the wins, struggles, and raw truth in between.
I’m constantly inspired by my guests’ stories. They fuel me on tough days and ignite new ideas – hearing how others take risks, adapt, persist, and mine wisdom from every up and down.
Whether you’ve already started over or it’s still a dream ahead, your story will resonate. Ready to hear what resetting really looks like? Tune into this powerful episode where my guest and I unpack our personal reset journeys:
Listen here:
Permission To Pivot
Starting over isn’t easy – but it’s one of the bravest things you’ll ever do. It’s not just changing careers; it’s reconnecting with yourself, trusting your gut, and rewriting success on your terms.
Here’s what my journey taught me: you don’t need all the answers to begin. You just need one step. And sometimes? That single bold move changes everything.
Carmen Salameh
Carmen Salameh hosts the podcast ‘Asian Business Owners,’ diving into honest conversations with entrepreneurs across Asia about their wins, struggles, and everything in between. When she's not behind the mic, she runs her digital marketing agency Octo Gen – helping clients grow their businesses through social media.
