7 Steps to Escape the Rat Race in Under 6 Months
Learn how to escape the rat race in under 6 months. Pick one skill, upskill, build a portfolio, create a website, create content, get your first client, and repeat. Get tips on what skills to pick and how to upskill.
![Author profile image](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1545408852522319877/thaU5WUu_normal.jpg)
Kieran Drew
Quit dentistry to become a writer, sharing what I learn as I build my creator business · Come join 22k+ reading my newsletter Digital Freedom
-
Escaping the rat race was the best decision of my life.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
If I had to do it again, here're the 7 steps I'd take do it in under 6 months.
🧵 -
Pick one skill.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
Screw passion. That's an outcome of hard work.
Instead, pick a skill that:
1. You enjoy
2. Makes money
You can worry about the rest when you're free.
Some examples: -
High value online skills:
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
•SEO
•Direct sales
•Web design
•Copywriting
•Graphic design
•Email marketing
•Social media marketing
Pick one – pivot later. -
Get to work.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
What you do outside your 9-5 determines your 9-5.
Netflix won’t solve your problem. Partying isn't the answer.
It's gonna be tough.
But so is everything worthwhile.
Your day job now funds your future career, so here's what to do: -
Upskill
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
Most people want clients immediately.
But here's the truth:
The fastest way to get paid is to get good.
Study and practice relentlessly before you do outreach. 2 months 'going slow' will help you go fast. -
Build on Twitter.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
Everything you need for your business is here:
- Clients
- Network
- Motivation
Share as you learn to build your presence.
You don't need to be an expert.
But you should be a professional.
Present like one. Write clearly. -
Help for free.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
If finding clients was easy, everyone would do it.
But most of the time, the problem is internal. You don't believe you can help.
Offer your service to your network for free.
Overdeliver.
Gain confidence. Collect testimonials. -
Find your first client.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
Don't try build the perfect offer. Money isn't the aim here. Momentum is. You need to hustle hard to get that first win:
Do outreach.
Market yourself.
Ask your network.
This is a numbers game. Don't stop until that first digital dollar arrives. -
Scale the side hustle.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
Every client is an opportunity to create another. Smash your service. Ask for referrals. Keep creating compelling content.
Soon, you'll have a reasonable side hustle.
Don't make this mistake: -
Quit when you can.
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
Screw the advice 'wait to replace your current income'
Sure, don't take stupid risks. But if you can make $2k/month with 10hrs a week, what happens when you have 50?
Once you have signal & a safety net, bet on yourself.
Enjoy your freedom 🥂 -
TL;DR
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
The 6 month 'screw your 9-5' escape plan:
1. Pick a skill
2. Build on Twitter
3. Help friends for free
4. Collect testimonials
5. Find your first client
6. Overdeliver and scale
7. Quit your 9-5 when safe
Digital freedom is worth every effort. -
Thanks for reading!
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) April 1, 2023
If you enjoy writing and you're interested in building your creator business, drop me a follow as I share what I learn @itskierandrew.
And please drop a quick comment below if this was helpful!
All feedback is appreciated 🤝 https://t.co/LD8LKmsJOL