I ran a business on the side for five years before leaving my corporate job. Here's why you don't have to rush a career change
Many of today’s career switch stories are centred on an epiphany and a heroic leap into the unknown. Mine was far less impulsive.
For five years, I owned a Jetts Fitness club at the same time as working in a senior executive role for a major Australian retailer, before transitioning into full time business ownership in 2018.
It was a calculated move towards greater autonomy, flexibility and fulfilment, built over several years rather than spur of the moment. Reflecting on my journey now, I’ve realised there’s no one-size-fits-all career path and sometimes, the smartest move is to take your time.
Why slow and steady always wins the race
Prior to opening Jetts Templestowe in 2013, I had spent years building a career in corporate retail, going on to operate at the top of the Australian retail sector as the Group Customer Relationship and Experience manager for Country Road Group.
I loved my job and was proud of my professional progress. But over time, I felt increasingly drawn to the idea of building something of my own and having greater control over my future.
That’s what led me to explore business ownership with Jetts Fitness.
I’d always been passionate about health and fitness, and opening the Templestowe club allowed me to explore my ambition while maintaining my corporate salary, all while establishing what I was capable of, learning what the business would demand and whether I could see myself doing it long term.
The people behind the business mattered, too. The Jetts team were genuine, approachable and genuinely invested in helping me succeed. That support wasn’t just there at the beginning; it has remained constant, and knowing I had an entire network of people in my corner gave me the confidence to make the leap into full-time business ownership and even go on to own a second club in Cranbourne West.
Walk before you run
Running Templestowe as a side project gave me something research alone couldn't: first-hand experience of what it takes to operate a business.
My corporate background proved incredibly transferable in understanding customer behaviour, marketing and loyalty. I knew how to attract customers, build relationships and give people a reason to keep coming back. But knowing this wasn’t the same as knowing how to run a gym.
Thankfully Jetts’ established brand and systems provided a solid structure as a starting point, but I still had to learn the operational side of the business, from managing the day-to-day running of the club to creating an environment that worked for both members and team.
It was a humbling experience that required me to put my ego aside and be honest about what I didn't know. I had to recognise where my existing skills could add value, where I needed to learn from others and when to ask for support. That willingness to lean into the unknown pushed me to grow in ways I hadn't anticipated, both as a business owner and as a leader.
It wasn't always easy. Balancing two demanding roles took time, patience and persistence, but it allowed me to develop the confidence and experience to make business ownership my full-time focus. And the results have made my decision all the more rewarding.
At the 2024 Jetts Gathering, Templestowe won both Victorian and National Club of the Year – an honourable recognition given it remains one of the smallest clubs in the Jetts Australia network, and an equally welcome reminder that choosing this career pathway was the right choice for me.
When you’re ready to change lanes
My advice to anyone considering a career change is to be ambitious about what you want, but practical about how you get there.
Research your options, understand the financial commitments and build a savings buffer. Speak to people with experience in your chosen industry, assess the support available and take an honest look at the skills you already have. If possible, test the opportunity before committing fully.
Just as importantly, look beyond the initial excitement of a new opportunity. Consider what the day-to-day reality will look like, what support you'll have and whether the business or role aligns with the life you want to build.
There's no set timeline for changing careers, and moving quickly isn't necessarily an advantage. Taking a measured approach can help you manage risk, build experience and make decisions based on what you've learned rather than what you hope will happen.
My transition took five years, but that time wasn't spent waiting. I was building the knowledge, confidence and foundations I needed to make the change work in the long-term.
You don't have to abandon the career you've built to create something different. Sometimes, the smartest next move is to start building your future before you're ready to leave your past behind.