For a long time, I had it good. I worked for a company I loved. The pay was solid, the people were brilliant, and the mission of the company aligned perfectly with my own values. I was designing for a community I was deeply involved in, and on the surface, there was no reason to leave.
But beneath the comfort and familiarity, something started to shift.
I had stopped feeling challenged. The work that once excited me began to feel routine. I caught myself craving a shake-up—something bold and uncertain. I’ve always dreamed of working for myself, of building something that was wholly mine. I wanted the freedom to work from anywhere, to create a life that allowed me to travel more easily and be closer to family across the world. So, with a mix of anxiety and excitement, I handed in my resignation and stepped into the unknown.
Middle Studio was born.
Middle Studio is more than a creative studio—it’s a reflection of the values that pushed me to leap. It caters to small businesses and champions the untethered worker. Our mission is to empower designers who work remotely and to elevate brands that embrace freedom, flexibility, and meaningful connection.
Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt since making the jump:
1. Starting a Business Is Hard
No matter how romantic the idea of being your own boss is, the reality can feel like pushing a boulder uphill—blindfolded. Doubt creeps in constantly. Where will I find clients? Am I actually good enough to do this on my own? Do I understand the business side of things enough to make this work?
Imposter syndrome, uncertainty, and financial pressure all come knocking—sometimes all at once. I’ve learnt that part of building something for yourself is learning to sit with these questions without letting them paralyse you. It’s not about having all the answers from the start—it’s about taking one messy, brave step at a time.
2. Your Comfort Zone Is Not Your Growth Zone
I didn’t leave because I was unhappy. I left because I knew I wasn’t growing anymore. I’ve come to understand that fulfilment doesn’t always come from ease—it often comes from expansion. And expansion is uncomfortable. But when you're too comfortable for too long, you risk stagnating. Leaving forced me to grow in ways I never could have if I had stayed.
3. You’re Allowed to Miss What You Left
There are days I miss the camaraderie, the structure, and the predictable pay-check. Missing those things doesn’t mean I made the wrong decision. It just means I left something good to pursue something more aligned. Nostalgia is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of a life that held meaning.
4. Freedom Comes With Responsibility
I wanted freedom—over my time, my location, my work. And I got it. But no one tells you how overwhelming that freedom can feel at first. Every decision, from how you schedule your day to how you price your services, is now yours. That’s both the beauty and the burden of working for yourself. I’ve learnt that structure is still essential, even in a free-flowing lifestyle.
5. Values-Driven Work Is Worth the Risk
The heart of this whole journey was to do work that aligned with my personal values—freedom, creativity, connection, and flexibility. And when your work is aligned with your values, it becomes more than just work. It becomes fulfilling. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients whose missions inspire me, and I get to design with purpose every day. That makes the risk worth it.
6. You’re Not Alone—Even When It Feels Like It
Entrepreneurship can be isolating, especially when you come from a tight-knit team. But I’ve learnt that community is still out there—you just have to build it intentionally. I’ve found support in other creatives, remote workers, and business owners navigating the same uncertain path. Reaching out, sharing vulnerably, and celebrating small wins together has made all the difference.
Closing Thoughts
Leaving my job wasn’t easy—it was emotional, scary, and riddled with doubt. But it was necessary. Not because I was running from something, but because I was moving toward something else. Something I’d always dreamt of. And while the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been incredibly meaningful.
If you’re standing at a similar crossroads—holding onto something good but longing for something more—you’re not crazy. You’re just on the edge of something new. And from where I’m standing, I can tell you: it’s worth it.
