Pivoting from Corporate America to Entrepreneurship While Battling Stage 4 Colon Cancer: My First Step—Creating a Budget

For years, I climbed the corporate ladder, securing a stable paycheck, benefits, and a sense of security. But life has a way of shaking things up, forcing us to face realities we never anticipated. My wake-up call came when I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. The journey that followed was filled with uncertainty, but it also ignited a new path—entrepreneurship. However, before I could fully embrace this transition, I had to face a hard truth: I was now on a fixed income, and financial stability required a plan. The first thing I did? I created a budget.

Embracing Change: From Corporate to Entrepreneur

Leaving corporate America wasn’t necessarily my choice at first—it was a necessity. Between rigorous treatments, doctor visits, and the physical toll of cancer, maintaining a traditional 9-to-5 job was no longer feasible. However, I knew I still had value to offer, expertise to share, and a purpose to fulfill. Entrepreneurship became my new avenue, allowing me to work on my own terms while navigating my health journey.

The Power of a Budget on a Fixed Income

Transitioning from a steady salary to a fixed income was daunting. Without a clear financial plan, I risked falling into financial distress, which would only add more stress to an already challenging situation. Creating a budget became my first step toward taking control of my new reality. Here’s how I did it:

1. Assessing My New Financial Landscape I took a deep dive into my finances—examining savings, medical expenses, monthly obligations, and any remaining corporate benefits. This honest assessment was crucial in understanding what I was working with and where I needed to make adjustments.

2. Prioritizing Essentials Medical costs quickly became a significant factor in my budget. I prioritized health-related expenses, housing, utilities, and food. Everything else became secondary. Having a clear distinction between “needs” and “wants” helped me make intentional financial decisions.

3. Cutting Unnecessary Expenses With a limited income, every dollar had to serve a purpose. I analyzed my spending habits and cut out non-essential expenses like subscriptions, dining out, and impulse purchases. I also negotiated bills wherever possible to reduce monthly costs.

4. Identifying New Revenue Streams Entrepreneurship offered me the opportunity to rebuild financial stability. I leveraged my expertise in business credit, bookkeeping, and tax services to create a new income stream through my company, Serenity Financials. I also explored passive income opportunities to supplement my earnings while focusing on my health.

5. Creating an Emergency Fund Cancer is unpredictable, and so are the costs associated with it. I set aside a small portion of my income to build an emergency fund for unexpected medical or business-related expenses. This provided peace of mind, knowing I had a financial cushion if needed.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset Shift

More than anything, the biggest shift I had to make was mental. Entrepreneurship requires resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in oneself. Facing a life-threatening illness while starting a business tested me in ways I never imagined, but it also proved that I am stronger than I ever realized.

Budgeting wasn’t just about managing money—it was about creating a foundation for my future. It gave me the confidence to take control of my financial situation, so I could focus on building something meaningful, not just for myself but for others who may be walking a similar path.

Final Thoughts: Turning Pain into Purpose

Pivoting from corporate America to entrepreneurship while undergoing cancer treatment was one of the hardest yet most rewarding journeys of my life. It forced me to become intentional with my finances, my time, and my energy. Creating a budget was the first step, but more importantly, it was a declaration that I was still in control of my destiny.

To anyone facing a major life transition—whether due to health challenges, job loss, or personal decisions—know that you are capable of navigating the unknown. Start with a plan, take small steps, and remember that financial stability begins with clarity and discipline. Your future is still yours to build, one intentional decision at a time.

Take Action Today

If you’re facing a transition and need guidance on managing your finances or starting your own business, I’m here to help. Connect with me for financial planning tips, entrepreneurial insights, and support on your journey. Let’s take control of your financial future together!

Visit us at www.serenityfinancials.com and www.serenitybookkeepingandtax.com.