We speak with so many brilliant folks across dozens of industries and when those folks happen to be working for someone else, sometimes we can’t help but wonder why they aren’t working for themselves. How do folks decide between joining a firm or starting their own? We posed the question to the community and have shared some of their responses below.

La Juana (‘LJ’) Chambers Lawson

When I first stepped out on my own, I didn’t join a firm—I built one. Not because it was glamorous or easy, but because the assignment on my life didn’t fit neatly into anyone else’s organizational chart. I had already been consulting informally, helping nonprofits, founders, and communities secure funding, navigate compliance, and architect bold solutions. Read more>>

Heather Hendricks

When I first started out in real estate, I didn’t join an existing team—I helped build one. I began my career with another Anywhere Brand company, and another agent and I decided to partner together and create our own team from the ground up. Read more>>

Ade Bakari

I started on my own when I first started out unlike many other personal trainers who start off in a personal gym. I made the choice to start on my own because I wanted to learn on my own how to go about getting clients. Looking back I believe it was the right choice. I don’t regret it at all. Read more>>

Tatiana Sunik

When I first started out, I joined a firm — actually several over the years — because I wanted to learn the business from the inside. My first experience was at Merrill Lynch right after college, and later I spent nearly two decades at boutique RIA firms in New York.  Read more>>