Toxic Work Environment

Former Finance Executive Reaches Point of Clarity

Resolve to achieve clarity, financial freedom, and self-sufficiency as the new year dawns. Career coaching from The Entrepreneur’s Source^® helped a finance executive escape a toxic work environment and follow her dreams in 2023.

Imke Hartley spent more than 18 years in executive roles at a large corporation in Wilmington, North Carolina. She recently embarked on a remote position at a private equity firm. An unwelcome change in management and new travel requirements were taking a toll. Her job provided financial security, but she had to cope with an unpredictable schedule, disrespectful management, and high stress.

Imke’s experience is not uncommon in corporate America. Lack of job security, poor management, and heavy workloads leave many people feeling battered and bruised. By analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time-Use Survey, the Washington Post recently ranked finance and insurance as some of the most stressful occupations. Survey participants also gave jobs in finance low marks for happiness and meaning.

Imke wanted to work with people she respected in a role offering stability and flexibility to devote time to raising her seven-year-old son. Tired of the status quo and tolerating abuse, Imke started searching for a way to lower stress and improve the quality of her life.

“I wanted an occupation I enjoy and am passionate about. I want to work hard but have time to spend with my family. One of my long-term goals was to start a business to generate financial freedom,” Imke said.

Coaching Helps Find Clarity

After receiving positive feedback from a fellow coworker, Imke contacted a Coach for The Entrepreneur’s Source to explore her possibilities, options, and dreams. Imke’s TES coach spent many years spearheading the marketing efforts for startup companies before turning to career coaching to help people find a new path, at no cost to his clients.

“It’s really amazing to have conversations with folks about their past, present, and future. You get an opportunity to hear what’s happening in people’s lives and how they hope to move forward,” Imke’s TES coach said.

TES relies on education-based tools to help people discover their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity™ goals. Our coaches help people reach a point of clarity about their future. They use education, awareness, and discovery to eliminate concerns and allow you to focus your energy on achieving your dreams during a career transition.

“My coach presented me with different business models. He helped me keep an open mind and pushed me to investigate multiple businesses. It’s important not to exclude something too early. Evaluating different options makes you feel good that you’re picking the best model for you,” Imke said. “He’s definitely not trying to push you to make a decision. He wants you to make the right decision for you.”

Real Estate Business Opportunity

As she explored her options, Imke concluded that business ownership would allow her to control her own destiny and provide financial security. The wife and mother recently purchased an Airbnb property and discovered it was a good fit. Her location on the Crystal Coast sparked a desire to rely on real estate to diversify her investment.

After exploring several business opportunities, Imke decided to open a real estate investing business with HomeVestors, one of Entrepreneur magazine’s top real estate franchises in 2023. The business was a good fit for her family.

“I don’t think Imke came into coaching thinking she wanted to own a franchise. Coaching is about learning, it’s a journey,” Imke’s TES coach said. “It’s about giving people the opportunity to be a part of the startup ecosystem and the larger economy with a proven business model.

Imke enjoyed working with her team in her corporate role and helping people grow and expand their horizons. As part of her HomeVestors business, Imke will use her management skills to lead contractors and team members to improve the quality of life in her local community. HomeVestors, one of the nation’s leading homebuyers, takes neighborhood eyesores and returns them to their original glory, improving resale value in the communities they serve.

“At HomeVestors, the corporate staff is structured and organized. Everyone is so friendly. The environment I came from was so different,” Imke said.

After Imke finishes her training, she will launch her new HomeVestors business in February in Wilmington and the surrounding counties.

Are You Ready to Start a New Journey?
If you are ready to achieve the American dream and explore new options, contact a Career Ownership Coach™ to learn more about ownership. Schedule a call today!

For more information about TES, visit www.entrepreneurssource.com, or check out our latest guidebook, “Your Career Revolution: Reimagine and Reclaim the Life of Your Dreams.”