Leaving your job for a created “worklife” begins with understanding who YOU are, your motivations, interests and sense of purpose―how you want to express yourself through your work. Once you’ve considered your options, within the context of your personal needs, you are ready to create a specific plan or strategy for success. Finally, you will need to take action on it.

YOUR FAQs
An Interview with Leslie Evans

How long have you been doing this work and why are you helping people to become free?

To answer this question, I would like to share with you a defining moment and resulting "compelling story" that brought me to where I am today, coaching people like you on exactly what to do to get out of a corporate job and into a new worklife.

Seven years ago, I made a decision that changed the course of my life.

At the time, I was working as an outplacement counselor in New York City, working with people who had been downsized from their jobs. My clients were men and women, typically mid to senior level, from industries ranging from financial services to news media and entertainment. I noticed a group of them was choosing to turn down full-time job offers. Not because the job offers weren’t top quality, which most were, but because my clients no longer wanted to work in “a job.” I had to know why.

So, I asked my company if I could work part-time while I researched a trend with my clients. They said yes, for three months.

After three months of working part-time, my boss asked me “What’s it going to be? Come back full-time or leave?” I said, “These three days a week are really working for me” to which he replied “Not an option.”

I had 10 days to decide. Go back to full-time or leave? I determined that I would go back full-time until I could create a plan that would allow me to transition out of that position. That seemed logical and practical. Then, the night before I was to meet with my boss I woke up at 2 a.m. In the dark of the night, after tossing and turning for hours, I remembered what some of my clients had said to me about refusing job offers. They said things like: “I’m tired of ‘playing the game’. I don’t want to do it any more.”

I realized that neither did I. The next morning, I went to my boss and told him of my decision to refuse his offer of continued employment and a successful well-paid job, in exchange for no prospects and absolutely no idea of what I was going to do next.

Since then, I have decided to dedicate the rest of my professional life to helping unhappy employees in Corporate America to get out, “be free”―and feel secure.

I’ve worked with many clients, spoken in front of various groups and developed the You Are Free Process™, a series of steps that help individuals make the transition, more effortlessly, from full-time jobs to becoming self-expressed through project-based work and self-employment.

So does that make you a coach for independent contractors and freelancers?

Well, not exactly. What I do is help people who are tired of playing the game in Corporate America to get out, be free, and feel secure by making good money . . . using their creativity and intellectual capital. While many times, this might take the form of creating a portfolio of projects so they can generate income from skills while they build their creative vision, I do not just help people transition into independent employment. I help people to become free from working for someone else. Many freelancers and independent contractors are just as dependent on their “gig-meisters” as employees are on their employers.

Who are your clients exactly?

I work with people just like you who are tired of working within the confines of Corporate America. My clients are split equally between men and women and have ranged from young people who have just started their career to those who are ready to retire. Though most have been smack in the middle of their careers, they have come out of the following industries: law, banking, marketing, media/entertainment, advertising, investment banking and brokerage houses.

Were they successful in making the transition?

Yes. There are so many examples. I’ve helped one client start his own movie production business, born out of his desire to make movies that he would like to see. Another client went from a banking career to starting a pet care business and has become one of the premier pet care experts in New York City. I’ve helped a lawyer become a work/life coach. These clients formed businesses around their passion.

You don’t have to start something new. Sometimes you just want to take a skill that you have and exercise it in another way. I’ve helped copywriters move from full-time positions to working on projects for others to working solo. The changes don’t have to be big. I’ve helped several clients move from large corporations into partnering with smaller companies. The point is to help you to feel in control of the work you do instead of feeling controlled by those for whom you work. This makes it easier for you to feel free to express yourself through your work.

Do I have to start my own business―or be entrepreneurial?

This is another myth of the marketplace. So many people are prevented from embarking on a new work adventure because they think their only option is either to work in a full-time job or to start a company of their own. You have other options.

What are those options?

Sometimes my clients have a creative idea or vision they want to pursue, which usually involves exercising their intellectual capital. I call these clients MODERN VISIONARIES. Many of these “modern visionaries” are seeking to monetize their creativity. What this means is they are looking to make money based on what they know―creating services and products―and charging for them. What I do is help them to think through the specifics of their vision and to create a structure so they can be successful.  Oftentimes, these people create businesses around their vision.

Other clients don’t want to make that huge leap into something new; however, choose to create a portfolio of projects through a system I call PROJECT-ING^®. This system allows you to diversify your income streams, in much the same way you would diversify your investment portfolio, in order to make a living and to replace your steady salary. Generating multiple revenue streams is actually safer than having a full-time job because when you lose your job, you lose your only source of income while if you lose a project, you lose only ONE source of revenue.

PROJECT-ING^® also gives you the freedom to work on different types of projects, which can be unrelated. This option can work well when you have a natural ability, interest, or creative vision you want to pursue, but not full-time. PROJECT-ING^® enables you to create a portfolio of work activities that allows you to make money using experienced skills while creating space for development. For example, I had one client who put together a PROJECT-ING^® portfolio, which included leveraging and making money from her writing skills while learning new technology skills. Ultimately, she was able to work on both technology and writing projects.

Finally, for those who don’t want to start something of their own, they find ways to support and partner with people who are starting up new vision ventures.

Isn’t that last option just like taking another job?

Yes and no. Yes, in that it might look like working for someone else―no in that it is different. The relationship of you to the “modern visionary” is more of a partnership. You have more control over your work than you might as a full-time employee and in some cases, the compensation structure is different. The ideal compensation structure is where you get paid a fair return for the investment of your intellectual capital.

Do I need to have a lot of money in reserve in order to make this move?

No. Most people think that you have to have a lot of money to make a transition. You don’t need to be a millionaire. While you do need to be smart about money, you can find a way to transition that works for you.

What gets in the way of your clients making a successful transition?

There is something that I call “job undertow,” which is the biggest obstacle. You know how you can go to the beach and find that you can’t swim in the water because there is a “rip tide,” a very strong current that pulls in one direction, usually out to sea? Well, job undertow operates in the same way. Our programming to want a job for its security is so strong that it literally has the effect of pulling us back into that world. I’ve found that just as my clients are poised to make the transition―after all the planning and execution, the job undertow is so strong it can literally pull them back into wanting to take a full-time job. Sometimes my clients actually do take another job; however, they usually leave within a couple of months so they can make the transition they had planned.

How are you different from other "coaches” or “career counselors?"

I specialize in helping unhappy corporate employees and aspiring free agents to become free and secure by creating work that is satisfying―and lucrative. I’ve walked this path myself and am focused on helping others do the same.

What is a free agent?

Free agents have been known as people who work independently, collecting 1099 forms. However, they are more than that. Free agents are the “new movers” of the 21st century, those people who have left the corporate world, government positions, and other jobs where they felt trapped, so that they could exercise and get paid for their intellectual capital. They are not simply freelancers, consultants or entrepreneurs: they are “new movers” because they are following their passion, their sense of purpose and they want to make a contribution based on how they see the world. They are using their intellectual capital and want to be paid fairly for it. What are their characteristics? You know you are a free agent when you:

• Challenge the status quo
• Are a “whole-brained” thinker
• Like innovating, hate replicating
• Are tired of having to “play the game”
• Value freedom over security
• Are considered rebels/renegades/mavericks
• Feel confined in a corporate job

What kind of person benefits from the You Are Free Process^™?

The You Are Free^® coaching process was created for people who are ready and willing to take the step away from Corporate America, ending the “Sunday night dreads,” you know, the feeling in the pit of your stomach you get when you start thinking about having to go back to work Monday morning, which keeps you from sleeping well. It was created for you to be able to make the change within (6) months and enable you to transition from the security and safety of a full-time job to the security and safety of your new worklife.

Does this process work?

Yes. The result of our work is an approach to determine your future so you can chart your course confidently. My clients who apply all the principles of the You Are Free Process™ have successfully transitioned out of unsatisfying, soul-crushing jobs into activities that allow them to express who they are, while making money. Best of all, most clients continue to thrive in their new workpaths long after our work together has ended.

What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?

What’s expected of you is to be 100% committed to the process, to do the work. In return, I will support and partner with you so that you are successful.

I work best with individuals who are willing to do the internal work required to become clear on one’s own motivations, passion, values, interests, talents and gifts. This requires my clients to be willing to look within themselves to find answers to questions such as “What inspires me?” “What is my passion?” “How do I define success?” I don’t enjoy working with people who either want me to do that work for them or to provide them with answers. I can’t. So, it’s essential my clients have the desire to want to become clear about who they are so they can make informed decisions about the future they want to create. This means I’m selective in who I work with.

What type of professional is this program NOT going to work for?

This program is not for everyone, and I want you to know I choose my clients as carefully as they choose me, gently turning away those who either aren’t suited for the program or who wouldn’t get the results they expect.

This You Are Free Process^™ is NOT for those who are looking simply to change jobs, to move from one corporate environment to another, or who want help writing a resume, interviewing or positioning themselves to find another job. It is also not for those people who want help in navigating through corporate waters or who want to have a coach help them become more successful within traditional, corporate environments. In addition, this program is not intended for people who are working part-time because they CAN’T find a job and feel they have no alternative. It is for people who are choosing to find ways of expressing themselves fully through their work and are looking to embrace real alternatives to full-time corporate employment.

What if I have financial issues right now?

If you have no money coming in and are financially desperate, I recommend that you find some other work first. I learned the hard way. Get another job or find a way to bring in income so you can focus on moving forward with becoming free―and secure. It’s hard to be free if you are worried about paying your bills―I guarantee you will find a way to transition out of corporate enslavement QUICKLY if you have income coming in. Remember, I’m speaking from experience.

What exactly is the You Are Free Process^™ and what does it include?

Leaving your job for a created “worklife” begins with understanding who YOU are, your motivations, interests and sense of purpose―how you want to express yourself through your work. Once you’ve considered your options, within the context of your personal needs, you are ready to create a specific plan or strategy for success. Finally, you will need to take action on it. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Rediscover “you”
2. Generate options―options―options
3. Get grounded in your reality―take stock of your needs
4. Construct a powerful vision for your future
5. Create your “Roadmap for Success”
6. Leverage your skills for maximum return
7. Package who you are and what you know
8. Exercise your creativity/intellectual capital
9. Overcome job undertow and other obstacles to success
10. Become proactive by setting up plans, controls and systems

These are the steps of the You Are Free Process^™, which have helped countless individuals in their desire to move away from feeling “owned” by a company to becoming free. Clients find this process enables them to take the leap they’ve always dreamed about―with a sense of confidence and resolve.

What results can I expect?

You can expect to:

• Figure out who you are and what’s important to you
• Clarify your values, motivations, passions, interests and sense of purpose as a foundation for creating a more fulfilling worklife
• Define what success means to you
• Find ways to express your creativity
• Identify existing skillsets you can leverage for maximum return and how to apply these skills in different arenas
• Learn to be more proactive in your life, rather than reactive or responding to other’s demands
• Within the first three months, develop a compelling vision of what you want to create for your future
• Get clear on your financial goals and your current financial position
• Generate options for how you want to work
• Explore opportunities for making passive income from your intellectual capital
• Determine how to charge for what you know
• Learn how to create structure and make space to accomplish your priorities
• Decide on your path―either Modern Visionary or PROJECT-ING^®
• Create a You Are Free^® strategy―the “Roadmap” within (6) months
• Package yourself so others know what you are creating
• Use your network to get information―move ahead
• Be accountable to your goals
• Stay so focused on plan that “job undertow” has no effect
• Break through the fears of trying something new
• Deprogram your thinking―shut out the corporate mindset
• Reject the set of “shoulds” in your thinking and make decisions that are right for YOU
• Refine your goals as you receive new information
• Insist on your value―get paid for what you are worth
• Create powerful partnerships for mutual support
• Tap into the community of like-minded thinkers
• Follow a proven process of success you can apply to move you away from corporate employment so you don’t have to make it up yourself
• Learn techniques to overcome resistance
• Gain confidence to make money for yourself
• Implement controls and systems so you can be more creative

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to work with you?

Absolutely. Please go to the Client Testimonials and contact whoever looks interesting to you and ask them about their experience working with me.

How do I know that it will work for me?

Be committed to this process. Do all of your assignments and fieldwork. Show up for all your coaching calls. Understand there are no quick answers and the first couple of stages involve lots of hard work. If you are willing to do the work, and identify what you want to do and how you want to work―together we will create a plan to make that dream possible. It’s hard to do on your own. However, with another thought partner, one who has helped countless others, you have a chance of creating that worklife you’ve always wanted.

How will we work together and what does the program entail?

We schedule three sessions per month, over the phone, with lots of fieldwork between sessions, to keep you moving towards your dream/goal. (Yes, we can schedule more than three [3] times per month and will rate that time accordingly.) The focus is on solo assignments outside of the three calls per month. Add to that the brainstorming and collaborative times together; you will find yourself defining and moving toward a goal you might never have thought possible.

You will receive total support from me via personal email, materials and resources, and one-on-calls, to make sure you move through the process quickly and efficiently and to keep you on track so you stay focused on your goal.

How long is the program?

Each program runs in three-month increments, although I find that it usually takes at least (6) months to plan effectively and to execute a life-change of this size.

What's the coaching investment?

You currently have (3) options, depending on your individual needs, how quickly you want to make a change, how often you need to speak with me, and your budget. This way, you can choose how you would like to collaborate with a proven professional who has helped others to become free and secure. All programs are (3) months long.

The “Who am I?” Program
(3) full-hour coaching sessions per month
($500/month for [3] months)

This program was created for people who are ready to change but really have no idea what they want to do next. It is especially helpful for people who want to “dig deep” in taking a look at who they are, their values and sense of purpose. In this program, we spend our time together focused on rediscovering who you are―your dreams, your priorities, and your motivations. We’ll evaluate your skillsets and will put all this together to generate real options for you. Finally, we will do intensive work around defining your vision for your next step and how to make that vision a money-making reality.

The “Get Me Out NOW” Program
(3) half-hour coaching sessions per month
($300/month for [3] months)

This option is for people who are ready to change what they do to better fit with who they are. People who are interested in this program already have a good idea of what they want to do going forward and want help in structuring the steps it will take to get there. We will spend time ensuring the transition from full-employment to independent work is smooth. We will be strategic about your goals and tactical about reaching them.

The “Keep Me Moving Forward” Program
(2) half-hour coaching sessions per month
($250/month for [3] months)

This option is for people who have worked with me before and want to have the ongoing support. This program is intended to provide support as you continue to move forward with your plan.

So, based on what you’ve seen, which program do you think works best for you?

I know which program I want. How do we get started?

Great. Here’s what you need to do now. Either give me a call at (212) 348-2785 or and let me know what program you have chosen. We'll schedule a regular date and time to start our coaching and you'll receive a welcome packet over email. In it, you'll fill out your client information, goals for our work together and payment information. You'll send this to me at least (2) days prior to your first call. This will enable us to get off to a fast start, as I will have information about where you want to go . . . before the call.

Can I ask you some questions before I commit to the program?

Sure. What I suggest is that you first and give me some times that would work for you, or you can simply call me at (212) 348-2785.

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Last Updated: 10/29/04