How To Go Full Time Self Employed In 12 Months (What I Did, What I’d Change, and the Money Plan That Made It Possible)

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Ever dream of leaving your 9–5 and running your business full-time… but the thought of giving up that steady salary makes you panic a little? You’re not alone, I’ve been there and many others are too.

In this episode of Small Business Growth Addicts, I’m sharing exactly how to go from full-time employed to full-time self-employed in just 12 months including the honest numbers, the early mistakes, and what I’d do differently now that I’ve got 10+ years of hindsight on my side.

Grab a cuppa (and a biscuit, obviously ☕🍪), and let’s get into it.

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🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation with Amanda via the links to listen above

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The "I can't do this anymore" Moment

Back in 2014, I was a branch manager for a high-street bank.

On paper, it looked like a solid career but in reality I hated every second of it.

No creativity, no sunlight, no joy, just four beige walls and endless pressure and one day, driving home, I had what I now call my “bump-in-the-road” moment. Literally. As I went over a speed bump I thought, “I cannot do this for the rest of my life”

That was the day I decided something had to change. How To Go Self Employed in 12 Months

Step 1: Find the Spark

Before floristry ever became my business, I’d always been drawn to creative work. So when I saw a tiny newspaper ad for a trainee florist position, I followed my gut and applied. I took a huge pay cut, went back to college, and learned the trade, and I loved it.

Life took me back to banking for a while (hello, bills), but that spark never left. By 2014, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. even if I had no clue how yet.

In my floristry era

Step 2: Start Small (But Start)

With nothing more than a laptop, a garden shed, and a £500 overdraft, I launched my first business: The Floral Design Boutique.

Was the name perfect? Nope. Did I have a fancy logo and brand colours? You bet (though I’d later realise that wasn’t the priority) But I was in motion, and that was everything.

My focus was simple: Do wedding floristry only, no birthday bouquets, no daily deliveries. Show up every day on social media. Use that £500 to buy stock, photograph my work, and build a portfolio.

Step 3: Build Momentum with Social Media

Back then, Instagram and Facebook were my main marketing tools no Reels, no carousels, no Stories. I posted daily. I joined bridal Facebook groups and shared photos, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. It wasn’t strategic (I was definitely in my “post and pray” era 😅), but consistency worked.

Enquiries came steadily in, and within months I was fully booked for weddings across Scotland.

The biggest lesson? Even without a polished strategy, showing up consistently builds trust. But showing up strategically gets you there faster, and that’s what I teach now inside Get Seen Get Sales

Step 4: The Money Plan That Made It Possible

Let’s get to the good bit, the numbers.

Here’s how I made the leap financially without the stress spiral:

My profit split looked like this:

• 30% → stock & materials

• 50% → profit (straight into savings)

• 20% → reinvest back into the business

My deal with myself was simple: I wouldn’t hand in my notice until I’d saved three months of my full-time salary.

After 8–10 months of wedding bookings, side-hustle weekends, and zero personal spending from the business…I’d saved around £10,000. That was my green light.

I handed in my notice and I’ve been self-employed ever since.

Step 5: What I’d Do Differently Now

Looking back, I made a few rookie mistakes (and you might recognise some of them too 👀)

1️⃣ Get clear on your ideal client early

At first, I said yes to everyone getting married big weddings, budget weddings, you name it. That made me a busy fool. Once I nailed my ideal client (who I loved working with, who paid fairly, and who valued my expertise) everything changed. Fewer clients, more profit, less chaos. I have a full guide on this in my Ideal Client eBook, or you can grab it free inside Get Seen Get Sales.

2️⃣ Don’t obsess over the logo

My first logo was pretty, but it wasn’t strategic. Your branding should speak to your audience, not just your own taste. Now, every decision I make: colours, tone, visuals, is built around attracting my ideal clients.

3️⃣ Price properly from the start

Undercharging to “get your name out there” feels tempting, but it slows your growth in the long run. It’s much harder to raise prices later than to start at your worth.

4️⃣ Invest in support sooner

If I’d had a mentor back then, I would’ve saved years of trial and error. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t DIY, it’s guided action.

Step 6: The Reality Check

Going self-employed isn’t easy, it’s late nights, early mornings, and sacrifices. But it’s also freedom, creativity, and the joy of building something that’s yours.

11 years on, I’ve run two successful businesses, become an Amazon #1 bestselling author & an Apple top 30 podcaster, and now help small business owners do the same, grow confidently online and make sales without overwhelm.

If there’s one takeaway from my journey, it’s this: You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start, stay focused, and take one step at a time.

Sponsor Spotlight: KM Tax Returns

A huge thank-you to this month’s sponsor, KM Tax Returns.

If you’re tired of only hearing from your accountant once a year, you’ll love their monthly check-ins helping you always know your numbers, stay on top of tax, and avoid end-of-year panic. No surprises, just peace of mind. Find out more at kmtaxreturns.co.uk

Listen Now

🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation with Amanda via the links to listen above

👆🏼 Choose your podcast player at the top of this page to listen now!