How Sitting On A Plane Was The Perfect Metaphor For The Balance I Have Created As A Solo-Consultant
Article Summary
After leaving corporate and building a successful solo consulting business, Paula Gorman has found a version of professional growth that doesn’t require constant hustle. Inspired by the strange stillness of sitting on an airplane moving more than 500 MPH, she reflects on the harmony she’s created between momentum and rest: a growing consulting business, a 25-hour workweek, meaningful client work, and the freedom to design her days around the life she wants to live. The article explores why that freedom has become central to her definition of success — and why she’s now helping other consultants build businesses that give them the same ability to choose how much they work, earn, and make room for life outside of work.
Harmony, Not Hustle
I blinked and looked again and saw that it was another airplane. It shot by so fast.
I quickly realized, you know what, that makes sense. We are hurtling through the air at over 500 MPH. Yet the clouds below seem to be moving by so slowly.
And I am still in my seat.
It got me thinking about what my life looks like these days, both personally and professionally.
Personally, I recently left the Bay Area for a rural area in the mountains. Life moves slower, community runs deep, and there are trees and rivers and lakes on end. It is peaceful and serene and exactly what my nervous system needed.
Professionally, I am in year three of my consulting business after leaving corporate. My business growth continues to be up and to the right while my hours per week remain at a very reasonable 25. I have clients I like and work I like. My days are designed by me, which means ample time for hikes, mountain biking, reading, and rest.
I get to sit back and be still when I want to or do deep work, while so many people continue to have to buzz and keep up.
I know plenty of folks still hustling 50+ hour weeks. Some love it.
But for me, consulting gave me something different: harmony.
I am after harmony in my work-life and for the ability to choose to be still or slow down when I want and need. And the fact that I get to do work I am passionate about and that lights me up is the cherry on top.
These are my reasons why I have started to focus a lot of time and energy into supporting others who want to start and scale their consulting businesses.
I want other people to live the life of their dreams — to make as much money as they want, to work as much or as little as they want.
If you are nodding your head because you want that too, join my next office hours. You’ll meet people who’ve landed their first clients, doubled their income, and are designing lives on their own terms.
I promise you will be inspired by the folks making it happen.
You can too.
FAQ
Why did I leave corporate life?
I wanted more freedom and flexibility in how I spent my time. Leaving corporate allowed me to build a consulting business around the life I actually wanted to live.
What does my consulting business look like today?
I’m in year three of my consulting business, and it continues to grow while I work around 25 hours a week. I get to work with clients I enjoy on projects that genuinely interest me.
Does building a consulting business mean you have to work less?
Not at all. You get to decide what works for you. Some people love working 50+ hours a week. What I value most is having the choice to work more when I want to and slow down when I need to.
What do I mean by “harmony” between work and life?
For me, harmony means being able to do meaningful work while also having plenty of space for the rest of my life. I can spend time hiking, mountain biking, reading, resting, and connecting with my community without feeling like I’m constantly rushing to the next thing.
Can consulting really give me more control over my life?
It can. When you build your own consulting business, you have more control over the clients you work with, the projects you take on, your schedule, and ultimately how much you want to work and earn.
Why am I helping other people start and scale consulting businesses?
Because I’ve experienced firsthand how much a consulting business can change the way you live and work. I want you to have the opportunity to make as much money as you want, work as much or as little as you want, and design a life that actually feels like yours.
Is consulting right for me?
If you’re craving more autonomy, flexibility, or control over your career, consulting may be worth exploring. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start.
How can I get started?
Join my next office hours. You’ll meet other people who are building consulting businesses, hear what’s working for them, and get inspired by what’s possible when you start designing your business around the life you want.