How I Left the Corporate Rat Race — and How Different Learning Models (and On-Demand Coaching) Can Help You Do the Same
In 2011, I walked away from a long career in corporate banking. Not because I wanted to — but because I had to. I burned out. Years of working in a bureaucracy, chasing promotions, and sitting in endless meetings took their toll.
But here’s my secret: since the day I was hired in 1985, I always prepared my exit.
As a born survivor, I never trusted the company and all the people in it to take care of me. That’s why, already in 2001, I started making money on the side with short eBooks and online ventures — next to my corporate job. Without that Plan B, leaving in 2011 would have been much harder, maybe even impossible.
Leaving the corporate rat race is not just about quitting your job. It’s about unlearning, relearning, and using the right learning models at the right time. Here’s how each one shaped my journey — and how they might help you on yours.
1. Experiential Learning – I Had to Do It Myself
I didn’t escape by reading management books. I escaped by doing.
Back in 2001, I started experimenting with short eBooks and online income. That side hustle became my lifeline ten years later when I burned out and walked away from corporate banking.
You don’t plan your way out of the rat race — you act your way out.
2. Self-Directed Learning – I Took Back Control
In corporate life, HR tells you what training to take. Outside, it’s different: you’re free, but also responsible.
I picked the skills I actually needed — digital business, online sales, compliance, and later AI. I created my own curriculum with podcasts, mentors, and tools.
Freedom starts when you own your learning.
3. One-on-One Coaching – The Shortcut I Wish I Had Earlier
I tried to do too much alone in the beginning. That slowed me down.
What works best — online or offline — is personal coaching. A coach spots your blind spots, keeps you accountable, and transfers real-world experience.
That’s why I now offer a Right-Skilling & Coaching On-Demand Program. Instead of wasting precious time, energy and money on generic courses, you get:
- Tailored guidance based on your situation.
- Just-in-time skills for survival and independence.
- One-on-one coaching sessions, online or in person, when you need them most.
Personalized business coaching isn’t a luxury — it’s the fastest way to make the leap.
4. Survival Learning – Urgency Over Perfection
When you’re burned out or facing layoffs, you don’t have years to “retrain.” You need income fast.
Because I had already tested my Plan B for years, I could focus on what mattered: paying bills, building a client base, and scaling what worked.
Survival is about workable action now — not perfect long-term plans later.
5. Social Learning – Finding People Who Get It
Leaving the rat race can feel lonely. Most of your old colleagues won’t understand.
What helped me was connecting with other solopreneurs and freelancers. People who had already jumped ship — and could share both their struggles and their wins.
The right community accelerates your courage.
6. Transformative Learning – Redefining Success
This was the hardest part: changing my mindset.
I had to shift from climbing the corporate ladder to building my own path. From status and titles to freedom and meaning. From external validation to my own values and norms.
True escape isn’t just changing jobs — it’s changing how you define success.
Final Thoughts
I’ve lived both sides. I know what it feels like to be stuck in a corporate system with a toxic manager, toxic culture and toxic work environment that slowly drains you. And I know what it takes to get out — because I’ve done it myself.
My secret? Since 1985, I always prepared my exit. I never relied on the system, and I always had a Plan B.
- In 2001, I started making side income.
- In 2011, that Plan B became my way out after burnout.
- Today, I help others do the same through right-skilling and on-demand coaching.
Leaving the rat race is about survival first — then building the life you actually want. And once you’ve done it, you’ll never want to go back.
If you want to learn how to design and execute a survival innovation plan for yourself and/or for others, contact us today for a free online intake session with free work-advice and free fast learning advice. Please email your mobile number and the link to your LinkedIn profile using this form. Then we immediately will contact you to make an appointment for an online intake interview.
Kind regards,
Tony de Bree
