The Corporate Escapee
@bretttrainor.bsky.social
Building the ultimate ecosystem for GenX to escape the 9-to-5 & Get Busy Living (65k and counting!) - Featured in Fortune, Forbes & Fast Company - Girl Dad x3
Are you “done” with corporate but
not sure if going solo is the right path for you?
I am hosting a live webinar:
Escapee 101: Why It’s Easier to Find Your 1st Customer
Than Land Your Next Job
📅 March 12th | ⏰ 6PM CST
🔗 Register now: lu.ma/t2bjeye4
not sure if going solo is the right path for you?
I am hosting a live webinar:
Escapee 101: Why It’s Easier to Find Your 1st Customer
Than Land Your Next Job
📅 March 12th | ⏰ 6PM CST
🔗 Register now: lu.ma/t2bjeye4
March 5, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Are you “done” with corporate but
not sure if going solo is the right path for you?
I am hosting a live webinar:
Escapee 101: Why It’s Easier to Find Your 1st Customer
Than Land Your Next Job
📅 March 12th | ⏰ 6PM CST
🔗 Register now: lu.ma/t2bjeye4
not sure if going solo is the right path for you?
I am hosting a live webinar:
Escapee 101: Why It’s Easier to Find Your 1st Customer
Than Land Your Next Job
📅 March 12th | ⏰ 6PM CST
🔗 Register now: lu.ma/t2bjeye4
I am seeing a new trend for corporate GenX: Underemployment!
-> All the baggage—endless meetings, politics
-> All the games—ageism, RTO mandates
-> But not the paycheck
This is worse than being let go (& usually a matter of time)
It is not too late to take control!
-> All the baggage—endless meetings, politics
-> All the games—ageism, RTO mandates
-> But not the paycheck
This is worse than being let go (& usually a matter of time)
It is not too late to take control!
January 20, 2025 at 12:57 PM
I am seeing a new trend for corporate GenX: Underemployment!
-> All the baggage—endless meetings, politics
-> All the games—ageism, RTO mandates
-> But not the paycheck
This is worse than being let go (& usually a matter of time)
It is not too late to take control!
-> All the baggage—endless meetings, politics
-> All the games—ageism, RTO mandates
-> But not the paycheck
This is worse than being let go (& usually a matter of time)
It is not too late to take control!
The 3 Stages of Escaping Corporate
Fear of the unknown holds GenXers back
1️⃣ Curious: Dreaming of leaving? Start small—educate yourself
2️⃣ Invested: Take action (time or money)- build momentum
3️⃣ Liberated: You’ve escaped or intentionally chosen to stay
Don’t waste years in “what if”- find clarity
Fear of the unknown holds GenXers back
1️⃣ Curious: Dreaming of leaving? Start small—educate yourself
2️⃣ Invested: Take action (time or money)- build momentum
3️⃣ Liberated: You’ve escaped or intentionally chosen to stay
Don’t waste years in “what if”- find clarity
January 16, 2025 at 1:25 PM
The 3 Stages of Escaping Corporate
Fear of the unknown holds GenXers back
1️⃣ Curious: Dreaming of leaving? Start small—educate yourself
2️⃣ Invested: Take action (time or money)- build momentum
3️⃣ Liberated: You’ve escaped or intentionally chosen to stay
Don’t waste years in “what if”- find clarity
Fear of the unknown holds GenXers back
1️⃣ Curious: Dreaming of leaving? Start small—educate yourself
2️⃣ Invested: Take action (time or money)- build momentum
3️⃣ Liberated: You’ve escaped or intentionally chosen to stay
Don’t waste years in “what if”- find clarity
GenX-It’s easier to find your 1st customer than your next job!
This not a hot take & here’s why:
👉 Corporate is a mess (layoffs, pay cuts, long job searches)
👉 Small businesses are hungry for your expertise
👉 No competition
Don’t overthink it—test the waters while you’re still in corporate!
This not a hot take & here’s why:
👉 Corporate is a mess (layoffs, pay cuts, long job searches)
👉 Small businesses are hungry for your expertise
👉 No competition
Don’t overthink it—test the waters while you’re still in corporate!
January 15, 2025 at 1:20 PM
GenX-It’s easier to find your 1st customer than your next job!
This not a hot take & here’s why:
👉 Corporate is a mess (layoffs, pay cuts, long job searches)
👉 Small businesses are hungry for your expertise
👉 No competition
Don’t overthink it—test the waters while you’re still in corporate!
This not a hot take & here’s why:
👉 Corporate is a mess (layoffs, pay cuts, long job searches)
👉 Small businesses are hungry for your expertise
👉 No competition
Don’t overthink it—test the waters while you’re still in corporate!
1,500+ members strong!
The Escapee Collective is helping create the next Generation(X) of solo business owners:
💡 Leverage decades of corporate experience
⚡ Build for freedom & flexibility
🤝 Join a supportive community reducing the risk of going solo
The GenX future is solo!
Link in my bio
The Escapee Collective is helping create the next Generation(X) of solo business owners:
💡 Leverage decades of corporate experience
⚡ Build for freedom & flexibility
🤝 Join a supportive community reducing the risk of going solo
The GenX future is solo!
Link in my bio
January 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
1,500+ members strong!
The Escapee Collective is helping create the next Generation(X) of solo business owners:
💡 Leverage decades of corporate experience
⚡ Build for freedom & flexibility
🤝 Join a supportive community reducing the risk of going solo
The GenX future is solo!
Link in my bio
The Escapee Collective is helping create the next Generation(X) of solo business owners:
💡 Leverage decades of corporate experience
⚡ Build for freedom & flexibility
🤝 Join a supportive community reducing the risk of going solo
The GenX future is solo!
Link in my bio
I did a poll of corporate GenX & found:
👉 9% say staying in corporate is safer
👉 31% say going solo is safer
👉 60% are unsure
Fear of the unknown isn’t a reason to stay in corporate, it’s a trap!
Educate yourself & decide what’s best for you
Knowledge is Power!
You have options
👉 9% say staying in corporate is safer
👉 31% say going solo is safer
👉 60% are unsure
Fear of the unknown isn’t a reason to stay in corporate, it’s a trap!
Educate yourself & decide what’s best for you
Knowledge is Power!
You have options
January 13, 2025 at 1:10 PM
I did a poll of corporate GenX & found:
👉 9% say staying in corporate is safer
👉 31% say going solo is safer
👉 60% are unsure
Fear of the unknown isn’t a reason to stay in corporate, it’s a trap!
Educate yourself & decide what’s best for you
Knowledge is Power!
You have options
👉 9% say staying in corporate is safer
👉 31% say going solo is safer
👉 60% are unsure
Fear of the unknown isn’t a reason to stay in corporate, it’s a trap!
Educate yourself & decide what’s best for you
Knowledge is Power!
You have options
In the past 4 years I have found 9 different ways to monetize my corporate experience.
Here are my 3 favorite ways to get started:
-> Consulting: fixed fee, fixed time
-> Fractional: part-time leadership
-> Your Experiences as a Service
SMBs & non-profits are hungry for your help!
Here are my 3 favorite ways to get started:
-> Consulting: fixed fee, fixed time
-> Fractional: part-time leadership
-> Your Experiences as a Service
SMBs & non-profits are hungry for your help!
January 12, 2025 at 4:12 PM
In the past 4 years I have found 9 different ways to monetize my corporate experience.
Here are my 3 favorite ways to get started:
-> Consulting: fixed fee, fixed time
-> Fractional: part-time leadership
-> Your Experiences as a Service
SMBs & non-profits are hungry for your help!
Here are my 3 favorite ways to get started:
-> Consulting: fixed fee, fixed time
-> Fractional: part-time leadership
-> Your Experiences as a Service
SMBs & non-profits are hungry for your help!
After meeting 100s of GenX corporate escapees, here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be superhuman or have unique skills.
The most successful escapees share 3 traits:
1️⃣ You are a problem solver
2️⃣ Have more to give
3️⃣ Will take action
If this is you, it’s time to explore the escapee path!
You don’t need to be superhuman or have unique skills.
The most successful escapees share 3 traits:
1️⃣ You are a problem solver
2️⃣ Have more to give
3️⃣ Will take action
If this is you, it’s time to explore the escapee path!
January 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
After meeting 100s of GenX corporate escapees, here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be superhuman or have unique skills.
The most successful escapees share 3 traits:
1️⃣ You are a problem solver
2️⃣ Have more to give
3️⃣ Will take action
If this is you, it’s time to explore the escapee path!
You don’t need to be superhuman or have unique skills.
The most successful escapees share 3 traits:
1️⃣ You are a problem solver
2️⃣ Have more to give
3️⃣ Will take action
If this is you, it’s time to explore the escapee path!
In corporate, only 27% of your week is spent on real work (thanks, Asana study).
The rest? Meetings, fire drills, busywork.
As a GenXer, I’ve learned to value time more than ever.
Imagine reclaiming those wasted hours.
Time is the real currency!
The rest? Meetings, fire drills, busywork.
As a GenXer, I’ve learned to value time more than ever.
Imagine reclaiming those wasted hours.
Time is the real currency!
January 10, 2025 at 1:18 PM
In corporate, only 27% of your week is spent on real work (thanks, Asana study).
The rest? Meetings, fire drills, busywork.
As a GenXer, I’ve learned to value time more than ever.
Imagine reclaiming those wasted hours.
Time is the real currency!
The rest? Meetings, fire drills, busywork.
As a GenXer, I’ve learned to value time more than ever.
Imagine reclaiming those wasted hours.
Time is the real currency!
AI is creating new escapee opportunities:
1️⃣ Grow smarter: Automate tasks, create content, & simplify decisions
2️⃣ New tools: AI experts can build niche solutions for the solooreneurs
3️⃣ GenX + AI: Pair experience with tech to transform SMBs.
The opportunities are endless!
1️⃣ Grow smarter: Automate tasks, create content, & simplify decisions
2️⃣ New tools: AI experts can build niche solutions for the solooreneurs
3️⃣ GenX + AI: Pair experience with tech to transform SMBs.
The opportunities are endless!
January 9, 2025 at 12:59 PM
AI is creating new escapee opportunities:
1️⃣ Grow smarter: Automate tasks, create content, & simplify decisions
2️⃣ New tools: AI experts can build niche solutions for the solooreneurs
3️⃣ GenX + AI: Pair experience with tech to transform SMBs.
The opportunities are endless!
1️⃣ Grow smarter: Automate tasks, create content, & simplify decisions
2️⃣ New tools: AI experts can build niche solutions for the solooreneurs
3️⃣ GenX + AI: Pair experience with tech to transform SMBs.
The opportunities are endless!
The beauty of being a corporate escapee isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what you don’t want—and what you’ll never settle for again. That clarity opens the door to freedom, flexibility, and building life on your terms.
January 8, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The beauty of being a corporate escapee isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what you don’t want—and what you’ll never settle for again. That clarity opens the door to freedom, flexibility, and building life on your terms.
Hey GenX—Are you ready for corporate to quit on you?
Most of us don’t have pensions, and the savings numbers don’t add up.
After 20-30 years in corporate, will you settle for a low fixed income—or take control now?
Be proactive. Don’t wait for corporate to force your hand.
Most of us don’t have pensions, and the savings numbers don’t add up.
After 20-30 years in corporate, will you settle for a low fixed income—or take control now?
Be proactive. Don’t wait for corporate to force your hand.
January 7, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Hey GenX—Are you ready for corporate to quit on you?
Most of us don’t have pensions, and the savings numbers don’t add up.
After 20-30 years in corporate, will you settle for a low fixed income—or take control now?
Be proactive. Don’t wait for corporate to force your hand.
Most of us don’t have pensions, and the savings numbers don’t add up.
After 20-30 years in corporate, will you settle for a low fixed income—or take control now?
Be proactive. Don’t wait for corporate to force your hand.
Burned out? Stuck in a job that’s running your life instead of supporting it?
You’re not alone. Most corporate GenXers are saying, “Enough.”
Join 1600+ in my free community—ideas, support, & real talk to help you take back control & find freedom.
Links in bio.
You’re not alone. Most corporate GenXers are saying, “Enough.”
Join 1600+ in my free community—ideas, support, & real talk to help you take back control & find freedom.
Links in bio.
January 3, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Burned out? Stuck in a job that’s running your life instead of supporting it?
You’re not alone. Most corporate GenXers are saying, “Enough.”
Join 1600+ in my free community—ideas, support, & real talk to help you take back control & find freedom.
Links in bio.
You’re not alone. Most corporate GenXers are saying, “Enough.”
Join 1600+ in my free community—ideas, support, & real talk to help you take back control & find freedom.
Links in bio.
When I left corporate, I thought it was just about replacing my income.
Turns out, it was about living again—freedom, time, control
Staying in corporate is like just going through the motions
2025 is the year to get busy living. Who’s ready?
Turns out, it was about living again—freedom, time, control
Staying in corporate is like just going through the motions
2025 is the year to get busy living. Who’s ready?
two men sitting next to each other with the words " get busy living " on the screen
ALT: two men sitting next to each other with the words " get busy living " on the screen
media.tenor.com
January 2, 2025 at 5:11 PM
When I left corporate, I thought it was just about replacing my income.
Turns out, it was about living again—freedom, time, control
Staying in corporate is like just going through the motions
2025 is the year to get busy living. Who’s ready?
Turns out, it was about living again—freedom, time, control
Staying in corporate is like just going through the motions
2025 is the year to get busy living. Who’s ready?
GenX, the corporate game in 2025 isn’t just changing—it’s rigged!
🔹 Forced RTO, stock buybacks, & layoffs
🔹 Outsourcing & automation
🔹 Ageism silently ending careers
It’s time to take control.
Join 1500+ GenXers finding freedom.
Links in bio (we won’t tell your boss).
🔹 Forced RTO, stock buybacks, & layoffs
🔹 Outsourcing & automation
🔹 Ageism silently ending careers
It’s time to take control.
Join 1500+ GenXers finding freedom.
Links in bio (we won’t tell your boss).
December 31, 2024 at 3:48 PM
GenX, the corporate game in 2025 isn’t just changing—it’s rigged!
🔹 Forced RTO, stock buybacks, & layoffs
🔹 Outsourcing & automation
🔹 Ageism silently ending careers
It’s time to take control.
Join 1500+ GenXers finding freedom.
Links in bio (we won’t tell your boss).
🔹 Forced RTO, stock buybacks, & layoffs
🔹 Outsourcing & automation
🔹 Ageism silently ending careers
It’s time to take control.
Join 1500+ GenXers finding freedom.
Links in bio (we won’t tell your boss).
Hey GenX!
Thinking about escaping corporate?
The path to solo success boils down to 3 keys:
1️⃣ Hard Work: You can’t coast—but it’s YOUR hard work
2️⃣ Time Management: Your schedule, your priorities
3️⃣ Networking: Real connections, real referrals
Don't overcomplicate this....life is too damn short!
Thinking about escaping corporate?
The path to solo success boils down to 3 keys:
1️⃣ Hard Work: You can’t coast—but it’s YOUR hard work
2️⃣ Time Management: Your schedule, your priorities
3️⃣ Networking: Real connections, real referrals
Don't overcomplicate this....life is too damn short!
December 30, 2024 at 2:16 PM
Hey GenX!
Thinking about escaping corporate?
The path to solo success boils down to 3 keys:
1️⃣ Hard Work: You can’t coast—but it’s YOUR hard work
2️⃣ Time Management: Your schedule, your priorities
3️⃣ Networking: Real connections, real referrals
Don't overcomplicate this....life is too damn short!
Thinking about escaping corporate?
The path to solo success boils down to 3 keys:
1️⃣ Hard Work: You can’t coast—but it’s YOUR hard work
2️⃣ Time Management: Your schedule, your priorities
3️⃣ Networking: Real connections, real referrals
Don't overcomplicate this....life is too damn short!
Just when you thought corporate America couldn't get any more dysfunctional Amazon and AT&T said "hold my beer"
Forcing return to office mandates, without having enough office space..........Classic!
Forcing return to office mandates, without having enough office space..........Classic!
December 28, 2024 at 3:12 PM
Just when you thought corporate America couldn't get any more dysfunctional Amazon and AT&T said "hold my beer"
Forcing return to office mandates, without having enough office space..........Classic!
Forcing return to office mandates, without having enough office space..........Classic!
GenX- 5 things I wish someone told me before corporate quit on me:
1️⃣ You already have the skills to win
2️⃣ Your expertise IS what the market needs
3️⃣ You don’t have to go all in—start small
4️⃣ Don’t do it alone
5️⃣ You only need 2 customers to replace your income
Just start!
1️⃣ You already have the skills to win
2️⃣ Your expertise IS what the market needs
3️⃣ You don’t have to go all in—start small
4️⃣ Don’t do it alone
5️⃣ You only need 2 customers to replace your income
Just start!
December 27, 2024 at 4:52 PM
GenX- 5 things I wish someone told me before corporate quit on me:
1️⃣ You already have the skills to win
2️⃣ Your expertise IS what the market needs
3️⃣ You don’t have to go all in—start small
4️⃣ Don’t do it alone
5️⃣ You only need 2 customers to replace your income
Just start!
1️⃣ You already have the skills to win
2️⃣ Your expertise IS what the market needs
3️⃣ You don’t have to go all in—start small
4️⃣ Don’t do it alone
5️⃣ You only need 2 customers to replace your income
Just start!
GenX is leading the solo business revolution:
👉 15.7M GenXers own businesses
👉 85% are solo (escapee)
Why?
✅ Raised independent (Latchkey Kids)
✅ Small Business need help!
✅ Corporate-trained expertise
✅ Paid our dues—time for payback
You can do this. Let’s connect
👉 15.7M GenXers own businesses
👉 85% are solo (escapee)
Why?
✅ Raised independent (Latchkey Kids)
✅ Small Business need help!
✅ Corporate-trained expertise
✅ Paid our dues—time for payback
You can do this. Let’s connect
December 26, 2024 at 6:35 PM
GenX is leading the solo business revolution:
👉 15.7M GenXers own businesses
👉 85% are solo (escapee)
Why?
✅ Raised independent (Latchkey Kids)
✅ Small Business need help!
✅ Corporate-trained expertise
✅ Paid our dues—time for payback
You can do this. Let’s connect
👉 15.7M GenXers own businesses
👉 85% are solo (escapee)
Why?
✅ Raised independent (Latchkey Kids)
✅ Small Business need help!
✅ Corporate-trained expertise
✅ Paid our dues—time for payback
You can do this. Let’s connect
As we head into the holiday break, here are 3 stats that corporate GenXers need to consider:
84% of full-time escapees are happier
79% of escapees say it’s better for their health
65% feel more secure than in corporate roles
Going solo isn’t just possible—it’s better for you!
84% of full-time escapees are happier
79% of escapees say it’s better for their health
65% feel more secure than in corporate roles
Going solo isn’t just possible—it’s better for you!
December 21, 2024 at 8:23 PM
As we head into the holiday break, here are 3 stats that corporate GenXers need to consider:
84% of full-time escapees are happier
79% of escapees say it’s better for their health
65% feel more secure than in corporate roles
Going solo isn’t just possible—it’s better for you!
84% of full-time escapees are happier
79% of escapees say it’s better for their health
65% feel more secure than in corporate roles
Going solo isn’t just possible—it’s better for you!
Tired of corporate? Here are 3 surprising ways GenXers are replacing their income:
1️⃣ Coaching/teaching
2️⃣ Building small, niche communities
3️⃣ AI Leveraging your expertise & wisdom
#3 might surprise you—but it works! Links in bio to learn more
1️⃣ Coaching/teaching
2️⃣ Building small, niche communities
3️⃣ AI Leveraging your expertise & wisdom
#3 might surprise you—but it works! Links in bio to learn more
December 19, 2024 at 10:34 PM
Tired of corporate? Here are 3 surprising ways GenXers are replacing their income:
1️⃣ Coaching/teaching
2️⃣ Building small, niche communities
3️⃣ AI Leveraging your expertise & wisdom
#3 might surprise you—but it works! Links in bio to learn more
1️⃣ Coaching/teaching
2️⃣ Building small, niche communities
3️⃣ AI Leveraging your expertise & wisdom
#3 might surprise you—but it works! Links in bio to learn more
4 Escapee Lessons I’d Use If I Stayed in Corporate
1️⃣ Act like a biz owner—would you still do it if your employer was your only client?
2️⃣ Stop sacrificing health
3️⃣ Be intentional, not reactionary
4️⃣ Build life 1st, then your job
Making lemonade out of lemons
1️⃣ Act like a biz owner—would you still do it if your employer was your only client?
2️⃣ Stop sacrificing health
3️⃣ Be intentional, not reactionary
4️⃣ Build life 1st, then your job
Making lemonade out of lemons
December 16, 2024 at 12:41 PM
4 Escapee Lessons I’d Use If I Stayed in Corporate
1️⃣ Act like a biz owner—would you still do it if your employer was your only client?
2️⃣ Stop sacrificing health
3️⃣ Be intentional, not reactionary
4️⃣ Build life 1st, then your job
Making lemonade out of lemons
1️⃣ Act like a biz owner—would you still do it if your employer was your only client?
2️⃣ Stop sacrificing health
3️⃣ Be intentional, not reactionary
4️⃣ Build life 1st, then your job
Making lemonade out of lemons
A serious question for GenX still in corporate: Do you have a plan for what’s next?
The clock is ticking—layoffs, ageism, or burnout will likely end your career before you’re ready.
Don’t wait!
Join 1,500+ GenXers planning their next move: tr.ee/lCXJ-uGsiZ
The clock is ticking—layoffs, ageism, or burnout will likely end your career before you’re ready.
Don’t wait!
Join 1,500+ GenXers planning their next move: tr.ee/lCXJ-uGsiZ
The Escapee Collective Sign Up Page
tr.ee
December 13, 2024 at 4:38 PM
A serious question for GenX still in corporate: Do you have a plan for what’s next?
The clock is ticking—layoffs, ageism, or burnout will likely end your career before you’re ready.
Don’t wait!
Join 1,500+ GenXers planning their next move: tr.ee/lCXJ-uGsiZ
The clock is ticking—layoffs, ageism, or burnout will likely end your career before you’re ready.
Don’t wait!
Join 1,500+ GenXers planning their next move: tr.ee/lCXJ-uGsiZ
Hey GenX—Are You Next on Corporate’s Chopping Block?
5 traps waiting for you in 2025:
1️⃣ Layoffs targeting higher earners
2️⃣ Ageism (only 13% of employers hire 55+)
3️⃣ Sneaky layoffs (RTO, PIPs)
4️⃣ The “Gray Ceiling”
5️⃣ Long job searches
Time to plan your next move. #GenX
5 traps waiting for you in 2025:
1️⃣ Layoffs targeting higher earners
2️⃣ Ageism (only 13% of employers hire 55+)
3️⃣ Sneaky layoffs (RTO, PIPs)
4️⃣ The “Gray Ceiling”
5️⃣ Long job searches
Time to plan your next move. #GenX
December 12, 2024 at 1:33 PM
Hey GenX—Are You Next on Corporate’s Chopping Block?
5 traps waiting for you in 2025:
1️⃣ Layoffs targeting higher earners
2️⃣ Ageism (only 13% of employers hire 55+)
3️⃣ Sneaky layoffs (RTO, PIPs)
4️⃣ The “Gray Ceiling”
5️⃣ Long job searches
Time to plan your next move. #GenX
5 traps waiting for you in 2025:
1️⃣ Layoffs targeting higher earners
2️⃣ Ageism (only 13% of employers hire 55+)
3️⃣ Sneaky layoffs (RTO, PIPs)
4️⃣ The “Gray Ceiling”
5️⃣ Long job searches
Time to plan your next move. #GenX