Cape Town-based digital creator Sesethu Yabo left her corporate job to pursue her passion as a full-time home decor and lifestyle influencer. Motivated by the loss of her brother and a toxic work environment, she channelled her energy into creating content.

Her Instagram pages (@home_with_ses and @sesethu_yabo) offer tips on all things home decor, fashion and lifestyle respectively.

GQ: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced changing careers?

Sesethu: Initially it felt lonely; I went from seeing and speaking with colleagues and clients to being in my house alone all the time. The second challenge was creating anew routine, after spending nine years with a set weekday routine.The ongoing challenge has been managing finances. I transitioned from a steady monthly income to needing to carefully manage finances, seek opportunities, and secure jobs. My decision happened suddenly. I always wished to workfor myself but was too scared dueto the uncertainty in my field.

My perspective changed after my brother passed away in July 2023; it made me realise I needed to live my life and find happiness as he did. I’d been unhappy in my job for a long time, which took a toll on my mental health.

GQ: How did your friends, family and colleagues react?

Sesethu: They were happy for me, but worried too. I informed my family just two days after my brother’s passing that I would be resigning at the end of the month. My parents asked if I had something lined up, and I said no. They understood why I was resigning, knowing how unhappy I had been in my job. I explained to everyone that I was prioritising myself and my mental health over remaining in a toxic work environment. Since that day, they have supported my decision. My friends and close colleagues have supported me wholeheartedly. I’m incredibly grateful to them for being my unwavering support structure.

GQ: Were there any moments when you doubted yourself?

Sesethu: Honestly, no. I’ve been my own boss for 10 months now and I couldn’t be happier. I’m at peace with the decision I made and have no regrets. The freedom of managing my own time is unmatched. I can travel and work from anywhere, and I’ve been able to spend a lot more time with my parents and focus on things that truly bring me joy.

GQ: How do you stay motivated and inspired in the evolving digital landscape?

Sesethu: Staying true to yourself is key. Knowing your boundaries and how much of yourself you want to share with the world is crucial. Once you’ve identified what you want to showcase, and understand your ‘why’, creating content that resonates becomes easier. It’s also essential to keep up with trends and continually upskill yourself tore main relevant and current.

GQ: What’s been the most rewarding aspect so far?

Sesethu: Having the luxury of owning my own time brings with it a profound peace of mind.

GQ: How do you manage the business aspects –marketing, partnerships and finances?

Sesethu: I have a management team thathandles those, allowing me tofocus solely on creativity. And I have an accountant who manages my finances. Having a dedicatedteam eases my workload andbrings peace of mind.

GQ: What skills from your corporate career have been most valuable?

• Time management

• Multitasking

• Networking

• Project management

• Being able to adapt to the evolving digital landscape

GQ: How did you prepare, financially and mentally?

Sesethu: I didn’t. Even though I knew itwas the path I eventually wantedto take. Sometimes life gives you the push you need to pursue your dreams. One piece of advice I would give is to plan properly. Save up enough money to sustainyourself for several months orlonger. Pay off any unnecessaryexpenses and consider downsizing.

GQ: Is there anything you would have done differently?

Sesethu: PLAN. PLAN. PLAN. I would have saved more.

GQ: How do you stay motivated and maintain creativity?

Sesethu: I’m passionate about what I do– it never feels like work. My job is intertwined with my lifestyle; creating content comes naturally to me. My online community is also a major source of motivation. They create a supportiveand enjoyable environment,encouraging me to share. I deeply appreciate their support and love them dearly,