u/Chemical-Place-5049

Particularly in the country.

I am in my late 20s, I have this urge to just start something of my own, starting with consulting for others. But I have no idea where to even start. No business experience, I have some connections in the industry but wouldn't even know where to begin approaching people.

I drew up a preliminary business plan/proposal for myself. Is that even relevant any more? It feels like it isn't. I think I just need to jump in and offer my service. But how? I am still employed, and I have a non compete in my contract. So it's risky to advertise openly.

If you've taken this leap, even if you're still starting out, got any general advice for me?

Hi everyone.

I only recently joined this sub and the hopeless romantic in me has been going "wow, i hope you find your person" as I scroll through most of these posts. So i thought I would try it myself.

I am originally from Pretoria, in Joburg for work. I am in a career field i love and enjoy, and have been able to live and sustain a fairly comfortable lifestyle through that. I am also currently studying towards my Honors degree. The ultimate goal is to obtain a doctorate.

I am ambitious, loving, funny, considerate, I'm a home body but like to do things outside every now and again with friends. 2026 in particular has been busy in a fun way (biggest highlight being the Doja Cat concert in March!). I enjoy DIY, reading, music, dancing, hiking, board games (i am very competitive).

I have a cat. I am very independent. Mostly because I live by myself, I have to. And also being raised in a family of independent people (my grandparents, my mom, who taught me you could actually build and make things yourself - i love this about myself, even though some people try to make it into a negative trait in women when it comes to dating).

I think people on the internet would refer to me as the "modern woman". I am independent, not really traditional (I'm black), opinionated, and liberated. Also things some would classify negatively in dating. I believe that my man will have similar views to me, that is what I require.

I'm a lover girl. And I find myself in a dilemma right now with the dating climate, wanting and yearning to be settled down with my person, but also seeing the state of dating. It's terrifying.

Enough about me...

I'm looking for someone fun, funny, considerate, thoughtful and down to earth. Someone intelligent, driven and passionate about the things they do. Someone who will make me a priority in their life (just as I will them), someone who can hold space for me at my best and at my worst. God fearing, raised well, respectful, secure in their career, and someone equally exhausted of and ready to leave the dating scene. Preferably 30+. Politics-wise should probably be less on the conservative side as we may clash.

Someone who will provide me with mental and emotional safety.

Here's to hoping this works haha

Welcome to DM me, I will do my best to give timely responses.

Thank you!