No Limits: How I Escaped the Clutches of Corporate America to Live the Self-Employed Life of My Dreams

Sara Morgan
Custom Solutions (2009)
ISBN 9780615299327
Reviewed by Kathleen Dowdell for Reader Views (10/09)


This motivational informative book is filled with first-hand advice from author Sara Morgan. The first chapter is dedicated to telling her story by way of six “challenges” that many can relate to (college, first job, motherhood, wrong job fit, short term/part time contracting work, and jobless). But that is only the beginning. After the birth of three children and the divorce of two husbands, Morgan decided to share her experiences in written format about her challenges in corporate America. Her hope is that others can find inspiration and motivation in their search to find fulfillment in self-employment.

“No Limits: How I Escaped the Clutches of Corporate America to Live the Self-Employed Life of My Dreams” was written for the person who dreams of being an entrepreneur but is afraid to venture out without a lifeline into the world of self-employment. How many of us have dreamed of being our own boss, making our own decisions, making our own hours. As enticing as this appears, it is hard work with lots of opportunity for failure. But Morgan clearly explains the benefits of being self employed by highlighting her work environment in a whimsical way (her four outdoor break rooms in St. Francisville, Louisiana where she goes to unwind and think) and a practical way (her flexible hours that allow her to spend more time with her children.)

Included in this book are profiles of seven self-employed people who were interviewed by the author. Each of them found the courage to leave behind restricting jobs and start their own business. They are characterized as being secure, successful, a finisher, goal oriented, free, a chance taker, and optimistic. Their biographies are located at the end of the book along with information on the companies they founded. I was impressed with the way Morgan applies their experiences to the facts she is trying to get the reader to understand. First-hand information such as this makes the context more applicable.

A chapter is devoted to words of good advice from the author as well as people she encountered through her journey to self-employment. Chapter seven is quite precise with tips on start-up costs, writing a business plan, websites to visit for more information, and making a presence in the business world by creating a website. She concludes each chapter with a summation of the chapter topic for quick reference and action. A reference section at the end of the book is loaded with contact people who are experts in their field.

“No Limits: How I Escaped the Clutches of Corporate America to Live the Self-Employed Life of My Dreams” is definitely a great reference book for anyone starting their own business. I especially liked the content of this book. It’s an easy read yet has practical advice on business start up practices. Author Sara Morgan’s words “work, live and have fun” are woven throughout the book. Anyone can tell she is living those words after breaking free from corporate America.

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