First steps to leaving the CLT: How to build an independent career

First steps to leave the CLT: the transition from the CLT regime to an independent career is a journey that requires planning, courage and strategy.

Many workers dream of leaving the rigidity of formal employment to seek autonomy, but the path can seem nebulous.

Therefore, exploring the first steps to leave the CLT is essential to transform this desire into reality.

Find out more below!

First steps to leave the CLT

According to the IBGE, in 2023, approximately 25% of Brazilian workers worked as self-employed or entrepreneurs, a number that reflects the growing search for professional independence.

However, leaving the CLT is not just about exchanging a formal employment contract for a CNPJ.

It is, above all, a change of mentality.

Think of it like learning to sail on the high seas after years of piloting a boat on a calm lake: the horizon is vast, but the waves require preparation.

So how can we take these first steps safely and with purpose?

In this text, you'll find a detailed guide with practical strategies, real-life examples, and answers to common questions.

We'll cover everything from financial preparation to building an entrepreneurial mindset, including support networks and idea validation.

At the end, a table of frequently asked questions will clarify the main questions.

Shall we begin?

1. Financial Preparation: The Foundation of Transition

Before leaving the CLT, it is crucial to ensure a solid financial foundation.

After all, professional independence doesn't just mean freedom of schedule, but also taking responsibility for your own stability.

See too: How to Reposition Yourself in the Market and Reinvent Your Professional Career

So the first step is to create an emergency fund.

Experts recommend accumulating at least six months of basic expenses, but ideally a year, considering the unpredictability of the freelance market.

Additionally, it's essential to map your current expenses and project the costs of a freelance career.

For example, as a freelancer, you will be responsible for taxes, private pensions, and possibly work tools.

Therefore, tools like cash flow spreadsheets or apps like Mobills can help you visualize your finances.

Imagine your transition as being like building a house: without a solid foundation, any storm could knock it down.

Finally, diversify your income sources before leaving your CLT. Consider side projects, such as consulting or online sales, to test the market.

A practical example is that of Ana, a graphic designer who, while employed, began offering branding services to small businesses on weekends.

Within six months, she already had a client portfolio that covered 70% of her CLT income, which allowed her to make the transition safely.

Item	Description	Practical Tip
Emergency reserve	6 to 12 months of basic expenses	Open a separate account to avoid expenses
Cost mapping	List fixed and variable expenses, including taxes and tools	Use financial management apps
Income diversification	Start side projects to test the market	Explore platforms like Workana or Upwork

2. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Redefining Your Work Vision

Leaving the CLT requires more than financial planning; it requires cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.

In other words, you must move from a reactive, employee-like stance to a proactive approach where you set your own goals.

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So, start by asking: What unique value can I offer to the market?

This rhetorical question is the starting point for aligning your skills with real-world demands.

Furthermore, resilience is a fundamental pillar. Unlike the CLT, where the salary is fixed, self-employment income can fluctuate.

Therefore, learn to see failures as learning opportunities.

An inspiring example is that of João, a former IT analyst who decided to offer cybersecurity consulting.

In the first few months, he faced rejections, but used the feedback to adjust his approach, winning contracts with local startups.

Finally, invest in self-knowledge.

Tools like a personal SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) can help you identify your skills and gaps.

Additionally, seeking out mentors or communities, such as LinkedIn groups or networking events, broadens your vision and connects you to new possibilities.

Thus, the entrepreneurial mindset is not just about working for yourself, but about building a purpose that guides your decisions.

Aspect	Why is it important?	How to develop?
Self-knowledge	Identify your strengths and areas for improvement	Do a personal SWOT analysis
Resilience	Helps deal with uncertainty and rejection	Practice learning with feedback
Networking	Connects you to opportunities and mentors	Participate in online events and groups

3. Idea Validation: Testing the Market Before the Leap

Before abandoning your CLT, validate your business or service idea.

Instead of going all in on a single idea, test it on a small scale.

For example, if you plan to open a marketing consultancy, offer one-off services to friends or small businesses.

This way, you gather feedback and adjust your offering without major risks. This approach is like testing the water temperature before diving in.

Additionally, use digital platforms to validate your idea.

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Tools like Google Trends or social media allow you to analyze the demand for your service.

For example, if you're a writer, search for keywords related to "blog content" to understand your audience's interests.

Likewise, creating a profile on platforms like Fiverr or 99Freelas can help you test market receptiveness.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of the MVP (minimum viable product).

An MVP is a simplified version of your service or product, which allows you to evaluate acceptance without major investments.

Consider the case of Mariana, a nutritionist who, before leaving her job, created an e-book with personalized meal plans.

She sold 50 copies in a month, which convinced her to invest in her online clinic. Validating your idea is, therefore, a strategic step to minimize risks.

Tool	Purpose	Usage example
Google Trends	Analyze the demand for keywords related to your service	Search for “financial consulting”
Freelance platforms	Test market receptivity	Create a profile on Workana or Fiverr
MVP	Assesses acceptance with minimal investment	Launch a simple e-book or online course

4. Building a support network: The power of connections

No one builds an independent career alone.

Therefore, investing in networking is one of the first steps to leave the CLT.

Start by mapping contacts who can offer support, whether through advice, partnerships, or referrals.

Therefore, participating in industry events or online groups, such as Telegram communities, can open unexpected doors.

Also, seek out mentors who have already walked the path to independence.

A mentor doesn't have to be someone famous; it can be a more experienced colleague or a professional you admire.

For example, a mentor might guide you on how to price your services or deal with difficult clients.

Likewise, building an online presence, such as a profile on LinkedIn, reinforces your credibility and attracts opportunities.

Finally, don't ignore emotional support.

The CLT transition can be lonely, especially in times of uncertainty.

Therefore, counting on friends, family or even groups of entrepreneurs can make a difference.

Think of your net like a safety net on a trapeze: it doesn't prevent falls, but it ensures you can get up and try again.

Connection type	Benefit	Where to find?
Mentors	They offer practical and strategic guidance	Industry events or LinkedIn
Online communities	Connect you with other professionals facing similar challenges	Groups on Telegram or Facebook
Emotional support	Helps maintain motivation during the transition	Friends, family or support groups

5. Long-Term Planning: Sustaining Independence

Leaving the CLT is just the beginning; sustaining an independent career requires ongoing planning.

So, set clear goals for the next 6, 12 and 24 months.

For example, define how much you want to earn, how many clients you want to acquire, or what skills you want to develop.

So, tools like Trello or Notion can help you organize these goals.

Also, invest in continuing education.

The freelance market is dynamic, and staying up to date is crucial.

Online courses like those from Coursera or Udemy, or even industry-specific certifications, ensure you stay competitive.

For example, a programmer who learns a new language, such as Python, can access more lucrative projects.

Finally, review your progress regularly.

In short, every quarter, analyze what worked and what needs to be adjusted.

This practice prevents you from straying off course.

Sustaining independence is like flying a plane: it requires constant adjustments to reach your destination.

Strategy	goal	Suggested tool
Goal setting	Set clear short- and long-term goals	Trello or Notion
Continuing education	Stay competitive in the market	Coursera, Udemy or certifications
Periodic review	Adjust strategies based on results	Spreadsheets or productivity apps

First steps to leave the CLT: Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Response
How long does it take to safely exit the CLT?	It depends on your planning, but 6 to 12 months is a realistic timeframe for most.
Do I need a CNPJ to get started?	Not immediately. You can start as an individual, but a CNPJ (Brazilian Corporate Taxpayer Registry) may be required to formalize services.
How to deal with initial financial instability?	Build an emergency fund and diversify your income sources before you leave.
Is it possible to return to the CLT if the transition doesn't work out?	Yes, the market values entrepreneurial experiences, as long as they are well communicated.

Conclusion: First steps to leave the CLT

You first steps to leave the CLT involve more than courage; they require financial planning, an entrepreneurial mindset, idea validation, support networks, and a long-term vision.

With well-defined strategies like the ones presented, you can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Remember: professional independence is a journey, not a race.

Start today, take one step at a time, and build the career you've always dreamed of.