Let’s be real—self-doubt and fear are the ultimate dream killers. They’ll stop you in your tracks before you even take the first step. And burnout? That’s the icing on the cake that convinces you you’re not cut out for more.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed your abilities, or wondered if you could do more with your career, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. My name’s Megan Marsh, and I’ve spent 20 years in the mortgage industry. I’ve gone from closing hundreds of loans a year to owning my own business and now helping loan officers like you do the same.

But let me tell you, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, the turning point for me was... getting fired. Yep. Fired. And as scary as it was, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Here’s my story—and how you can break free from self-doubt, fear, and burnout to build something bigger and better for yourself.

Self-Doubt and Fear: The Silent Dream Killers

When I started as a loan officer at 25, I couldn’t shake the thought: Why would anyone listen to me? I felt too young, too inexperienced, and honestly, a little out of my league. I’d walk into meetings with clients and feel like an imposter. Every time I handed out advice or explained a mortgage product, that little voice in the back of my head would question if I even knew what I was talking about.

If you’ve ever felt like this, you’re not alone. Self-doubt has a sneaky way of planting seeds of insecurity in even the most capable people. And fear? Fear amplifies it. It convinces you that staying comfortable and safe is better than taking a risk.

But here’s the thing I wish I knew earlier: self-doubt and fear are normal. They don’t go away because you reach a certain level of success. Instead, you learn to act in spite of them. You learn to quiet the voice that says, What if I fail? and focus instead on, What if I succeed?

For me, that shift didn’t happen overnight. It took facing some hard truths—like realizing I was working harder than most business owners but still giving someone else control over my future. It took me getting fired to realize I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for.

If you’re sitting here reading this and thinking, That’s me, know that you’re not alone. Self-doubt and fear are part of the journey. But they don’t have to be the final destination. The first step? Start believing in what’s possible for you.

The Day Everything Changed

I’ll never forget it. After eight years of working at a company that paid me 75 basis points and capped my growth, I got fired. And not just me—two colleagues chose to leave with me. Suddenly, I had no time to overthink or be afraid. I had to move. Fast.

Here’s the funny thing about crazy situations: once the dust settles, you gain clarity. I realized I’d been capable of running my own business all along. I was already closing 120 loans a year, working harder than ever for someone else’s bottom line. The only thing holding me back was... me.

Are You Stuck in the Same Cycle?

If you’re a loan officer closing 5 or more loans a month, you’re already doing the hardest part of running a business: generating revenue. But if you’re anything like I was, you might feel tied to the safety of your current job. That six-figure paycheck feels like a win, but it’s also a leash.

There’s an injustice in the mortgage industry that I see every day. Loan officers build incredible books of business, dedicate years to their companies, and work harder than many entrepreneurs. And yet, in an instant, it can all disappear. A company closes. Clients get reassigned. Years of effort vanish.

I was done letting someone else control my future. That’s why I created Co/LAB Lending Franchise—to give loan officers like you a roadmap to the next level.

A New Perspective On Opportunity

Let’s break it down for a minute. If you’re closing 5 loans a month at an average of $350,000, you’re already bringing in $43,750 a month in revenue. That’s over half a million dollars a year. Now, let me ask you this: what’s stopping you from turning that revenue into a business of your own?

For most loan officers, the answer isn’t about capability—it’s about perspective. You see your current position as the end goal when it’s really just the starting line. The truth is, you already have the hardest part figured out: generating business. You’ve built relationships, earned trust, and closed deals. That’s the foundation of any successful business.

Now, imagine what happens when you pair that foundation with ownership. Suddenly, every loan you close contributes to your legacy—not someone else’s. You control the profits, the systems, the growth. You decide how far you want to go.

Why You’re In a Low Risk Position

I know what you’re thinking: But what about the risk? Sure, starting a business comes with challenges. Licensing, compliance, hiring, managing systems—it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the reality: as a loan officer, you’re already doing a version of this every day. The difference is, you’re doing it for someone else’s benefit. Why not channel that same energy into something that’s yours?

And here’s the kicker: you’re in one of the lowest-risk positions to start a business. Unlike someone launching a brand-new company with zero revenue, you already have the income stream. You’re already doing the work. The only thing missing is the ownership.

So, let me challenge you: shift your perspective. Instead of seeing your position as an employee, start seeing it as the launchpad for something bigger. Because the opportunity is there. You just have to take it.

What’s Holding You Back?

I get it—starting a business sounds overwhelming.

Common fears that Hold Loan Officers Back

Licensing, compliance, hiring, managing systems... it’s a lot. When I started, I didn’t have a roadmap or tools to guide me. Things got messy. I spent money on things I didn’t need and made plenty of mistakes along the way.

But here’s the good news: there’s help now. Companies like Co/LAB Lending exist to take the guesswork out of the process. We’ve built systems, tools, and a community designed to make your transition as seamless as possible. And the cost of support? A fraction of what you’re already paying to stay stuck where you are.

Financial Freedom: What Does It Look Like for You?

Let’s talk about financial freedom. It’s not just about making more money—it’s about having the power to work when, where, and how you want. It’s about building something that doesn’t just serve you but creates a legacy for your team, your clients, and your community.

The truth is, most loan officers are already halfway there. You’ve got the book of business, the revenue, and the drive. The only thing missing is the mindset shift to see your position for what it is: an opportunity.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Look, I’m not here to sugarcoat things. Starting your own business takes work. But you’re already doing the work—you’re just building someone else’s dream. It’s time to start building your own.

So, what’s next? Start by clearing your head of the fears that are holding you back. Ask yourself: what’s the worst that could happen? Then, schedule a call with me. No pressure, no commitment—just a conversation to see if you’re ready to take the next step.

And if you’re not ready yet? That’s okay too. Keep dreaming, keep wondering. Your moment will come. And when it does, I’ll be here to help you make it happen.

Let’s connect and figure out what’s possible for you. No rush—just click here when you’re ready.