If yes, why? If no, why not?
I’m sensing that professionals — especially women — are shifting their focus from the corporate ladder to creating a business of their own. Is it a trend or a blip? Is it by necessity or choice? What compels or prevents people from working on their own? Is there a gender variable to this equation? I want to hear back from as many of you as possible – let’s get the dialogue going.
I label myself an entrepreneur. It’s such a powerful motivator for me that even when I have worked within in the confines of the corporate labyrinth, I’ve acted as if I was an “owner” of a business providing a service for my organization. So, my answer is a resounding YES! I want to be an entrepreneur…and I am. Even though I’m the “boss of me” I tirelessly collaborate, partner and network because I like affiliation and I don’t yet employ anyone. Still, being “in charge” is liberating and suits me. Business success is within my direct grasp! My ideas are my currency and I act on them as quickly as I choose. And once I have employees, I will be able to consciously create a company culture that aligns with my values and ambitions. Sadly, self-employment means no corporate safety net: I pick up the full cost for insurance (health, life or disability); I choose the accountant and the lawyer as well as run IT. But entrepreneur I am and entrepreneur I stay.
How about you???? Comment below! I want to hear what you think.
Carol
p.s. I moderate comments but will turn them around very fast
A little over 20 years ago I opted out of the safety net of the corporate paycheck to go after my own career dream – to run my own show. I have never regretted it — not even for a second! Unless I’m out to a client site, I’m comfortably sitting in my office, decorated the way I like, and with the furniture that suits my sensibilities. Although it took a few years, I’ve gotten quite good at delegating work out to the people who can do those jobs better than I. And now I do what I want, when I want, and with the clients I want. What a dream! Of course most who know me would say that I work too much. But I love what I do, so it never feels like too much; it seems just right. I believe the key is to find something you love and go after it, whether it’s inside or out. For me, it was the latter.
We work in a world of assumptions and misperceptions. Women also have the added burden that their entrepreneurial activities are not always perceived as critical in the sense that they are not the primary income. Men are not assumed to be second income generators as women’s livelihood is.
TRUTH- The world is getting more dynamic all the time…
What I believe is a great talent of womankind is responding to the dynamic with fresh solutions/energy, more natural comfort and yes even excitement to change (what woman stays the same?)… so in order to respond and anticipate theses needs it is invaluable to be able to access as many resources as possible. Being an entrepreneur or consultant or whatever title at the essences is to know who you are, what your offering is/can be, manage scopes and boundaries, and (IMO very important) being able to find and manage resources including relationships.
I agree with you that this can be a governing mindset, done in many kinds of role.
Its an art-form not just a means of making a paycheck.
I have chosen the entrepreneurial life because it suits my talents and it fulfills my purpose and my passion(S), because I have more than one… Career, Family and others…
It does seem that more women are choosing the entrepreneurial route, though it seems to me to be a universal trend, including the young-uns coming out of college.
For me the last 12 years and now for my family, having the independence and flexibility of being self-employed provides me with an energy I didn’t feel when I worked as a corporate employee. It provides me with confidence and happiness.
I don’t believe there is security in anything. Only that we create our own destiny by our thoughts, actions and belief systems. When all of those are in line with our dreams we can create far and above what a normal person might deem “secure”. And funny enough, the Universe often provides us with more than we expect.
Being an entrepreneur satisfies my restless nature and drive. I still have so much that I’d like to do – if only there were just a few more hours in the day and I had the energy to do it all! But at least having great goals and aspirations keeps me going to the next project.
If you really look at it, women have always been the great entrepreneurs. Those of us that have families can vouch for that. You need every skill imaginable to raise a family and often on a limited budget. It seems only natural that we are taking it out of the house and into the world where it so desperately needs our compassionate, SMART business acumen!
Now I’m just rambling…can you tell I have a lot of thoughts on this subject? What you’re doing is tremendous, Carol. Truly FABULOUS! Thank you for inspiring the discussion.
In many ways I am very lucky. I only survived in corporate for 9 months and then turned to teaching. Running my own business was always first going to be more profitable then teaching and secondly with having small children the cost of day care was going to be equal or more then what I was going to be earning as a teacher. Doing what i had dreamed about doing also made the most financial sense.
I just started my own business (better late than never)! With this came the realization that there is no “safety net” and that we are (truly) in charge of our own destiny. This decision was prompted by the slow economy and the fact that at 48 I have a 3-year old that demands a lot of attention (yes, I have grandchildren older than my son!). I took the plunge and have not regretted a moment of it!
While I wake up each morning with joy & excitement, there is also an element of fear knowing that each day I encounter a task that I must master and own. Reflecting back on each day of my journey, I am proud that I was able to tackle the unknown head-on and succeed. Even if I did not succeed, I learned; for this I am grateful.
What keeps me going? Creating a legacy for my son; a growing entity that continues to give back and provide comfort in an economy that no longer provides the security that we once felt was a “given”. I’m just sorry that it took me so long to figure it out!