CORPORATE LIFE!!!!
When you hear those words, you either jump for joy, or double-over in agony.
For me personally, corporate life defined me for many years, way too long in fact. Now I am making the committed leap from that life after some "off and on" false starts in the world of Small Business. If you do double-over in agony over the thought of corporate life, find yourself trapped in it, or perhaps just had enough....pull up a chair and take some notes because this blog is calling your name.
You may have a gut feeling on when it's time to jump ship. Maybe it's time to listen to your gut-reaction.
Here's Why
After being re-structured from a corporate job I enjoyed I felt pursuing similar roles was the way to go. How wrong I was and the time spent looking for a role, networking, and landing some corporate roles gave me time to reflect.
Reflect I did with a lot of time to think and mold my thought process on being an entrepreneur. I was working for other people's goals and dreams as well as spending too much time away from my family. NOT GOOD!
We are emotional creatures and if you are miserable, you not only drag yourself down but also those closest to you. Taking charge of your own happiness---of your own life---is perhaps the most important think you will ever do.
So what's in it for you when you grab the reins? Loving what you do leaves you feeling energized, confident, valued, and happy. That then leads to vast improvement in productivity, contribution, and your mental health (sanity). It's a self perpetuating cycle. It's not a cliche to say that people who love what they do tend to live happier and more productive lives.
Not really a shocker--but answer a question for yourself: are you loving what you do?
If not, keep reading.....
Here's When
In a corporate environment we are not in control, have coworkers or managers that irk us, and projects that either daunt or just plain annoy us.
In the background we have bills to pay, households to sustain, and families to support which we must fulfill. However, you must remain realistic about your unhappiness barometer. A bad day at work is not a reason to trash your job. Life is a matter of attitude.
What if life is stinking up your attitude? The way you are feeling raises a red flag. Are you sick of stifling your inner dreams and desires? Do you wake up cringing at the thought of the workday ahead? If so, you have a problem.
Pursuing your dreams keeps them alive. Switch your living mode from survive to thrive. Humans are happiest when we pursue all of our potential: to learn, grow, and evolve.
Now that I have committed to pursue supporting small businesses with my talents, offering them affordable accounting solutions, I am realizing a dream of working with small businesses helping them grow and be successful.
The bottom line? If you don't like your job and are no longer thrilled working for "the man", start looking for the exit door.
Here's How
Define what you want. Einstein said, “If I had only one hour to save the world, I would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem, and only five minutes finding the solution.” Once you know what you want and commit to it, you have the capability to become unstoppable.
Listen to your heart. Family, your health, your sanity, your purpose in life—there are certain things you shouldn’t compromise. The sad part? In the past I wasn't even killing myself over my own goals: “The goals of corporations were not aligning with mine. I was there to help them make money. It was time to admit that and create a new path.”
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Don’t be scared to start from scratch. You’ve got yourself to rely on and everything to gain. Fear means that change is afoot; which is a good thing. The magic begins outside your comfort zone, not in it.
Master what you love. “Whatever you are, be a good one.” As with anything, you’ll pour work into that passion if you want to make it profitable. Arm yourself with the essential education, expertise, and networks.
Engage and build your network. I encourage fledgling entrepreneurs to leverage “the friends and family program” –the existing network of relationships who want to work with you and broadcast your name. Stop fretting about the relationships you don’t have yet, and instead, leverage and nurture those you do. It can be your greatest support system for the next two to three years.
The Payoff
Call it a glimpse of the promised land. The ‘what you’ll have to look forward to’ image. What is your vision down the road after you leave the corporate world behind. Mine is to have a spectacular bookkeeping company with a great team and a client-driven mission. Today it is in its infancy but with continued focus and determination it will become a reality.
Striking out on your own doesn’t mean walking down easy street. No. You’ll work hard. There’s a joke stating entrepreneurs have freedom… so they can choose whichever 23 hours a day they wish to work. I truly believe it will be worth it.
By choosing to open another door, you immerse yourself in a whole new world of opportunities. You quickly learn that every challenge will result in one of two things: a victory or a lesson. But remember what you’re in it for. There is a big distinction between unfocused, indecisive entrepreneurs who need too much hand-holding and the business people who “have it together.” Realize how the business ticks, research your market, and streamline your strategy.
One of the greatest rewards is the legacy you live and leave behind. Do you want to be an inspiration by doing what you love and believe in? Talk about a win-win.
Your Numbers Guy is here to help!
With decades of experience in finance, supply chain, and process improvement I too have ventured into the world of small business and self-employment. My ultimate goals are to offer my experience and skills to entrepreneurs/small business where you have access to a professional CPA at affordable rates. At the basic level bookkeeping & accounting is available but the services we offer are much more than that.
I would look forward to having a conversation with you. Let's meet!
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