I’m often asked what the contributing factor was when deciding to open up my own business. Many people assume that I was frightened at the idea of opening up my own business, not having a guaranteed salary, and taking the risk of completely failing. Those people are 100% correct. I was absolutely terrified when I made the decision to start my business but I was also happier than I had ever been. Entrepreneurship always comes with its pros and cons but I have found that the scale tends to lean in its favor.
There are many reasons why I love the career path I have chosen. If you are considering opening a small business of your own, you should definitely take the following facts into consideration.
I can set my own schedule.
It’s true that owning a small business normally means more hours at the office and negative people will love pointing that out to you when you talk about the idea of owning a business. What they won’t mention is that you can set those hours yourself and they will be spent doing something that you love and feel passionate about. Don’t misunderstand me; owning a business is extremely hard work. This is the hardest job I have had by far. The payoff however is working and growing in a field that I love.
Creating your own schedule means that you can maximize productivity by designing a schedule that fits the needs of your workday as well as you, personally. If you are not a morning person, you can finally embrace that by starting your day later and working more at night. If you find that you normally feel tired by 2pm, you can plan to take a walk to help get reenergized. I personally start my day at the same time as my husband so that I can normally finish my workday about an hour after he gets home. I also start my day with a short workout because I always focus better after doing a little cardio. There are endless ways to benefit from crafting the perfect workday schedule for to fit your needs.
Supporting other small businesses is a part of my job.
There are certain parts of my business (aspects of the business finances and graphic design for example) that I no longer do myself. This means that I get to decide which businesses to work with. I love having the opportunity to hire other small business owners because while they are helping me achieve my dreams, I am helping them achieve theirs.
I am lucky enough to collaborate with small businesses on different projects. I choose whom I work with and whether or not the project seems like a good fit for that particular business and me. Working with so many kind and talented small business owners is definitely one of the highlights of my job.
I decide what I stand for.
If I am asked to write a freelance assignment on a topic that I don’t support or someone inquires about me shooting a session that I don’t feel comfortable with, I can just say no. There is no risk that my boss will get upset or that I will cause waves with a colleague because I am my own boss. I never take on a job or a project that I am not 100% in love with. I make the final decision about what is best for my brand, my business, and myself.
Whether you are a painter, a graphic designer, or a psychologist, the benefits to owning your own business are endless. If you are willing to put in a lot of hard work, stay dedicated, and not give up on your dreams, then you might be cut out to be an entrepreneur. If you can make it through the dark days, you will see why opening your own business and following your passion is completely worth the risk!
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