Entrepreneurial path creates benefits that can go beyond financial rewards
About 1.5 years ago when my full time relationship deteriorated, I started seeking for another full time opportunity within the same industry, job position and area of expertise.
That’s when the unexpected happened ……..
During the transition time, companies came to me offering short time engagements and other ones were blunt to tell me that they couldn’t afford me as a full time employee. That’s when the light bulb went on ……
After 20 years of being a full time employee, I started my own company and even knowings things are never easy for entrepreneurs, I never looked back.
Very quickly I realized that benefits could go farther beyond money and that I was able to impact our family life style in a big way.
” Top 5 life changing activities” that I deeply appreciate:
- Able to walk our kids (and dog) to school. (It’s funny because I sense that a lot of people believe I am unemployed. Maybe because I am the only guy around but …. I am a ” School Dad “and I am proud of it)
- Despite what most people believe, work hours are often around 60 hours a week but I can decide when (and how long) my “coffee breaks and lunch” will be.
- The ability of using my transferable skills in several different industries. (hey, I never thought I would be supporting companies within the IT, Internet and the environmental world)
- I truly enjoy the freedom to be here spending time here writing this question and reading other Q & A’s that allows me to learn and exchange knowledge.
- Lastly, when I criticize the boss with strong words I am not being disrespectful. It is just a self evaluation !
So ………… What’s your reward ?
All the best
Edison Reis
May 27th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Thank you for the insight. I am currently in a consulting role, and during the “down times” my schedule tends to free up. Yes, and I love spending time with the at the time.
I am also trying to build a venture, but nothing seems to be “tipping” yet.
I really appreciated your insights.
May 27th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Well said, Edison. The benefits to self-employment are many indeed. To me the best part of being self-employed was the ability to chart my own path and take risks without having to worry about anybody else. There was something magical in creating something out of nothing, and in following through on my own goals and dreams. Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost, but I was always in the game on my own terms.
Wearing beach shirts on Friday was a close second.
May 27th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Excellent!!!, its worth taking the risk
May 27th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Couldn’t agree more, Edison.
If you’re ambitious, have vision, know your market, have a good sense of timing and adequate capital to get started—go for it.
You shall have the best career (and lifestyle) there is.
Regards and all the best.
David Willour
May 27th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I would add that, though there are many working hours that cannot be invoiced (I reckon between 33 and 50%), often when you are working late into the night, or over the weekend, it is time that you will get paid for, not time you are gifting to an employer because they love you so much…
May 27th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
After 10 years of this and due to the fact that much of my personal work is done in my head, I find it extremely difficult to quantify my work time. After a while, all lines seems to blur. Fly fishing anyone?
May 27th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Hello Edison,
My rewards for entrepreneurship are………
- Freedom (I can organize my days)
- Fulfillment because I do the work I love to do
- Flexibility (of my hours)
- Creativity (I can create whatever I choose to create)
- My network expanded substantially
- Being in control of my life
- I have an awesome boss - she gives me time off whenever I want
- but most of all - I realized what life is all about!
The biggest difference between North America and Europe is:
People in NA “live to work” and people in Europe “work to live”.
Guess what? I refuse to live the North American way……….
I consciously choose to keep my European mentality alive and to have real meaning in my life!!!
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences
All the best as always
Edison Reis