Entrepreneurism Debunked | Time to quit?
“The trick isn’t finding your dream life, it’s building your dream life.”
So many “motivational” blogs attempt to bait readers and unsuspecting aspiring business owners into thinking there is only one way to be a successful entrepreneur.
They convince you that there is only one true path to success and that it is through 100% self-made entrepreneurship.
Now although there is some major truths to this claim on the surface level and in theory, one must not neglect the most obvious elephant in the room when it comes to conversations about financial freedom which is the simple fact that, not everyone can afford to drop all their current responsibilities and life obligations and jump right into the relentless pursuit of finding their ‘dream life’.
In truth, many lack the finances, resources, knowledge, or professional experience to launch their own multi-millionaire business sustainably.
This is not to deter the young and inexperienced from pursuing their highest goals, but instead to remind those looking to be successful business owners, or earn substantial income and financial security that the trick isn’t finding your dream life, it’s building your dream life.
Don’t be misled by sensational clickbait phrases like “Quit your job and start working for yourself!” or the societal pressure we find placed upon part time or full time workers into thinking that they are not maximizing their full potential by working for someone else.
Many are misled with the idea that if you’re not the CEO of the company you’re working for, then your input or value added doesn’t matter.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, some of the nation’s highest paid individuals are in fact employees and work for organizations that they do not own.
The trick is all in how you see yourself and value your time, as well as your approach to your finances and how utilize your role or input into the organization.
Working a full time or part time job for a company can be extremely beneficial and in many cases, it is a necessary source of income for both aspiring and successful entrepreneurs.
According to statistics, the average millionaire has multiple sources of income, thus making having an extra source of income through a part time or full time job a rather practical decision for aspiring millionaires.
Although perhaps the most obvious reason one can become a successful entrepreneur while working a normal job is that having a source of income is essential for survival and investing. The old saying is true, “It takes money to make money.”
For those still unsure about the benefits or validity of working a full time or part time job while pursuing entrepreneurism, here are few key elements to keep in mind.
Working full time or part time while building your own business allows you to:
1. Build the capital necessary to begin fostering a healthy and holistic relationship with money and financial management.
Not only will having a part time or full time job as a source of income allow you to have consistent money to spend and save, but it will also most importantly allow you to begin to invest and develop a more sophisticated appreciation and understanding of money management.
When we evaluate our income and spending habits, we realize just how important budgeting is when it comes to developing steady cash flow, personal stability, financial responsibility, and longevity in any business venture.
The consistency of pay when it comes to “normal jobs” is perhaps also one of the biggest benefits of working a part time or full time job while being an entrepreneur.
This is an added benefit because when the income of a full time entrepreneur fluctuates, this consistent cash flow allows one to more accurately predict and plan for their income and expenses.
The trick to succeeding as an entrepreneur and employee is to use your earnings to maximize your personal business goals. Generating consistent income allows us to properly budget and fund business costs.
2. Build necessary skills, experience, and professional etiquette for corporate settings.
This aspect is particularly beneficial for those seeking upward mobility within corporate settings, as well as within their own entrepreneurial pursuits.
Working “normal jobs” can expose us to valuable experiential learning opportunities we otherwise may not have experienced.
It presents us with the chance to get acquainted with different business tactics, strategies, cultures, and environments in order to gain real-life experiences and learn the skills necessary to thrive within all aspects of business operations and development.
When starting a business it’s important to consider not only what kind of business you want to dive into, but also how you want to run your business.
Real life experience through part time and full time work can help you decide exactly how you see yourself running your own company.
3. Network and gain social capital within your field.
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of successful business development are the connections and professional networks business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seek to build.
Developing and maintaining a solid network of potential clients, business partners, contractors, competitors, and referrals is an essential part of creating and maintaining business credibility and longevity.
Networking your skills and services both on and off the job while dually learning about the skills and services others have to offer can help entrepreneurs gain support and build a professional community conducive to creating a long-lasting and profitable business.
Not only will networking help you build the confidence to pursue your dreams, but it will also allow you to stand out amongst your colleagues and further expand your opportunities for professional growth.
4. Save and begin investing in your dreams.
Perhaps the most important benefit to revisit when it comes to being an entrepreneur and an employee is remembering and honoring the opportunity your position allows you to grow both professionally and financially.
Working full time or part time while starting a business allows you to put yourself in a position to begin investing, saving, and utilizing your income to fuel to your dreams
Don’t believe the hype when it comes to starting a business.
Never trust a source that negates to tell you both the good and bad aspects of the becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Society may at times seem to pressure you or you sell you with glamorous ideals of entrepreneurism and business development, but with the right planning and support, you can begin to take ownership and achieve the professional and financial success you’ve always dreamed of.
