Lessons From Our Entrepreneurial Journey
The idea of working a traditional 9-to-5 job stirs up mixed emotions for many people. For us, it has become something we can no longer see ourselves doing. It’s not about looking down on having a job, we’ve worked countless jobs in our lives. Instead, it’s about recognizing the abundance of opportunities available today and understanding the freedom that entrepreneurship brings. Let me share our story and some of the lesson from our entrepreneurial journey.
Could We Work a Job Again?
Technically, yes. If life demanded it, both of us could work a job. But emotionally and mentally? It would be a challenge. Over the years we’ve developed a deep appreciation for our freedom and flexibility. Since we’ve been self-employed over a decade, the thought of going back to a traditional job schedule would be hard.
However, this wasn’t always the case. Early in our entrepreneurial journey, we thought we could make it work. So, we quit our jobs prematurely. Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, opportunities were scare compared to today. Without social media, gig work and the online economy, we found ourselves struggling to make ends meet. After six month, we returned to our jobs. We didn’t have the skills, discipline or tools need to succeed as an entrepreneur at that time.
Why Things Are Different Now
Fast forward to 2024, the landscape has completely changed. The gig economy, social media and countless online tools have leveled the playing field. Here’s why it’s easier than ever to create your own path:
- The Gig Economy: Platforms like Uber, DoorDash and GrubHub allow you to earn money on your own terms, providing flexibility while you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
- Social Media Power: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok enable anyone to build a brand, share their story and monetize their content.
- Endless Online Opportunities: Affiliate marketing, e-commerce, network marketing and content creation are just a few of the ways people are earning a living without needing a traditional job.
If these opportunities existed 20 years ago, our entrepreneurial journey might have looked very different.
Entrepreneurship: The Good and the Challenging
Being self-employed isn’t for everyone. It requires discipline, resilience and the ability to mange ups and downs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
The Pros
- Freedom: You control your schedule, work on what excites you and decide how you spend your time
- Earning Potential: There’s no cap on how much you can make. Your efforts directly influence your income.
- Creativity: You have the freedom to innovate, create and explore your passions.
The Cons
- Uncertainty: Income can fluctuate, especially in the early stages.
- Hard Work: Entrepreneurs often work way more hours than traditional employees.
- Responsibility: You’re accountable for everything, from paying the bills to finding clients.
Despite the challenges, the rewards of entrepreneurship far outweigh the difficulties for us. We love the freedom to create, innovate and pursue our passions.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Don’t Quite Your Job Too Soon: Build a safety net first. Match or exceed your current income consistently for several months before considering leaving your job.
- Embrace Gig Work: Use platforms like Uber or DoorDash to maintain cash flow while building your business.
- Stay Disciplined: Entrepreneurship requires focus and dedication. Create a plan and stick to it.
- Leverage Online Tools: The internet offers countless resources to simply for your journey. From social media to AI tools, take advantage of what’s available.
- Know Your Worth: Whether it’s in your job or your entrepreneurial venture, understand your value and never settle for less.
Would We Go Back to a Job?
At this stage in our lives, it would take a significant offer to pull either of us back into a 9-to-5 job. We both know our worth and value of our freedom. But we never say “never.” Life is unpredictable and opportunities can arise in unexpected ways.
For now, we’ll continue building, creating and sharing our story as an entrepreneur. And who knows? Maybe the lessons from our entrepreneurial journey will inspire you to take the first step toward creating a life you love.
