So many people say they want to have their own business so they can "be their own boss." Well, now that I'm on the other side, I can tell you, I am not my own boss--my customers are. Which means I don't just have one boss, I have THOUSANDS. I think being a business owner is so different than what most people think it is, and when you get there, it forces you to think, "Wow. Do I really want this?" (Or, as you say, "Where am I really on the sextant?") For some the answer is yes, for others the answer is no, and for some of us the answer is a complex mix of both. Nice article, Kate!
And yes, business is so different than you could ever predict. I think there is going to be a big shift in the next few years of folks who thought entrepreneurship was "for them" because it is such a popular idea right now. They will change course to look for flexible employment arrangements rather than business ownership.
This speaks to me so much right now - especially because I'm launching my DIY bookkeeping community, but it's not built out (I already have 1 person) and I'm struggling with the client load I have and am onboarding new clients. I don't know how to say no to build the community that will serve my family in the long run because the things we need to take care of keep piling up. I'm just going to trust in the Lord that I'm doing the best I can and see how it plays out....
It is tough to balance the projects that are right in front of you that will bring in money today with building the longer term vision things that will pay off in the future. I'm right there with ya!
And I'm with you on trusting in the Lord that he has better plans for our businesses than we could ever ask or imagine. Seek first His kingdom.
So many people say they want to have their own business so they can "be their own boss." Well, now that I'm on the other side, I can tell you, I am not my own boss--my customers are. Which means I don't just have one boss, I have THOUSANDS. I think being a business owner is so different than what most people think it is, and when you get there, it forces you to think, "Wow. Do I really want this?" (Or, as you say, "Where am I really on the sextant?") For some the answer is yes, for others the answer is no, and for some of us the answer is a complex mix of both. Nice article, Kate!
Thanks for the encouragement, Margie!
And yes, business is so different than you could ever predict. I think there is going to be a big shift in the next few years of folks who thought entrepreneurship was "for them" because it is such a popular idea right now. They will change course to look for flexible employment arrangements rather than business ownership.
This speaks to me so much right now - especially because I'm launching my DIY bookkeeping community, but it's not built out (I already have 1 person) and I'm struggling with the client load I have and am onboarding new clients. I don't know how to say no to build the community that will serve my family in the long run because the things we need to take care of keep piling up. I'm just going to trust in the Lord that I'm doing the best I can and see how it plays out....
It is tough to balance the projects that are right in front of you that will bring in money today with building the longer term vision things that will pay off in the future. I'm right there with ya!
And I'm with you on trusting in the Lord that he has better plans for our businesses than we could ever ask or imagine. Seek first His kingdom.