I’ve been thinking about the course of my life and the major points when it went this direction or that. During these reflections it dawned on me that more and more I’m finding myself in the role of mentor.
If I were mentoring some youngster full of piss and vinegar and entrepreneurial spirit, the one thing I would try hardest to get through to them based on my experience with owning a business is this; starting and running a business is much like a marriage. It demands most, sometimes all, of your time and attention. Are you willing to make that sort of sacrifice, and do you have that level of commitment?
I know we have or had some Dopers who were or are business owners, what would you say to the new blood?
Started and operated a wholesale sporting goods (fishing) company. It isn’t all bad but it isn’t what you think going in. So sit back and think about it and where it could go.
Far and away, of all the places I have worked and all the jobs I have done, I was my own worst boss. Weeks going 70+ hours, working every holiday in my case because that was when my biggest money was, and in many ways you still aren’t your own boss since you have so much paperwork to fill out and government looking over everything from taxes to whatever. And the part I hated the most was once I was successful, growing strong and had employees; around 25 total between part-time and full. I hated sitting there knowing that basically 70 or so people were counting on me making the right calls so they had food on their tables and roofs over their heads. If you are one of those who can treat it like any other job you will be fine; I just wasn’t lucky enough to be one of those. And when I had the chance to sell out my contracts and all I did. I am actually much happier now being absolutely nothing important in a major on-line retailer than I was then.