Before I really get the ball rolling on my business, I thought it important that I explore my decision to start a business in the first place. What is driving me to start something that, traditionally, is a time consuming, resource draining, and brutally unforgiving journey into the unknown?
I’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of the top 5 reasons why I’ve decided to take this plunge:
Freedom - I currently work as a Systems Analyst for a mid-sized paharmaceutical company. While it is a rewarding and stable career, the trappings of working for a corporation sometimes make it difficult to enjoy my work. It might take some time, but the eventual goal is to turn my business into a full time job. That would allow me the freedom to work when and how I want and give me the satisfaction that comes with knowing I earned everything on my own. Isn’t that what the American Dream is all about?
Challenge - I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself. A few years ago I started snowboarding for the first time. This Business is just another opportunity for me to learn new skills and push my own boundaries. I’ve never though of myself as a strong leader or much of a ”go-getter”. My personality is more laid back and subtle, which means I’ll be stretching the preconceived notions of myself to their limits….and I can’t wait to see what happens!
Relative Simplicity - I have to be honest…I’m a bit lazy. Of all the businesses to launch, computer support and consulting is probably the most simple. The initial investment is paltry (more on that in a future post) and as a sole proprietorship finances and taxes are as simple as can be. Also, inventory and equipment is next to nothing (again, I’ll be posting more details about this one).
Pleasure - The simple fact that I love helping people solve computer problems, on my own terms, is likely the most important reason I’m putting myself through all this. It’s my dream to be able to do this all the time and make a decent living at it. I am constantly amazed by how computers improve and enrich our lives everyday. I want to help others share my amazement by making sure their computer equipment does for them what they intend it to do.
Money – This isn’t the most important item, but to me it is one of the most obvious. I believe that there is potential, be it small, for this business to become financially successful. But, more importantly, I like the idea of having the extra flow of income on top of my full time job. “Multiple streams of income” seems to not only be a hot new buzz-phrase, but a solid finanical strategy.
This list covers only the 5 most important reasons I’m starting this journey. There are many other little things that are driving me in this direction. How do these reasons compare to the things that drive you?
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I usually take the easy-going route or base my decsisions almost entirely on whichever direction will create the least amount of stress. I am naturally a high strung person so I am constantly trying to plan my life around avoiding stressful, complicated, gutwrenching, high-paced and exhausting situations.
I don’t think I could handle working for myself because I would put way to much pressure on myself. I am much happier working for the man because I have collegues to support me and I know what my duties are. And when I leave work…I really do leave it. I rarely take stress from work home with me but I think that would be tough to do as an entrepeneur.
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Yeah, I agree….and I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it would be something I’ll enjoy consuming my life with. So, hopefully, that reduces the overall stress a bit.
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good louck on this…I have tried the multiple streams of income thing (albeit mine was a miserable second job that I don’t think anyine would want and your business seems a little more manageable and on your terms…) and well balancing those two jobs and my life outside of work was horrible and stressful, but if its your own business then again it will be on your terms, so it will be much easier to manage…and when it does finally get going for you that would be awesome to just have your own business and all the freedom that comes with it, so again good luck…
_N
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Thanks for the luck…I’m thinking I’ll need all I can get. To me, the biggest difference between your situation and mine is that you HAD to take on a second job….which makes it just that, a SECOND job. With multiple streams, the primary stream is usually what you’d call work, where as the secondary streams are ways you turn your hobbies and interests into revenue-generating activities. For me, that would be this and my singer/songwriter stuff.
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Wow, you’ve obviously done your homework. For me, something like this would be completely overwelming…so much so that I’m ashamed to say I’d probably quit before I even started. Once again, I have to say how proud I am of you. I have no doubt that you will make a success of this new venture. Way to go!!!
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