If you had asked me if I wanted to start my own business 10 years ago, my answer would have been absolutely not!
Why on earth would I want to be 100% responsible for myself? I would be my own boss, but my income stream would be completely up to me. If I went into business for myself, I would no longer have that guaranteed weekly paycheck. I would no longer have someone else saving for my retirement (not that what I received was that much). What would I go into business for anyway? I don’t have a green thumb and I don’t have any desire to build things. Going into business for myself would have sounded like an outrageous idea with a 100% failure rate.
What has changed from 10 years ago? Lots of things have changed. When my family’s business closed in 2022, I figured I could easily find what I was looking for as far as new employment. I felt I could make more money than I was making and still enjoy the flexibility I was used to. I figured it was not a big deal to expect paid vacation days. My goodness, I have 21+ years’ experience in my field with a wide range of knowledge when it comes to manufacturing. Who wouldn’t want this bubbly package with the skills I knew I had!
Well, turns out a lot of companies where I am from expect someone to have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. I do not have either. It became very apparent that my 21+ years of experience wasn’t all that impressive. If I wanted the salary I knew I was worth and the vacation time I thought should be a part of the package, I would have to take on a commute.
I don’t like to drive.
Not only do I not like to drive but I don’t want to be in the car 8-10 hours a week when I could be home with my family. I didn’t want to sacrifice time away from my family. I happen to really like my husband and daughter.
Fast forward 5 months. There were numerous job applications (submitting an online application is pulled by the algorithm bosses), rejection letters and the absolute feeling of defeat. I had been praying for answers but now I was praying even harder for some guidance. I couldn’t tell you how God told me but somehow, He did tell me what to do. He said to go into business for myself. I would work from home, make my own hours, belong to a great networking group, and determine my own destiny.
The biggest change I had to make was my attitude.
I did my research and set up my LLC in Michigan. It took research and some determination, but I am on my way to having a successful home-based business. It is by no means easy and there have been times I get frustrated and feel things are moving too slowly but I’m not giving up. I know this is where God wants me to be.
If you have ever felt like there is NO WAY you could start your own business, you can. It’s all a mindset. If you decide to believe in yourself and your abilities, it will work. Trust me, I’ve done it. I've had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people that have done the same thing.
There are no “get rich quick” schemes that I am aware of and yes, some businesses do fail. Maybe you don’t like your job but want to start your own business and bust your butt for yourself. This doesn’t mean quitting your job. Continue to work at your job while you get your ducks in a row for your own small business. Once you have an income stream that supports you, then you can quit your job if everything else falls into place. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and I am by no means suggesting you bail on your employer. Do what is right for you and your family. Keep that in mind and you can’t go wrong.
Have you taken the leap and started over in your career?
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