The love of business
March 29, 2009
It’s been over two years since I started my own business. Not one of those 750+ days has felt like work.
I left a fantastic company in order to make Subvert happen. During the first six months, I spent 2-3 days per week taking care of our kids. Looking back, that was a wise decision. Not only did I get to have a memorable spring and summer with our children, but I was able to ease into the process of running a business instead of being thrown directly into the fire full-time. If it was the other way around, I don’t know if I could have survived.
I made plenty of mistakes at the beginning and I still do today. From cashflow to project management and invoicing to workload, as soon as I think I have it figured out, something new comes along to trip me up.
Owning a company, especially one that consumes office space, is stressful. Having to constantly invest in infrastructure (software, furniture, books, training and technology) plus pay the bills (government taxes, accountant fees, organizational dues, insurance, rent, payroll and sub-contractor payments) month in, month out, can feel relentless. Once the ball starts rolling, it doesn’t stop, and worse yet, it only picks up speed.
Does this sound like work? I can clearly understand how it could be viewed that way. To me, it’s a personal challenge and a chance to pursue my lifelong dreams.
No matter who signs your paycheque, each day will bring about obstacles that seek to knock you down. But those same obstacles, if viewed as challenges, are opportunities for learning and growth.
Whenever you stumble and fall down, you have the choice to either stay on the ground and call it quits or pick yourself up and start moving forward again. Each time you choose to stand up, you’ll be a little wiser and more aware.
The reality is, you have to love running a business as much as what you love to do (in my case, that’s design). These two aspects are inseparable. They need one another to exist. And that’s precisely why this experience has never felt like work.
It’s just always felt like love.
Comments
Interesting thoughts about running business. Thanks much for sharing as this helped me to see things on better light regarding starting of business. It’s not easy and it might not be always that much of fun, but when thought as set of challenges (that person can win), it starts to look better.
Whether running things as sole entrepreneur or part of larger company, it’s good that people have sense of entrepreneurship and courage to go forward even in the middle of dark winter (when future isn’t still so visible). Good planning is essential but as many realize, it’s not always possible in the full as situations and business environments change. Still, looking forward without forgetting to live in the moment is important.
That said, all good to your company and hopefully things turn to even better with it. :)
Daniel Schildt on March 29, 2009
Rock on!
Meandering Michael on March 29, 2009
I’ve been in your office, Geof. At least you’re not spending too much time or money on interior decorating….
Once you’ve mastered self-employment after a few more years, you’ll be ready for the next stage. I call it “retirement.” Call me when you get there. (But make sure you’ve finished that Bike Yukon site!)
Mark on March 29, 2009
Haha, yep, the office is still pretty stark. One piece of artwork, one poster and one stencil. The rest is bare walls. Heck, I don’t even have my desk fully together yet! June seems like it will be a good month to do some more decorating, so I’ll be sure to ask for your professional advice at that time.
