How to stay confident in your decision to start your business
January 17, 2008 by ShannonCherry
Filed under Business
If you recently decided to ditch the office cubicle and become your own boss, there will probably be some point where a relative, friend, or even a stranger will ask you “so, when are you going to get a real job?”
Those kinds of questions can hurt, especially when, in reality, you are working very hard.
Recently, I had someone at the library say, “Now that your kids are older, when are you going to go back to a real work?”
Umm, first, my kids are not even two. (Older?) Second, ARGGH! My job IS real work.
Okay. That’s what I wanted to say. But here are some suggestions on how to deal with those insensitive comments.
The important thing to remember is that most people have no clue as to how many ways there are to make a living. As mean their words may sound, the person is probably just trying to protect you from getting hurt.
If the person asking you this question is someone that you do not see on a regular basis, you can just try to laugh off the question and change the subject. If the person is someone you are close to and have quite a bit of contact with, try to educate them about your business. Explain to them what it is that you do, how much you enjoy it, and why you chose to take this path versus working in a traditional job.
Most importantly, never let anyone make you feel “less worthy” because you aren’t following a traditional job path. It doesn’t matter if you work on the highest level of the tallest building or if you work on card table in your living room – you are still working, still contributing – yet doing it in a way that best suits you. By keeping your confidence high, you will be more successful in all aspects of your life.
It’s something you get used to. I’m still being asked when I’m going to get a “proper job”…
I think that’s a question we shall forever be answering.
You are correct, we have to follow this with certain people.
You get to go to the library? Luxxxxurrrry . . .!
Well I’m about to start charging for receiving those comments, should be a nice little supplement! Funnily enough, the people who say these things to me mostly seem to be annoyed that I sought out an alternative. They appear to resent that I don’t experience the identical commute and employer stresses they do. My stress level is in some ways a bit higher than theirs, but they don’t really have the grounding to grasp that.
So I just tell them that if they ever decide to switch stress loads by striking out on their own, to look me up – they can cry in my beer, and I won’t hold the prior comments against them!
You are right though, confidence is the make or break requirement. Some defensive armor is needed to defend against unthinking comments, and mostly I get that from a more supportive circle of adventurers, and the satisfaction I get from the products I create.
Mike
Leaving your cubicle to start your own business can certainly be scary. It takes a few key components. I was reluctant at first as well. James Brausch has been my mentor through the starting line. I recommend some of you newbies check him out, you will learn the key tricks.
I can not help but wonder if people make these comments because of some inner jealousy they are experiencing. I do not know anyone that would not like to stay home they are just not willing to put the work in. I actually failed last year at my first attempt. Luckily for me I bumped into James Brausch and his Freedom Business System so far I have to say it has helped me put the nay sayers to rest. I have bookmarked your site & I like the resource list you have provided on other helpful blogs.
Who would want to go back to REAL work, when you can sit at home write articles and promote your own site? Make money, and do it at your own leisure. Its not all fun and games, but I have found assistance with my article submission through Artemis Pro. You can submit several variations of the same article without being penalized. So much less WORK. Keep up the interesting blogs Shannon.
Usually they are really jealous because their job doesn’t give them a ‘make your own schedule’ option. So, I usually tell them- why don’t you ask Donald Trump, Roman Abramovich form Chelsea, and Branson from Virgin Atlantic to get a real job? When you do, tell me what they said to you. I deserve respect as much as they do.
Shannon,
Can you give me an example of what you replied to them?