Hello Queen,
I recently attended a fantastic event with some remarkable individuals, primarily women who are passionate about branding with a touch of “woo-woo.” While waiting to chat with the company’s owner, I struck up a conversation with a young lady about her brand aspirations.
I mentioned that I’ve been an entrepreneur for 35 years, and she confided in me about her dreams of becoming one herself. The conversation took an interesting turn as I realized there was a generational difference in our understanding of branding and business.
She described the company she currently worked for but expressed her desire to venture into entrepreneurship because she disliked the idea of an office job and the daily grind. This is where I believe we need more honesty about entrepreneurship. It’s not all sunshine, chilled glasses of rosé, and bubbly celebrations. It often means countless hours of relentless hard work, with no clear finish line in sight.
Entrepreneurship can be a journey of highs and lows. Some days you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with tasks, while others may be surprisingly quiet, but you’ll never be entirely free from work. I understand the allure of freedom, but it’s essential to know that this kind of freedom comes at a cost, both in terms of time and financial investment.
I shared my entrepreneurial journey with her and suggested that she might consider exploring opportunities within her current company that align with her aspirations. By gaining experience, saving money, and climbing the corporate ladder, she can ultimately launch her own business when she’s financially secure.
Now, if she were working a job with minimal growth potential, my advice would have been entirely different. However, considering her position within a massive global corporation—where people wait for years to land such a role—it only makes sense to leverage this as a stepping stone.
Here’s the crux of the matter: Entrepreneurship isn’t a refuge for those who despise their current jobs. It’s more like an innate calling—an irresistible urge to create, innovate, and make the world better. I couldn’t envision myself confined to a corporate environment. The same applies to countless entrepreneurs who act from the heart with a deep-seated passion to bring positive change.
If you’re contemplating entrepreneurship as a romantic escape, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s far from a fairy tale. Success in this realm is possible, but you must understand that by saving, learning, and building your vision while working, you’re laying the firm foundation upon which your entrepreneurial dreams can take flight.
In essence, your job serves as a classroom, where you can master the ins and outs of every aspect of your industry. Use this time to develop your operational skills, understand your finances, and when the right moment arrives, soar confidently into the world of entrepreneurship.
Chat soon,
Monica Wisdom
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