Self Employment: Should I Stay or Should I Go? 

“I actually think every individual is now an entrepreneur, whether they recognize it or not.”
- Reid Hoffman
 
To own your own business, for many of us, is the ultimate American Dream.  I frequently hear clients frame this as a wish, something to do someday, though they don't have a plan to get there.  The amazing thing is when they describe their wish I see the passion in their posture, voice, and face.  This is what they want — and need — to do with their life. 
 
Why does such an inspiring moment often result in just an empty resolution and not a call to action?  It all comes down to this question – should I stay or should I go?
 
Fear is a constant in our lives and the opportunity to be self-employed often generates plenty of “if onlys”:

• If only I had more money
• If only I knew how to sell
• If only I had a creative product

People fear the odds may be against them. Owning a small business is hard, and not all businesses thrive.  Two-thirds of all new small businesses survive the first two years, but less than half will still be operating by year four, according to a study done by the Small Business Administration. 

I understand such concerns. Two years ago, my entrepreneurial experience was very limited. What I did have was a passion for spending my day helping others doing what I really loved to do.  My crucible moment was should I stay or should I go? Should I leave my corporate job and start a business of my own? The “if onlys” and the odds encouraged my mind to stay, but thank goodness my heart said to go. 
 
The first two years of self-employment have been exciting, fearful, liberating, and humbling.  Today my business is growing; when people ask me how are things going I respond - business is great and I am doing exactly what I enjoy doing.  No more self-imposed constraints – I am building my own future.
 
Three keys to successfully transition from a steady job to your entrepreneurial dream:

Guts
From personal experience, starting your own business after life in the corporate world is tough.  Moving from being dependent to independent will test your character every day, and failure is a frequent reminder you are on a journey to success.  The good news is we all have courage -- let your heart drive your decision.    

Gravitas
The successful entrepreneur must have intelligence and superb interpersonal skills.  Gravitas is not charm – it is all about being a person of substance.  You want your business to be respected and that starts with you.  

Diligence
Your ability to sustain a new business is directly related to your ability to deliver on your promises.  The research tells us that approximately two-thirds of entrepreneurs in the US list initiative as the number one motivator in starting their business.  It boils down to this - the value you provide through your products or services centers on your execution.  Courage and gravitas are not enough.  You must deliver the goods. 
 
Commit to working for someone else or moving forward to answer the self-employment call.  All it takes is guts, gravitas, and the diligence to keep your promises.  Get past the fear and deferring your dream – time to get off the fence.