You no longer need to feel compelled to make and learn from your mistakes. I have had plenty of life experience that can help guide you away from unnecessary stress and financial despair.
I got married at 24, with no money, no fancy ring and quickly signed a lease on the cheapest studio apartment in the most expensive area of the city. In order to “efficiently” run our start-up, my husband and I invested in some second-hand computers and office equipment (that we’re still using, four years later) Back then, our living room quadrupled as an office, bedroom, meeting place and all night diner for hungry friends.
Because neither of us is particularly attractive to corporate or well paying employers, we refused to give up our entrepreneurial dream. In fact, we never saw traditional careers as an option. But, after our son was born, we got a sense that a more stable paycheck might make us a more stable family. I spent an entire season sending out resumes and attending interviews for jobs that I knew I was qualified for. I finally settled for a call center position that sucked the life out of me. I stayed there for two years and continued to run our business and family at the same time.
My entrepreneurial endeavors didn’t kick off until I decided that I would NEVER work for the man again. But, that doesn’t mean that money just started spilling out of the sky. I made a decision to leave my phone answering job in order to make it possible for money to come my way. Because there’s only 24 hours in a day I needed to let go of some stability in order to get more in the future.
People would like you to believe that you need to work in order to pay the bills and be a useful member of this society. I was barely making bills with my day job. And, although I may have more control over my career now, I work on a broken computer and have slow speed internet. My toddler sits on my lap as I write and I have to do laundry and brainstorm at the same time. My desk chair is a bar stool that we found in the alley, I sleep on a futon, and creditors don’t like me very much.
Looking back I know that I have paved a more difficult route for myself. I know that the home we purchased 2 years ago was a money pit and waste of time. I know that the only person I can truly trust to make my life decisions is myself. Work is harder for me now because of my past decisions.
You can’t have a weak bone in your body if you decide to take on your dreams of independence. But, you can put lots of thought into life choices that might make your road less stressful. Know that if you decide to get married or have a child, your family needs to come first or your family will not work. My husband and I have both been the cause of each other’s delays in work success. But, we’ve also supported one another tremendously.
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lol – a day in the life of an entrepreneur.
it’s tough, there is no question.
but you’re not alone, many others across the nation are in your shoes as well – for whatever hope that may provide
Thanks Lawrence,
I figure that the struggles only prove to make the success more sweet. I owuldn’t change MY past. But I try to help make sure my friends don’t repeat my mishaps, ya know?
Very inspiring, Gina. I’ll remember these insights when I am ready to have a child and get married. Heheh… I’ve always dreamed about being married in my 20′s — but who knows… been so busy trying to go the business, that it may be later than that — much later… Keep on pushing through, Gina!
Dave, its not toolate for u to get hitched in your twenties. C’mon join the rst of us ball and chain entreprenuers.
Thanks for the comment. I’m happy for my choices, but I do realize that I have often chosen the road less traveled. or always chosen that empty road.. so, I’ve made it harder on myself. not that I’d change things — just that I warn folks it aint easy.
Ha, I really wouldn’t doubt it if I was married within the next 7 years. I’ll keep you posted on that! hehe..
Hey gina,i think your a strong person to persist.Its also great that you have accepted your choices. i want to suggest that you look at your choices as your strenghts and advantage in this game of life, rather than something that has made your journey harder. at this point your perception of the situation is the only choice you have.i know you are tens times stronger than a lot of people out there because of what you’ve been through in my eyes thats definatly a tool, ill wake up every morning Thanking God for it. Thanks alot Gina for sharing your experience with us.