When you start your entrepreneurial journey, you probably don’t think of the sad day when you decide to close your business. However, this is way more common than you think. We are usually inclined to believe that if a person is walking away from their business we assume, they are thousands in debt, could not make a profit and the business was an overall failure. That isn’t always the case.
The truth is, there is so much that goes into running a business. You can’t just focus on the service you provide. You have to consider bookkeeping, marketing, customer service, advertising and the truth is it can be overwhelming, especially if you are doing most of everything yourself. So, often after trying their hand at the entrepreneurial life is not for them. And that is perfectly fine. We live in a time known as “hustle culture”, where so many people think that if you aren’t trying to be your own boss you are not living up to your fullest potential. Do not let what other people think or how they live their life dictate how you operate yours.
It is very possible that while on your journey you discover you prefer a 9-5. Sure, you may be sacrificing your ability to make your own schedule, but you may realize just how much you love the stability of a guaranteed paycheck, benefits or even better, the ability to not think about your job once you leave the office. If you come across someone who shames you to continue a path that you are sure you don’t want to be on, put some distance between you two. You don’t want to spend your time and money on a business that you are no longer passionate about.
Giving up your business does not necessarily need to be all or nothing. You have the option to continue your freelance journey on a part time business. For example, if you are a hairdresser, maybe limit your clientele to 3-4 clients a week or as a logo designer take 2-3 jobs monthly. The great thing about being a business owner is you make your own rules, it can be whatever you decide. Look at Uber drivers or Instacart shoppers, while plenty of people do the job full time to replace their 9-5, there is also a large amount of people who do it a few days a week. They do just enough to earn a few extra hundred dollars a month to supplement their income. Adjust your business to your liking.
I know you may find it weird that a job search site may be telling you to quit your business. But we are telling our readers to do what is best for them. And no one plan works for everyone. You will not be a failure if you decide the entrepreneur life is not for you. You will not be looked down if you decide you prefer corporate America. You are brave & strong just for taking the leap to pursue your passion. No-one can take that from you.
