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Pushing Yourself to the Edge as an Entrepreneur

January 20th, 2009 · Comments · Entrepreneur, Motivation

So I made a recent post about not getting a job right after college especially if you are looking into entrepreneurship (Entrepreneurs…Don’t Get a Job RIght out of College)

Now I had a few responses that disagreed and mentioned how especially in these tough times finding a job for that “security” is a good idea. If you have to I understand that. I mean everyone has to eat in the end so if you need that money then there is nothing wrong with getting a job. However not getting a job and not knowing where that next pay check is coming from makes you push yourself.

Tons of people want to be entrepreneurs and may have even started their own business when they get a job. One thing that happens is that a job does give a little sense of security and slows down the progress of their business. This isn’t saying getting a job means you get sucked into that lifestyle and never go back to your dreams of entrepreneurship (this does happen a lot). But many people would benefit from being pushed to their ultimate limits and being forced to make something happen.

My recent experience….

Problem:

I have come to the point where I am simply broke and have no source of income.

Solutions:

1. Find a job

2. Freelance something

3. Beg parents for money

4. Stop doing absolutely anything that costs a dime

Choice:

Freelance – decided to figure out a way to use all of my social media and social networking knowledge that I have gathered to try and show small businesses about the opportunities.

What I was pushed to do:

1. Hate cold calling but that’s what I have to do and then try to work my pitch into the conversation. Especially when %80 of the people don’t have a clue what a blog is let alone social networking.

2. Don’t want to put together tons of small freelance projects for separate businesses at low cost.

3. Don’t want to take time away from my bigger business goals with Under30CEO.com

Results:

Used the skills I have been acquiring to make some cash. This has only led to more knowledge of the industry and has begun to build my credibility. It also has allowed me another entrepreneurial experience. I didn’t have to show up from 9-5 I completed the projects when and where I wanted to. Leading to me being happier about doing work.

These consulting jobs are not my long-term goals but by being forced to make moves and make money it has only given me more experience and made me more knowledgeable.

-Getting a job as an office assistant would have given me cash and been easier but would not have given me credible experience or further learning experiences or the ability to do it on my time.

-Getting a job before I hit this point of desperation would have never allowed me to have this great experience.

Starting a business is tedious work and can take a long time. However you’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you are pushed to the limits. Your forced to make moves and do things you might never have done otherwise. You may lose some sleep, be scared as hell, question what your doing, and lose some of your social life. But this is what it takes to take something from nothing to something.

If you get to the point where failure is not an option you would be surprised what you can do.

Anyone else been pushed to the edge and saw a great experience come from it?

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  • This was a breakthrough topic!
    I can lend a different viewpoint because I have been down both pathways - job and entrepreneurial.

    I started a job right out of college to support myself. My number one aim was NOT TO LIVE WITH PARENTS. So I climbed the ladder for 20 years. For the most part I really liked it. I loved the work I was doing and sought approval in bigger paychecks and promotions.

    Eventually, I realized that my future was not my own working "for the man." I did get great business experience that I was able to leverage when I went off on my own. However, starting your own business later in life has two main obstacles: you have alot more to lose when you are older and more established, so the fear factor is higher. Also, when you are older, you are behind the 8 ball among other entrepreneurs who have learned to get business and develop an enterprise without the 'safety net' of the company that you work for.

    Now, 11 years into my own business and about to start another one, I would never work for anyone else but myself again. True freedom comes from demanding results of yourself and learning how to generate yourself at a level that you rarely do within the safety of the company.

    There isn't only one way to truly cultivate a fulfilling and gratifying career. In my mind, however, there is no question which pathway requires true accountability.
  • I followed the comment on my blog to yours and it is great to see your perspective.

    I work part-time (20 hours), study full-time and run my own business as well. I don't think it is a negative thing necessarily to have a job, especially if it is in your field you would like to grow into.

    I find it gives you a good perspective and you learn other systems of doing things and it improves your skill set. It also makes you a more effective business owner as you have to be more efficient in managing your time and delegating tasks - important skills in growing a business.

    I have subscribed and look forward to reading more of your stuff.
  • Do or die! I like that attitude. When you push yourself to the limits , make success your only option, you get great results. You have to think about it this way.... Your pushing a boulder up a hill, struggling, your muscles are tired, you want to give up... However you know success is the only option you have. Once you get that boulder up the hill it starts rolling down the other side of the hill. Now all your hard work pays off and the boulder you were struggling with picks up momentum...Just like the success of your business.
  • Hey Jared, I like how you broke down this post. I think there a lot of people who can relate here. Being a broke entrepreneur sucks; there's nothing much we can do about it. BUT, putting yourself in the position where it's "do or die" is where real greatness comes from. Why do you think there are so many rags to riches stories? These people were uncomfortable as hell; hungry and went out and did WHATEVER it took to do it.

    Too many young entrepreneurs (including myself) are too comfortable at home buming free rent, or having a "fall back plan" of getting a corporate job once they go belly up.

    If you put yourself in a real difficult position and have that survival of the fittest mentality that's when your going to actually rise up and achieve your ultimate goals.
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