Comments on: Pushing Yourself to the Edge as an Entrepreneur

By: Nancy Fox

Nancy Fox — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:11:39 +0000

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.

By: Daniel Patricio

Daniel Patricio — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:32:18 +0000

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.

By: Tony Ruiz

Tony Ruiz — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:06:40 +0000

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.

By: @MattWilsontv

@MattWilsontv — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:48:08 +0000

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.