Just saw a post in one of the amazing community groups I’m in and a question was asked that prompted many honest answers around the topic of being a business owner and what it’s really like versus what people on the outside think.
Most popular answers were:
Work way too much and no life
Not making a ton of money like people think
Don’t get to keep the money
No vacations and even when on one working
Wanted to share my answer because this was a perfect representation of what people are truly feeling in the world of business.
I’m hoping that I can help one person see this differently so they can decide when it gets to be different.
*** long answer with story warning with unpopular opinion***
Belief: That you must be tethered to your business and work a million hours. (Not true for the entirety of the business unless you decide it to be true)
I grew up with a dad who owned a construction company and worked 80 hours a week and since mom passed when I was 5 I never got to see him. After being a farm boy in Canada that was pulled out of school in the 3rd grade to help run the farm he only knew constant extreme hard work.
So even though I have always wanted my own business, (thought it would be a restaurant since that’s the business I did for 30 years) I didn’t do it because of my dad’s story that I carried with me. And what’s funny is I just carried the story into my job and worked a million hours because that’s what I knew and thought I had to do.
It wasn’t until 47 when I witnessed the possibility of having a life and a business that I took the leap. And guess what? I started it out filling my calendar with a million hours of “work” and made no money.
Once I learned that I get to rewrite the story and create my own perception of my reality, I decided I would have the schedule I desired and it became true for me.
I don’t believe in the old-school philosophy that we wear the “I work harder than you to prove my worth” badge of honor that I was taught. Going into business is hard, lots of falling down and getting back up, times of extreme work (mental more than physical), and not always a ton of money…
AND… it’s getting to do what you love (if you are truly doing that), you being in control and not others of your time, money and freedom. This is a mindset shift that is rarely made and that’s what creates the “tethered to my business” experience.
I’m on a mission to help others change this and create lives they love and fit the work that you do into life. Not the opposite like we were taught. It’s about creating the life of retirement now and making money doing it. Lol
And if you say it’s not possible for you it’s a belief. I’ve helped many business owners shift this belief and make more money doing less and enjoying life and love on their terms. Not the terms of what they were taught and learned like I did for most of my life.
If you can relate to their frustration let’s talk!
Much love
Coach Jackie
