Before You Walk Away by Michelle Small

So you think it is time?  Time to “Just Do It”, Time to “Just Jump”!  Time for full-time
ENTREPRENEURSHIP! 

Recently, I read an impassioned writing by a young woman giving her thoughts regarding
“4 Reasons To Quit Your Job To Be An Entrepreneur”. 

Oh, how I wish I could sit down with her over coffee, my treat, of course, to discuss her four points:  


1. Recognition and R-E-S-P-E-C-T
“Yes, you want respect. You want to feel validated in a way thus far robbed by the corporate world or 
regular day-to-day job you live in.”  

Well, my dear, the first person that needs to recognize, respect and acknowledge your accomplishments is YOU!  If you are needing validation now, you will find yourself chasing it for a long time.  Focus on walking out your destiny, then the recognition will come.  There is no greater respect than self-respect!

2. Control
“Most entrepreneurs finally take the plunge when they become sick and tired of not controlling their own destiny."

Control or do you mean “decision making”?
In entrepreneurship, yes the decisions are all yours!  Right, wrong, or indifferent the buck stops with you.  But, if it is actually ‘control’ you believe you have, think again. The new master and overseer of Control are called “Time”.

3. Freedom
"Wouldn't it be nice to work from the beaches of Costa Rica or the slopes of Aspen? Owning your own business – you can do pretty much whatever you want; whenever you want! "

Wow!  This does sound great!  But, back to Time…You must master Time, or Time will master you.
Yes, you have the freedom to work from the beaches of Costa Rica, but most likely your computer is with you to conference call back to the U.S.

With Freedom comes responsibility!  Responsibility is called Time-Management!

4. Financial Rewards
"Goodness – lest we forget the money and financial opportunities. Do you realize there is no better way to create wealth for yourself than by being an entrepreneur?"

Now, THIS is true. Before you Jump, do your due diligence:

 Research - Identify your competitors; what makes you unique in this field?

 Personal Expenses - Along with rent, utilities, food, clothing, etc., be sure to factor in the costs of
health and life insurance provided by your current employer.

 Business expenses - Along with your personal expenses, you will need money for the business.

 Identify Potential Partners - Who is your Tribe? Don’t try to go it alone.  You need people--the
right people.

 Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses – Honest assessment.  If you have trouble identifying them, ask somebody.

 Consider your work habits - Do you enjoy working on your own? Do you get lonely without others?

Entrepreneurship does offer a number of benefits.  Yet, with greater freedom, financial rewards, control, and respect greater responsibility!

Remember, what you walked away from may not be where you left it if you need to go back.

Learn more about Michelle via her website at Courageousmi.com and follow her on Twitter
@courageousmi, on Instagram @courageousmi50