While I’ve had a ton of different jobs, I was never cut out to work for someone else. The truth is, I love to work. At every job I’ve had, I’ve thought of ways to do things more efficiently and effectively and it seemed like my managers could care less. As a highly ambitious person, this really frustrated me.
After my final ‘real job,’ which was my first adult job after college, I finally said enough is enough. I needed to start my own company. I already had my blog going and thought why not? I would have more time to work on my blog, the ability to travel and pursue other things I was passionate about. I really didn’t think twice about it.
A year into working for myself I’m working 11-hour days, seven days a week but I feel more fulfilled than I have at any other job. I’m presented with challenges daily that require me to be ‘on’ at almost all times of the day but I wouldn’t trade it for a 9-5. Entrepreneurship is in my blood.
Beginning this journey, I knew it would be both challenging and exciting but I’ve grown more this year than any other year. Here are some ways entrepreneurship has changed my life:
I’ve learned to quickly move on from failure + let go
There is actually no time to dwell on a mistake or losing a client when 15+ others need your attention. I simply acknowledge the mistake, learn from it and move on. This has not only helped me in business but also in my personal life.
If there is something/someone that isn’t positivity affecting me, I quickly remove it from it from my life. In this way, my life has become more aligned and I have a lot more clarity.
I’ve worked harder than I ever have
Contrary to general feelings about work, I love to work. I loved working even when I wasn’t obsessed with my job to now where I’m building my own company. Now that I’m working for myself, I work from about an hour after I wake up until I go to bed.
I didn’t realize what I was capable of until I started working these long hours and it’s definitely given me a boost of confidence. Of course, I take days off to rest and recharge when I need to but to be honest, I kind of have to force myself to do this.
I’m more fulfilled + aligned
I’m not putting in long hours to achieve someone else’s goal – everything I’m working towards is growing my company for myself. I now have time to pursue other businesses, have time to attend events, and travel. Living in alignment = clarity & peace.
I’m learning on a daily basis
From figuring out how to protect myself by forming an LLC, write contracts, file taxes to how to price my services, I’m learning every.single.day. There is SO MUCH they don’t teach you in college – it actually blows my mind. I probably earned my own business degree this year from everything I’ve learned.
I’ve learned to dream bigger
I’ve always had big goals but when there is no cap on your salary, you’re always striving for more. One of my bigger goals is to own a hotel and so I’ve set bigger milestones for myself. And with each goal I hit, I surprise myself. We really don’t know what we’re capable of until we really push ourselves.
Are you an entrepreneur? What are some ways you’ve grown through being self-employed?