I need some advice on what to do with my professional life at this point

[Guest]

I was supposedly a shoe-in for a promotion to double my pay, make the position permanent, and its something I feel is socially productive and rewaring. However, the selecting went up to Washington DC and a selection was made based upon veteran's preference, and now the position I've held for years is filled.

So my options are:
go to another program and deal with this crap again
start my own business, write plans the way I want to and help out a ton of cities and counties around the nation
wine and cry like a bitch on the internet


I feel like this is the biggest push I'm going to get to start my own business, how could it possibly be more convincing? However, I still don't feel the push like I want to, to inspire the determination to go out on a limb and start my own business.

How do you know when you're ready, and have the skills to run your own business? I don't want to look back on this issue when I'm 70-years old and wish I tried. Much like what I've learned here with women, the greatest pain of all is laziness and not putting forth effort on goals, not rejection or failure.

[Guest]

[quote1221155494=isosceles cheese]

I feel like this is the biggest push I'm going to get to start my own business, how could it possibly be more convincing? However, I still don't feel the push like I want to, to inspire the determination to go out on a limb and start my own business.

[b]I have been self employed for 9+ years now.

If you don't feel 100% desire and determination to start a business DON'T. While being self employed is extremely rewarding(For example I just woke up at 12:53 PM) it is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. Are you really good with money? Because you might not have a steady paycheck. In fact your paycheck will flucuate every month.

Do you have a nice chunk of change sitting around for capital? If not how are you going to make it while you build your business?

I could go on and on with the negatives as there are so many to list. [/b]

How do you know when you're ready, and have the skills to run your own business? I don't want to look back on this issue when I'm 70-years old and wish I tried. Much like what I've learned here with women, the greatest pain of all is laziness and not putting forth effort on goals, not rejection or failure.

[b]You will never fully know if you are ready. You are taking a chance no matter what. Also MOST people are not geared to be self employed. Most people are the types who do much better working for a company. If I remember correctly you are around 26? This is the one time in your life when your responsibilities are low and you can really take a chance without hurting others(Wife and kids). So I would actually recommend you taking a shot given you know what you are doing and capable of it. [/b]
[/quote1221155494]

Feel free to hit me up with more specific questions.

[Guest]

I've got several friends and family members that have their own business's. The benefits suck(insurance, vacation, etc). The hours are long. You better be willing to pour your heart into it. You'll have years you make good money and years you don't.

[Guest]

I'd be working on FEMA plans for 2 specific programs and writing grant application. I'm currently the authority on these for 5 states, so my name is well-known. It would be a consulting type business, so I don't need too much start-up money, but I have $10k set-up, and 2 jurisdictions in OK that I know would love to have me. Basically, all I need to start I already have.

I know its going to be hard, and I know being single at 27 is great for this thing...and all signs are pointing to now or never.

I have a strong desire to be socially productive, and that's not going to happen if I go back to selling cars.

[Guest]

It all comes down to drive. If you have the iron will to see it through I say go for it. Based on what you have said, if you start another job it will be very hard to find the time and motivation to start on your own again. I am currently struggling with this. I know that I do not want to be at my job forever but in this economy it is hard to walk away from it.

Does it have to be an all or nothing thing? Can you start your own business on a part time basis? I fucking hate the idea for myself but I am at the point where I am considering doing just that or going back to school.

[Guest]

yeah, all or nothing. I'm a federal grant administrator...so that pretty much precludes me from working on the grants I've administered.

[Guest]

Go for it...start your own business!!!

[Guest]

Do it bro! I'm in the same process right now myself.
In fact, I have to call a rep from Optimum Nutrition in a bit to haggle prices on whey protein, lol!
I'm going into this with a partner, so it makes it easier, than it being all him, or all on me.
I have a full time job now, and the plan is to do this on the side, until the time comes to switch over to the biz full time.


My suggestion, for whatever its worth, is to do something to pay the bills, for as many hours as you need, and to your biz as much as possible. Robert Kiyosaki suggested this approach, and I've found it very wise. Most millionaires have their own business, it's a fact.
Dont stare up the steps. Step up the stairs!!

[Guest]

After thinking about this some more I would probably go for it if I found myself without a job tomorrow and I have less of an idea of what direction I would be headed in than you do. I think that as long as you are serious about it there is no reason not to at least try.