People thought I was mental when I went out and started my own business. They were probably right...especially when you consider WHY I started my own business.
I wanted to spend more time with my family.
WHAT!? Yes, really. I had just gotten married, just bought an apartment, my wife was about to have our first kid and I started a business so that I could work from home and be with them more. I start at 7.30am and finish at 4.30pm. I usually work a half day on the weekend, and occasionally allow myself to take a weekday off to take my family to the zoo, or go shopping or whatever it is we feel like doing.
We're not rich, and we're always keeping an eye on the budget, but in exchange I've spent every day of the first two years of my sons life with him. In may we'll have our second, and I hope to achieve the same for him (or her!).
It IS hard work. I DO have to be disciplined. But with a careful balance of contract work and "Startup" work, we're doing ok.
We may never hit it rich, but whenever I hear my son cracking up laughing, I can walk out and see why and join in. That's worth more than any startup will ever be worth.
Thanks for this. I've considered striking out on my own for similar reasons. I'm glad to see it working out well for someone. I agree getting rich isn't important in the grand scheme of things (not that I'd complain if it happened...)
just curious: does your wife work? how would/could it have worked out if one of you had both your skills and business inclinations and her child baring consequences?
When I started the business my wife was working, yes. She doesn't now. She's on full time "mum" duty. She is a web type as well and she does some of our content and client work when she's got the time.
I'm not sure what you mean by the second part of your question?
I wanted to spend more time with my family.
WHAT!? Yes, really. I had just gotten married, just bought an apartment, my wife was about to have our first kid and I started a business so that I could work from home and be with them more. I start at 7.30am and finish at 4.30pm. I usually work a half day on the weekend, and occasionally allow myself to take a weekday off to take my family to the zoo, or go shopping or whatever it is we feel like doing.
We're not rich, and we're always keeping an eye on the budget, but in exchange I've spent every day of the first two years of my sons life with him. In may we'll have our second, and I hope to achieve the same for him (or her!).
It IS hard work. I DO have to be disciplined. But with a careful balance of contract work and "Startup" work, we're doing ok.
We may never hit it rich, but whenever I hear my son cracking up laughing, I can walk out and see why and join in. That's worth more than any startup will ever be worth.