What even is a “regular” job? Semantics aside, the heart of our question is about those moments when the stress of entrepreneurship is mounting – do you ever sit back and wonder what if you had just been working for someone else, what life would have been like without all the stress?
Debbie Davis
The best part about being a business owner is that I am my own boss. The worst part about being a business owner is that I am my own boss! It’s not that I’m a bad boss; it’s that the buck stops with me. There is no one else to blame when things don’t work out as planned. And yet when things go exactly as planned (or better), there isn’t a lot of time to celebrate. A quick pat on the back and we keep it moving! This is not an occasional thought – it’s a regular part of doing business. As the owner and manager, there are constant decisions about staffing, scheduling, pricing and there is no corporate entity to point to, e.g. “Corporate said we have to raise prices.”. Additionally, there is a sense of security in having a corporate job and in knowing that there is a system in place around you. My professional evolution started as an employee, then I became a consultant (self-employed), so there was a natural pathway to small business ownership and I have no regrets! Read more>>
Cassie Wilson
I have almost always worked for myself in one way or another – except for summer jobs during college, and after graduating when I had an office job. I was incredibly restless sitting at a reception desk, and while I liked the field I was in, I could not imagine climbing any particular career ladder there. I quit after a year and went back to school for massage, then left that behind to strike out into my current business. Read more>>
Cadence Kidwell
I really love being a business owner. I did leave a “regular job” to open my shop. There are times when I do think; “oh my, what did I do?” It often happens when I wish I had better health insurance. I am grateful that there is the Affordable Care Act, and that I can get affordable health insurance. I do work on my shop all the time, every evening and the days that the shop is closed. There is nothing else I would rather be doing each day. It’s so incredible to be building a world for myself, my incredible team and our customers. I still, 10 years in, walk in and think, “Wow, I get to do this today!” Read more>>
Nick Valente
Overall I’m very happy to be on my own path. It can certainly be challenging at times, with the ebb and flow of client work. Recently, there has been a noticeable up and down of each year, especially with the initial introduction of AI. It has changed aspects of the design landscape, where people are opting for cheaper and faster AI options. This has weighed heavily on me, among other tings as well, and has made me consider looking for regular work. While a regular job would offer more consistency and security, it would take away my ability to create the days I want and to be able to spend my time on the moments that truly matter. So I opt for the insecurity and sometimes late nights in order to be able to spend the time I want with family and friends. Whenever things get tough, I remember what I am fighting for and remember a younger me who wanted this life so badly. I take the good with the bad and choose to live my life the way I want each day. Read more>>
Olivia Strickland
I absolutely love being a business owner! Often I think about what my days or life would be like if I just stopped and only had my current job.
So I own my home baking business but I also have a regular 40 hour job. While it is a lot to juggle I do my best to make it work. What makes me think about not having my business is all the hard parts that comes with it such as lack of a consistent clientele, trial and error of trying new ideas to increase clientele, and some days I have wave of orders and the next I have zero. Read more>>
Jack Pittas
I have this thought at least a few times a week. Overall, I can say with complete certainty I am MUCH happier as a business owner.
Don’t get me wrong, running your own thing does come with stressful periods from inconsistent income and tons of uncertainty. Read more>>
Gina Stoj
I am happy, yes! I love my job. I love working with my team. I love working with casting agents, producers, directors and other industry professionals – many of them have become my very close friends over the years. It’s tough work but it’s rewarding. It’s a 24/7 job, my day starts at 3am and typically finishes around 6pm. There are often fires to put out and dramas to handle, but it all becomes worth it when one of my clients books THAT role. Read more>>
Natalie Wilding
As a business owner, I can honestly say I’m happier now than I ever was in a traditional job. But I would be lying if I said I never think about what it might be like to have a “regular” job, where there’s a set schedule, clear expectations, and fewer unknowns. In a traditional job, there’s a roadmap. You have someone telling you what to do, guiding you through challenges, and giving you a sense of security. But when you own your own business, there are so many unknowns—whether you’ll make a sale, how much you’ll earn, and when a problem arises, there’s no one but you to fix it. You’re the one shouldering everything, from solving issues to motivating yourself to get up every day and put in the work. No one is there telling you to do it. Read more>>
Jyaida Starr
I’m often asked whether I’m happier as a business owner or if I ever wonder what it would be like to just have a regular job. Honestly, I’ve always believed there’s nothing wrong with having a regular job. In fact, I have one myself! It provides stability, and I never have to worry about where the money is coming from when it’s time to pay bills. That kind of certainty is a relief, especially when you’re balancing a business where there are inevitable highs and lows. Read more>>