Being a business owner isn’t easy. There are amazing highs, but the lows are often quite intense as well. Somedays it feels like the problems never stop – regardless of how much success you achieve. The problems just grow, evolve, morph. So we asked business owners if they sometimes wonder what it would be like to just have a regular job and have shared some of the highlights below.

Nora Gardner

I find this work and succeeding in this goal, incredibly fulfilling — and I can be my own boss and make time for my family, too. As a female business owner, this means that I get to run an organization along the values I define. It affords me financial independence and autonomy, which is something that all women should have. Most of all, it means that I can inspire and motivate other women to take on the challenge and run their own business. This gives me a purpose to wake up everyday and continue rising above the challenges. Read more>>

Sarah Cebulski.

Am I happy as a business owner? This feels like such a black and white answer, but in reality, it’s quite gray. I find myself asking myself “is it worth it?” more often than not. Like all jobs, there are highs and lows. A high? Days where I can lounge in my pj’s and edit from the comfort of my couch. A low? Resenting the decision to work for myself when it comes time to pay health insurance, or miss out on weekend outings with friends and family that are off on a typical Saturday and Sunday. Read more>>

Katherine Collins

I love being a business owner!! It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do as well as have such a great return on investment! I have worked a ‘regular’ 9-5 job before and it does not compare. Being a full-time realtor you can truly see the hard work and value of putting time and money into your own business. It’s empowering to see your hard efforts come to life and pay off as you continually work to build a brand and clientele. Read more>>

Jaci Lund

Generally yes, I’m happy as a business owner. There is of course the potentially crippling stress of having so many clients under my care plus being responsible for my employees’ livelihoods. That’s a lot. Read more>>

Tara VanderValk.

I recently saw a meme with a woman who said she quit her 9-5 to open her own business to work 24/7. It gave me a good giggle, but gosh, it really is the truth. As anyone with children will tell you, they are in your thoughts constantly – subconscious, or otherwise. The same goes for business ownership. We have a consistent flood of work-related thoughts and responsibilities, and it can often feel overwhelming in conjunction with the pressures of parenthood. Read more>>

Shonda Ramsey

This topic comes up frequently among my peers, but usually, it is because they don’t understand the level of commitment it takes to be a business owner compared to a regular job. I recently had someone close to me use this very topic against me in an insensitive manner. “You can only do this because you don’t have a real job…” were the words spoken to me while I had taken some time off to be present. Read more>>

Theresa Gepila

When I look at the bigger picture of my life, I am happy. But it took me awhile to realize that. When I first quit my 9-5 job to pursue my business I was excited and all of my supporters were excited for me as well. There’s that initial high of feeling like you’re on top of the world and you can do anything. When that excitement died out I realized I had to work harder than I ever had before. Read more>>

Jennifer Lanne

I am! I spent many years trying to elude it, wanting others to adult for me, or others be in charge. When I finally learned that the role was meant for me…that was when I started to flourish and enjoy being the boss. It’s a difficult and challenging role as part of the role is dealing with a lot problems ( especially in retail, production, vendors) and many times I think or “fantasize” about just having a regular 9-5 job but those thoughts are quickly dashed… Read more>>

Lisa Wilson

Yes I’m happier as a business owner. No I don’t think about having a regular job anymore. Being my own business I can make food the way I want and make sure it’s the best around. I don’t have to serve mediocre food because someone else thinks it taste good and I know it doesn’t. I listen to my customers and give them food that makes them happy. Read more>>

Sylvia Emuwa

As a business owner, I can say that I”m happy that I own a business and that myself and my husband have created something great, with God’s help. However, most business owners like ourselves have wondered, “should I have left that (stable) job?” Like most big decisions, you have those moments where you wonder if you made the right move, especially in today’s world of social media and “instant” success stories that seem to evade your life. Read more>>