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.

Germaine Darmon

When I first opened Sol Playce with my business partner and best friend I thought that in order to be successful we would need this to totally consume our lives. Even though we are both moms I still thought of Sol Playce as another baby that we would need to devote our full time and attention for it to thrive. While she agreed and knew we would need to be there a lot during the first few months she said that building a strong team would be our best tool in developing a healthy work/life balance. Read more>>

Marina Girgis

Being a business owner doesn’t automatically guarantee an unlimited supply of joy and happiness, that’s one thing I can assure you of. But it makes you feel like you are working towards something that is your OWN. Something that is purposeful and creates impact or change in this world (if you chose to go into business to help others or for a deeper purpose) Read more>>

Brad Basker

I am happy as a business owner, and that comes from a place of holistic fulfillment. I never set out or had any desire to be an entrepreneur. If you’d asked me my thoughts on career goals at 18, I would have told you all I want is to travel around in a van and play music. The fact that 18 years later I’m a full-time entrepreneur in multiple areas – while still including my art – is something that always dawns on me when I think about the idea of a regular job and how I saw the world. Read more>>

Dianna Aguilar & Tanya Major

We are both actors so we’ve never had “regular jobs”! Our lives have always been filled with uncertainty, inconsistency, and spontaneity when it comes to earning a living. Being a business owner is in many ways very similar. The difference lies in the empowerment that entrepreneurship brings with it. When we first started élevé our goal was to create a future in which we weren’t dependent on any acting gig or job to put us to work. Read more>>

Becky DeBoer

I absolutely love running my own small business. There are times where it is difficult and my patience for being a small business owner is tested but I wouldn’t have it any other way. A few weeks ago, there was a random lull in inquiries- it formed a sense of panic. How do I pay bills? How do I pay myself? Is it me? Is it my work? I was unbelievably frustrated and concerned for a good week and then all of a sudden I was back to a solid amount of inquiries per week. Read more>>

Chantal Tafari

The honest answer to this question is one can’t really be sure. I am happier in different ways. When I’m able to stop and take time for myself because I’m at a point where I have staff managing things in my absence; in those moments I cherish the blessing that business ownership has created. However, I still struggle with switching off from business mode. So whereas when I left my job at the end of the day and didn’t have to give serious thought to it till I returned to work the following day. With my business I’m never completely off the clock. Read more>>

Faryn Chaney

I’m very happy with making the step to become a business owner. To have that boss mentality and get that drive to start your own business. Working for someone else was not something I wanted to do, but I had to do it. And I did it for money. All the wrong reasons because I was unhappy. Unhappy with the fact that working for someone else, I am making their dreams come true and not my own. Read more>>

William Adams

I am definitely happier as a business owner, however I live with a foot in both worlds! While I own and operate Music City Axe, I also work a 9-5 job in technology. This requires a lot of time spent on my business after hours, but I love what I do, in both of those worlds. I think too many hopeful entrepreneurs believe that they have to jump all in, quit the job, accrue debt and make it work! Read more>>

Patrice Smith

Being a business owner has its pros and cons. Sometimes I wish I could just go work a regular job but make the income I make running my business. Dealing with unhappy customers that could dispute their charges, and be rewarded their money back whether guaranteed or not. Things come up in business that make you sit and wonder if it’s all worth it. Your image and reputation are constantly on the line based on customers satisfaction and YOU CAN NOT PLEASED everyone. Where as if you’re in a 9-5 your identity is concealed behind a company opposed to just you. Read more>>

Liz Murphy

Owning a business, of any kind or scale, is very hard work, but personally I find it much more rewarding than any other job I’ve ever had. I have always taken pride in every job I’ve had, from barista to hotel sales manager and everything in between, but there’s a different level of passion that goes into building something of your own. Throughout my early adulthood I didn’t really imagine myself venturing outside of the traditional career cog, Read more>>

Ashley Beasley

I absolutely love being a business owner/ entrepreneur. Initially it was difficult because I was learning along the way as well as building the trust of customers. I started my business while working my 9-5 job, I could fulling understanding the benefits of having both a conventional and non conventional job at the same time. Once I was laid off from my last corporate job I was forced to gamble on myself. Read more>>

Emily Close

As an entrepreneur, I can confidently say that embracing the challenge of starting and running my own business has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Yes, there are hard days when doubts creep in and the weight of responsibilities feels overwhelming. But in those moments, I remind myself of the incredible freedom and power I possess to shape the future I desire. And that realization fills me with an indomitable spirit, inspiring me to push forward and overcome any obstacles that come my way. Read more>>

Marvin

I am very happy to be a business owner. I’ve always knew I would have my own business and that it would have to do with art. I have both a regular job and of course run a business. It is both challenging and awarding at times. And also both very stressful. But I couldn’t see myself having one without the other. Read more>>

A’mani Taylor

Yes I am happier to be a business owner I really don’t have to answer to nobody but myself or my customers. Having a regular job did come cross mind when I was 16 years old but I’m over it now because I had a moment of clarity if I had a regular job then they’ll have me working 9-5 shifts all day literally on my feet from 9 to 5 and I don’t want to be in that predicament for the rest of my life this isn’t bee movie it’s Life my life in fact so live it. Read more>>