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.

Jane Bishop

Imagine driving down a scenic highway in a convertible with the top down. You are excited about the route you have chosen and looking forward to the journey and destination. At some point in the journey, you reach an unexpected “road closed” sign. That sign did not show up on any physical map or GPS system. With the new information, you find a rest area to pull into to regroup. After some time passes, you choose a new route and new destination. You are not convinced this new destination is long term however it keeps you moving forward. Read more>>

Ashley Gerardo

I have had multiple types of “regular” jobs as well as owned multiple businesses all in the past 10 years. While I learned many valuable skills having a job where I show up and work for someone else on set days and times, I never go a day wishing I could go back to that. I have grown so much in every avenue of my life by owning my own business and I feel that I am happiest and most successful as my own boss! I am so grateful I have been able to build something that I am proud of and that my kids can see me work hard for. Read more>>

Ines Piquet

Being a business owner can be very rewarding in several ways, especially when it comes to the many lessons you learn and their impact on your personal and professional growth. I am definitely happier as a business owner. Before I became a full-time photographer, I had a corporate job and worked long hours and often on weekends. I work way more hours now, every weekend, but I love every minute of it. Read more>>

Donna Werking

Owning your own business has to be the most satisfying and humbling feeling for anyone who has decided to establish their own venture. Let me explain. When I entered my first job that I considered a “career”, I worked endless hours and sometimes 14 consecutive days in a row. I was young, ambitious and eager to show everyone that I could do it all.  Over time, not only was I working tirelessly for someone else, but in this case, not recognized for the work I was doing. What I did gain was a larger workload with more hats to wear over the three years, but no increase in income. Read more>>

Nicole Smith

I get asked if I miss working in sports and entertainment all the time. For some people, it’s hard to imagine that there could be anything better. But, I can confirm – there is! I have never been happier, including in the work portion of my life. To be fair, a significant part of my happiness comes from an alignment of values and priorities across all areas of my life, mindset shifts, and changes to my general approach to life. But all of that is supported by my daily decision to be an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Johana Gutierrez-Griffiths

Being the owner of JJ Paperie & Co after 2.5 years in, I am very happy that I took the leap and went for it back in 2020. Having a business comes with tons of highs and lows but at the end of the day, the best is knowing and truly realizing you are the one in control of the growth and progress of your business and life. JJ Paperie & Co evolved from calligraphy workshops to now having a growing stationery line that are in select shops in the US and partnering up with brands such as Nordstrom, & Other Stories and Saks! I definitely did not see all of this when I first started, for one I didn’t realize all the opportunities available to me then either but it all came along the way. Read more>>

Mariyah Oliver

I am beyond happier as a business owner. I’ve had two regular jobs before becoming a business owner and the environment is so different. I don’t think I’ll ever want a 9-5 and I haven’t thought about it either. The freedom and endless possibilities that come with being my own boss is just irreplaceable. If I could, I would convince everyone to become a business owner but in reality I know there are some people who enjoy their 9-5. I’m forever grateful for being able to experience both environments. Read more>>

Brooke Santos

I spent 25 years having a regular job, as an Executive in retail for great companies of Target, Tiffany & Co, Ann Taylor and Macy’s. I was well-trained, and well very compensated. But I hated it! I hated that year after year, time after time, I would have spent an entire year teaching and training a team, only to have to let them go because we needed to make the shareholders happy and that is easily achieved by cutting payroll to increase the share price. Read more>>

Winnie Elizabeth Thompson

As a business owner, it can be challenging because you’re depending on YOU for everything. But I am always happier when working for me and being in front of how things are executed. And even as a boss and team leader, I’m always a student. When I’ve hired people to work for me, I hired those who I could trust to teach me as well. Read more>>

Adriana Vargas

I picked this question because it was recently during this last pandemic that I question myself so many times if being my own boss was the best choice I have made in the past. So many people that have a traditional job where able to receive some help or assistance during the hardship but as a business owner some of us really didn’t receive much assistance, guidance or help to survive as a business. Read more>>

Tacara Wilson

I can honestly say that I am delighted as a business owner. I have worked several 9 to 5s, and I felt so incomplete with each one of those jobs. We are all put here for a particular purpose. Not realizing the value of what I had to offer the community suppressed my true meaning. Think about it; you’re getting up to go and work for someone, just to make them wealthy and successful. Meanwhile, you’re barely getting by, and they could care less so as long as you make them and their company looks good. Always make your dreams come true before you spend a lifetime bringing someone else’s to life. Read more>>

Marc Morvilliers

Being a business owner makes me happy every day of the year. Certainly there are days more difficult than others with his doubts, but not knowing what tomorrow will bring, isn’t that happiness? No days are alike, I learn new things every moment. We question ourselves, we meet great people, we learn and above all we share. Read more>>