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?

Ari Theel

I am thrilled to be a business owner! That being said, it absolutely had its growing pains. There were days and months when I craved a steady paycheck and the ability to “turn off work” when the work day was done. I am so happy I did not quit. It’s been years since I was in that place of struggling to own my own business business and looking back I’m just so proud of younger me for not giving up when it was difficult. Read more>>

Claire Howell

I love being a business owner. I so enjoy getting to do what I feel I was made to do and pursue the things close to my heart. For sure, there are times when I feel a lack of direction or overwhelm, and I remember what it was like to have a boss who told me what needed to be done! There are perks to that for sure! However, I love the creativity of being a business owner. Read more>>

Tomme Arthur

We founded our business in the fall of 2005 and opened our doors in May of 2006. 17 years later running a business means many things. There are never dull days, there are of course many highs and ridiculous lows. I haven’t truly had a “Normal Job” in a very long time. Since 1996 I have been a brewer/ brewery owner here in San Diego and it’s been magical. I work my butt off every day because I am blessed to have a job that affords me creative opportunities, incredible friends and an opportunity to travel and see the world through the lenses of suds filled glassware. It’s not something I ever want to give up. Read more>>

Christine Rassler

Being a business owner is both rewarding and challenging at the same time. Having your own business allows you to make your own schedule and work at your own pace without anyone pushing you to complete more than is possible. As someone who struggles with anxiety, depression and lack of motivation at times, it can be a setback to the amount of work I would like to accomplish versus what I am actually able to complete. Read more>>

Kayla Jones

I believe like anything, happiness comes in form of perspective and staying true to yourself. I feel like I am living my truth every day by following my dreams of running my own makeup business which is resulting in happiness. I wake up each morning feeling extremely blessed and happy that I get to work towards my dreams every day. I have worked “regular jobs” and I will say making my own schedule and being able to have creative direction over my brand brings me great joy. Read more>>

Kelli Dennehey Christina

As a business owner, you have to be conditioned to handle both strong result years and slowdown periods for the long term survival towards any business. Planning and budgeting is imperative while handling any operations and your team. Often people can perceive a CEO or business owner as “lucky or special” while the stress level and responsibility can be overwhelming including long hours and a constant challenge for balance in life. It’s an easier role to become labeled as a “workaholic.” Read more>>

Kate Moody

Yes, I truly am happy as a business owner. I remember when I was living in the Philadelphia area after college and worked at a few studios thinking to myself, “if they can do this, so can I (and maybe better!).” I have always loved dance and teaching, and always did really well in school. So owning my own business if the perfect marriage of the artistic aspect of dance and the academic side as well. It truly fills my soul (and brain) in multiple ways. Read more>>

Rachel Needle

This is such a great question. And my answer is based on not being A business owner, but as an owner or multiple businesses. I love being a business owner and cannot imagine being anything other than that. My mind is constantly going with exciting new ideas and I enjoy implementing them and watching as they develop and come to fruition. I like the flexibility of being able to take a few hours off in the morning to go out on my boat if I want to or to see a friend who is in town visiting. Read more>>

Achiko SaGa

Last option in the drop down menu was “taking the risk”, which I think goes along with the being happy as a business owner. I had, so called regular job before, and while many people find it appealing, for me it was very stagnant and non challenging. Business owners take a huge risk, especially in dancing world. People tend to think that it is not a real job, that it is just a side gig. Well a regular job can become a side gig very quickly too if you are not good at it. Read more>>

Cherie Eldridge

Becoming a business owner is one of the best things I could have ever done in my life, and YES I am happy. I have always known that I was a leader, weather it was in school or on a job. I have actually worked many jobs which I believe, obtaining those jobs prepared me to be able to run my own business, from knowing how to communicate with others with great customer service to managing a team of people while doing the necessary work to pay the bills. Read more>>

Marcus Parkansky

Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Tell us the story about the last time you had that thought, what was going on, really paint the picture for us so we can understand what you were going through and how you thought through this question and what (if any) conclusions or insights you came to. Read more>>