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?

Karina Bik

I wonder about this all the time! It’s our job as marketers to make things that are glamorous, as well as those that are decidedly unglamorous, look fashionable no matter the curveballs thrown at us. This requires a constant work schedule, managing a team, and coming up with new content constantly. In other words, the work never ends and schedules are rarely fixed, which can be frustrating for people who like to plan their routines like me. Managing a team for content also requires wearing many hats that you never thought you’d have to (read: director, script writer, photographer, editor, you name it), as well as staying on top of fashion trends, discovering new beauty and fragrance product releases, and other market research. Read more>>

Jalon Clark

I can’t say happier because I’ve never worked a regular job but I am for sure happy as a business owner. I definitely have those thoughts of security often. When I started my business I was low on the radar and currently still feel that way, but before money wasn’t stable enough to take care of myself. Also, because of my sport if I were to injure my hands I would have to look at other ways of income. Lastly, just the curiosity and new experience would make me wonder what a regular job would feel like. Read more>>

Christian Jimenez

I absolutely love being a business owner. I work way more now than I ever did before, but the flexibility to implement my ideas and tackle new challenges is incredibly rewarding—even if it means still handling the obligatory boring tasks. There’s nothing like the happiness of a big win; it feels so significant because you know it truly matters. That win might mean we’re eating well this week, and that kind of direct impact is hard to replicate elsewhere. Read more>>

Layla Bombshell

I’ve had a range of professional experiences, from working as a scientist with a structured schedule to nursing, where the long, grueling shifts are anything but traditional. Now, as a business owner while still working as a nurse, I’m finding a unique balance, though it’s the busiest I’ve ever been. Being a business owner has made me a better nurse—teaching me patience and social skills—while nursing has taught me how to connect with people and handle challenging situations, which helps in running my business. Read more>>

Rachelle Carson

Being a small business owner has always felt more rewarding to me than working a 9-5 job, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, however in no way does it mean it’s always sunshine. Some days are overwhelming and consist of packing orders, responding to emails, working on new product formulations, checking inventory and planning social media content. Other days I struggle for hours just trying to fix a bug in my computer. Read more>>

Bree Alvarado

Yes, absolutely. Being a business owner has brought me so much happiness because it allows me to fully embrace my creativity. When I was working in corporate America, I never had the chance to express myself in the ways I can now. There were moments when I felt like just another cog in the machine, going through the motions without any real outlet for the ideas and vision I had bottled up inside. Read more>>

Tyressia Broomes

I wonder sometimes what it would be like to have a regular 9-to-5 job. The crazy thing is, I’ve never actually had a traditional job, so I don’t know what that experience is like firsthand. But even with the occasional curiosity, I honestly feel like I’m just not meant for that kind of work environment. You know when you just have that gut feeling? It’s like I’m meant to keep creating, leading, and building something that’s entirely my own. Read more>>

Krysten Call

While I have been both a business owner and have worked as an employee of other businesses, I find that being a business owner has been an overwhelmingly positive endeavor for me and my family. The challenges and responsibilities have certainly outweighed the benefits at times; however, the opportunities to stretch and learn through ownership are so very worth it. Back when I was working as an employee, I could not have fathomed the unending burden of stress and responsibility that comes with a business. Read more>>

Yeidy Penaloza

I am grateful and aware of the flexibility that comes with being a business owner. I’ve realized that for the most part, I choose my schedule, and I appreciate that. I absolutely do wonder about what it would be like to have a “regular” job though. In the corporate world, employees receive benefits such as health benefits, retirement, and vacation time. As business owners we are required to assign funds for that. A regular job would entitle less responsibilities. These topics have emerged during times of immense stress. Somehow, I continue getting pulled back into the field that I’m invested in. I love what I do! Expanding and delegating has been the solution for me. Read more>>

Vanessa Samet

I am incredibly happy as a business owner and wish I had done it sooner. I think I led a corporate life for so long due to what I understood to be other people’s visions for me. I thought a corporate job was expected of me and I didn’t believe in myself enough to do my own dream. Sometimes, when sales are down or income is uncertain, it can be easy to think I should just throw in the towel. I can always go back to doing a regular job, but working in my own business is tiring but it doesn’t feel like work. It brings me joy. Read more>>

Gg Gabennesch

I recently thought about how I used to have the goal of working for National Geographic. I suppose that’s not a “regular” job, but I went to school for Photojournalism and really thought I was going to work my way to that goal. I chose to change paths when I graduated from college, and I just feel like what I’m doing now is more suited for me. I can’t envision myself working for a publication, although it would have been really cool and exciting, because of my work/life balance and needs. I’m someone who definitely needs to create my own schedule and structure so that I’m able to have down time when needed, for my health and so I don’t get burnt out. I also love the creative freedom that working for myself gives me and how it’s given me opportunities to build community in ways that feel more personal to me than if I were covering stories for a living. I didn’t used to think I could work for myself so I never even had the thought, but I definitely feel as though I am on the right path for me. Read more>>

Bailey Skaggs

After earning my Advanced Esthetics License six years ago, I started my career working in MedSpas. At first, it felt like I was living my dream. I was gaining the knowledge and experience I thought I needed to advance as a Medical Esthetician. But as time went on, I began to feel disillusioned. My work consumed my life—8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, following the same facial protocols on repeat. It was draining, repetitive, and uninspiring. Read more>>