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?

Debra L. Morrison

Well straight out of college I accepted an alternate salaried position, Claims Examiner, that was offered me, after the company denied me the Underwriting position for which I’d applied, stating I didn’t have the ‘right degree’. About 2 hrs into my 1st day, the company newsletter came out, congratulating a “Tom” as their new underwriter, with a BS in Bus Admin, my EXACT degree! I was incensed! Read more>>

Madelyn Recker

Being a business owner has absolutely brought me happiness—but it’s a different kind of happiness. It’s not always soft or easy. It’s layered with responsibility, risk, and sometimes exhaustion. But it’s also filled with purpose, freedom, and the kind of fulfillment that only comes from building something that’s yours—that reflects your heart and vision. Read more>>

Nuku Vang

Yes, I am happier as a business owner, but that doesn’t mean I never question it. It’s not all passion and freedom and dreamy “do what you love” moments. It’s also pressure, unpredictability, and a never-ending to-do list. Read more>>

Katelynn Scott

Am I happier as a business owner? Without a doubt, yes. But is it easier? Absolutely not.

I left my corporate job because something deep inside of me was screaming for more – more freedom, more creativity, more impact. I wanted to build something that was mine. Something that reflected who I truly am. And while that dream lit a fire in me, the reality of entrepreneurship has tested me in ways I never imagined. Read more>>

Carin Corrie

I honestly hope I never have a “regular job” again. Being a business owner really suits my personality. I feel like I can be in full control of not only my professional life but also my personal and family life. I love being a business owner nearly all the time. Of course it comes with its ups and downs. Every job will. But I would rather the hardships that come with being a business owner than the ones that come with working for someone else. Read more>>

Charlotte Sirianni

“Do I Miss Having a Regular Job? Only Until I Remember What I’ve Built.”

Charlotte Sirianni
Juniper Outpost Owner

I often get asked: Are you happier as a business owner? Do you ever think about what it would be like to just have a regular job again?

The short answer? Yes, I’m definitely happier as a business owner. But the longer answer is where the story gets interesting—and maybe even a little familiar for anyone who’s ever stood at a life crossroads. Read more>>

KAVITA BAY

I love being a beekeeper and a maker of things. The work itself—caring for the bees, creating, being close to the land is deeply fulfilling. The harder part is running the business side of things. We became business owners out of necessity so we could keep doing what we love. Beekeeping is really a lifestyle choice, and our hope has always been that it can also support our family. Read more>>

Joseph Montgomery

Despite the many challenges we all experience as business owners, I think at the end of the day we’re in the field of entrepreneurship for a reason. We weren’t cut out for regular jobs, regular schedules or much of the regular framework that comes with it. It’s a perspective I always keep. I’ll find myself in some wonderful moment with my kids and I’ll say to myself without this business I couldn’t be here doing this right now. Read more>>

Leila Simon Hayes

I love my business, sometimes it feels like it has its own soul, like a friend that I have grown alongside over the years. I began this business somewhat by accident, and very much on the side, in 2018. I was working full time as a graphic designer for museums and I found myself urgently reigniting my art practice after two decades away from it. Read more>>

Sidney

As a business owner, I wear a lot of hats — CEO, head of marketing and social media for both Instagram and TikTok, customer service, HR, and most importantly, lead travel agent. Being a business owner is a challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.

I’ve officially been a business owner for two years and a travel agent for three. During this time, I didn’t abandon the security of a traditional 9-to-5 — I juggled both. I started out in Fairfax, Virginia, as a travel agent and outreach manager for a nonprofit. Then I moved back home to Detroit and started laying the foundation for my business while also working full-time in Detroit Public Schools. Read more>>