When times are good it’s easy to feel like entrepreneurship is the only path for you, but what about the times when your hit with multiple crises at once? We wondered if all entrepreneurs have moments when they wonder whether they should have gone with (or stuck to) a more standard job where they worked for someone else.

Taraya Mcdonald

I am extremely happy to own a successful business it’s always been a goal of mine when I decided to open this business in 2024 of March, I had no clue it would evolve so fast I am so blessed for all the wonder people and support we’ve been getting twisted lemonades is amazing because of all of you! Yes, I still work a full-time job and it’s not easy running a business and working full-time but I have a great support system at home. In the future I would love to expand and grow twisted lemonade into a franchise. We provide a unique and fun experience spreading joy and creating smiles while giving back to our local communities. We strive to grow more each day. Read more>>

Jolena Simoneau

I love being a business owner, though like any role, it comes with both rewarding and challenging aspects. On the positive side, I have the flexibility to set my own hours and take time off when needed, which is invaluable as a mom of two young children and an active member of my Rotary club. However, there are also drawbacks. For instance, my business has two peak seasons that demand my full attention, leaving little time for social or family activities. Additionally, the constant mental engagement—where your brain is always “on”—can make it difficult to set boundaries and step away from tasks like checking emails or social media. At times, I miss the structure of simply clocking in, doing my work, and leaving for the day. My background includes eleven years in retail and several years in the corporate world, and while owning a business is a 24/7 commitment, it offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I didn’t experience in previous roles. Read more>>

Stacey Green

I would say I am more fulfilled as a business owner. I like the idea of just clocking in and out and not worrying about my work when I am not there, but I love what I do! Every time I tell someone about my space and what I am creating I get chills. To me that means I am right where I should be doing something worthwhile. I also love that I’m able to show my kids how to go after their dreams, it’s not easy but always worth it. My family has always been very supportive of what I am building. Read more>>

Lea Mason

I enjoy being a business owner, but I’m not full-time yet :). I work in healthcare operations by day, and I work on building my business and writing books by night. I like that I was able to spend quality time on first completing graduate school and growing my corporate career before I tapped into building my business focused on inspiration in various forms (art, writing, coffee mugs and tumblers, etc.). Now that I’ve reached a good place in my corporate career, I’m able to focus more on building my own business. I enjoy bringing inspiration to others, and providing it in various forms. Art, African fabric, and inspirational phrases bring me so much joy – and I feel so blessed that my business allows me to do that. My goal is to one day become a full-time business owner, but I will continue moving forward in both for the time being. Read more>>

Aswin Bandaru

Undertaking an innovative startup has been one of the most challenging endeavors of my life, yet I have no regrets. There are fluctuations; some days are rewarding, others challenging, but the prospect of working on making an impact is exhilarating every day. Am I satisfied with the current state of the business? There’s room for improvement, a sentiment likely shared by many business owners. Having spent over a decade in the industry, the job provided the means to establish my life post-university and gain diverse experiences. While I face the same financial responsibilities that come with existence, post university/education, I hold the belief that the purpose of human life extends beyond merely holding a job or building a career. So, the job served primarily as a platform to continue the exploration I began in university: delving into the sciences that elucidate the interactions of fluids with structures and their significance to our world. Mid-career, content with my acquired knowledge, I chose to embark on another journey intrinsic to my identity: disruptive innovation aimed at the sustainable transformation of our ecosystem. Read more>>

Irianna Keith

As a business owner, I am pleased with my career choice. While some entrepreneurs may dream of a 9-to-5 job, I don’t because I already work those hours. In a previous article with ShoutoutHTX, I mentioned obtaining my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Prairie View A&M University in 2022. I am currently employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where I plan to continue growing until I pursue a law degree and become an attorney. Before launching my business, I had established career objectives, and I am committed to expanding my business while still achieving the goals I have set for myself. I choose to work because my financial responsibilities and aspiring career goals must be fulfilled. Read more>>

Nicole Farr

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for this question. I did just have this thought once or twice over the past month. I absolutely love being a business owner. I love providing a service that I am so passionate about, on my terms. And while I am so passionate about helping women improve their health, fitness, and total wellbeing, there’s more to running a business. There’s a lot of responsibility. There are a lot of tasks that I’m not good at yet fall under my responsibility like accounting, marketing, and legalities. It can be overwhelming, especially as business grows. I coach a lot of women who are facing burnout in their professional lives, yet I often forget to use the methods I coach with myself and I’ve recently found myself feeling very burnt out. Read more>>

Yomaira Garcia

Absolutely, being a business owner is more than just a source of happiness—it’s an enriching experience that fosters both personal and professional growth. There’s something incredibly rewarding about building something from the ground up, especially with a brand like ComoTu, which reflects so much of my values and vision. However, I can’t deny that sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, with fixed hours and a more predictable routine. I remember a recent moment when I had that thought. I was in a particularly intense phase of launching our milestone blanket kit. I had a week filled with meetings with suppliers, tweaking designs, and managing shipping logistics. It was challenging. At the end of that day, I sat down, feeling exhausted, and thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be easier to have a 9-to-5 job, where I could just disconnect and leave everything behind at the end of the day?’ Read more>>

Haider Albasri

Being a business owner of OPalm Decor is a fulfilling journey that I wouldn’t trade for a regular job. It gives me the freedom to take creative risks, develop personalized solutions for my clients, and bring artistic visions to life. Running OPalm Decor has been a journey full of creativity and challenges. One project, a mural for a luxury villa in Los Angeles, really tested me. With a tight deadline and a grand vision from the client, the pressure was intense. I questioned why I chose this path, but as the mural came together, I knew this was exactly why I became a business owner. Balancing multiple projects, like villas and restaurant openings, can be overwhelming, but I thrive on the complexity. Each challenge pushes me to explore new designs and materials, and that’s where I find my growth and passion. Read more>>