Whose Stupid Idea Was It to Run a Business?
by
Jun 16, 2024
Running a business – whose bright idea was that? I mean, seriously, who looked at the serene, uncomplicated life of a nine-to-fiver and thought, “Nah, I’d rather dive into the chaotic world of entrepreneurship. Sounds like a lark!” And yet, here I am, right in the thick of it. So, let me share a bit about the absurdity of it all and why, despite the madness, I wouldn’t change a thing.
The Dream vs. The Reality
It all started with a dream. You know, the one where I imagined myself as the next Richard Branson, sipping a martini on my private island while my business runs itself. Ha! That’s a good one. The reality? I’m more likely to be found hunched over my laptop at 3 a.m., eyes bloodshot, surrounded by a sea of empty coffee cups. The closest I get to an island is the looming pile of laundry I forgot to do!
The Glamour of Self-Employment
Remember when I thought working for myself meant flexible hours? Adorable. Turns out, “flexible” means I’m working all hours. There have been years’ worth of lost weekends and no holidays. I’m now a workaholic because I don’t know anything different.
As I ease into my quest for semi-retirement – it turns out that’s a classic case of delusional self-talk… I keep delegating, expanding the team, and dissolving tasks I’m involved in – which sounds great – except I keep finding things to replace that time with!
And with each new wrinkle and grey hair, I still find myself gloriously satisfied with my self-imposed situation. It’s literally self-harm…
The Myth of Control
I thought I’d be the one calling the shots. I live and breathe independence, with sheer warrior resilience and determination, and despite whatever economic climate we’re in, I AM IN CHARGE. I will be responsible for my destiny, and you know what – to a large part, some of that has been true.
But on a daily basis, my customers, suppliers, the needs of the team and the whims of the market are really in charge. My role is never completely exempt from firefighting or playing catch-up. I’m composed and accomplished – and the harried juggler, desperately trying to keep everything from crashing down.
The Financial Rollercoaster
Oh, and let’s not forget the financial rollercoaster. One minute, I’m on top of the world; the next, I contemplate selling my kidney to pay the tax bill. Cash flow problems? Just part of the charm. Nothing says “living the dream” like waking up in a cold sweat, wondering if I can make payroll this month because I’ve invested in something I’m not sure I can pull off…
The Joy of Wearing All the Hats
Running a business means I get to wear all the hats. Accountant, marketer, customer service rep, toilet cleaner—I’ve done them all. Who needs specialised skills when you can simultaneously be mediocre at a dozen different jobs? The thrill of switching from answering complicated customer emails to fixing the website at a moment’s notice is just unbeatable.
Image credit: Free pik
The Thrill of Uncertainty
And let’s not forget the constant, gnawing uncertainty. Will this new project succeed? Will I land that crucial client? Will I ever know what steady is? It’s like living on a never-ending cliffhanger without guaranteeing a happy ending. Keeps me on my toes, right?
The Upside of Madness
But here’s the twist: for all the madness, there’s an upside. Because in those moments when things go right, when I land that something I was told was either impossible or bat shit crazy or the simplicity of seeing my sweat grit and hustle in the hands of a happy customer, it’s exhilarating. It’s the rush of knowing that I built something from nothing, that I’m steering my own ship (even if it’s often through stormy seas).
Running a business might be a bonkers idea, but it’s my bonkers idea. And that’s something to be proud of. Sure, it’s a rollercoaster of downs and ups, and yes, I’m often running on coffee and sheer determination. But the sense of accomplishment? Unmatched.
The Bottom Line
So, whose stupid idea was it to run a business? Well, it was mine. And despite the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, and the fact that I’m probably unemployable anywhere else, I wouldn’t change a thing. What a privilege it is to do what I do. Every challenge, every setback, and every small victory is part of this incredible journey. And at the end of the day, it’s my circus, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you get stuck… call me.
Truth is Service
Dawn
Recent Comments