I was recently asked, “What is it like to own & operate your own Interior Design Company and work for & by yourself?”
I answered, “Being a Solopreneur has its ups and downs. People think that it must be joyous to wake up when I want; take a break or eat when I want; get paid, go home or take a vacation… when I want.
The truth is that I, like most passionate Solopreneurs, actually have a ‘B’ for a boss. She makes me work 10-12 hour days, wakes me 3 am with ‘brilliant’ thoughts or solutions that must be written done before I forget them and then makes me get up at 5:30 am to start the day all over again!”
I think being a Solo/Entrepreneur is more like being the ‘Little Red Hen‘. (If you don’t know what that is – look it up on Google under ‘Children’s Books’.)
We begin this journey by passionately telling anyone (who will listen) our “great ideas” and how we can positively impact peoples’ lives. We watch our captive ‘audience’ get excited from our enthusiasm until they are told what they need to do to help get it off the ground and successful. When the inevitable ‘I would love to but, I can’t because…’ excuses come in, most Solopreneurs like myself say, “No problem… I’ll figure it out; find it myself; make it myself; cook it myself and then eat if myself!”
This seems to work well for a while until we get older and a little worn out. It is then we wish we established a TRIBE of people that we shared our passions, hopes and dreams with along the way. We wistfully imagine ourselves sitting on a beach watching a beautiful sunset and turn to smile at each other, tip our wine glasses together, reminisce and graciously congratulate each other for our achievements.
I now feel that “Success” is measured by the amount of time I am able to have a ‘calm mind’ that is content to be quiet, listen, smile and enjoy the moment.
In conclusion, I wouldn’t change a thing! I love the people that have shown up and enriched my life in the past, present and future…
My Solution for those Solopreneurs Baby Boomers with Experience & Expertise that want to venture out and try something new… Now is the time to Grow Younger, Smile Bigger and Shine Brighter!
Jan Addams > DAT Girl
Designer, Author, Treasure Hunter
Comments are closed