With Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, we tend to turn our minds to the things that we’re thankful for. As an entrepreneur, I know that list is long for me, though I may not show my gratitude every day.
Think about your own life, especially as it relates to running a business. What are you grateful for?
Below is my list and maybe you can relate to some of these:
1. You Get to Do What You Love
We hear that a lot. Small business owners do what they love. And it’s true (at least for most of us). Imagine (or remember) working in Corporate America in an industry you weren’t very passionate about.
Now flip forward to now, when you wake up every day, excited about how you get to help people with your business.
2. You Have a Flexible Schedule
Not everyone does, and I appreciate that. But as a writer, I can write when I want, and still pick up my son after school.
3. You Work With Interesting People
Being in the services industry, I work with people who are running all kinds of small businesses. It’s fun to get to know what they do, and their excitement is contagious.
4. You Call the Shots
As the business owner, you get to decide whether you add a new product line, or take one away. You set the course for your business. There’s power in that.
5. You Compete With Yourself
If you’re like me, it’s less about the competition in your industry, and more about pushing yourself to do your best. I know I can improve my skills, and I take that challenge on wholeheartedly.
6. You Can Make Change Happen
If you want to make an upheaval in your company, you don’t have to wait for the red tape to make it a reality.
7. There’s No Cap to Your Financial Possibility
Sure, most entrepreneurs don’t start out making that much money, but you’re not limited by your earning power the way you are in a job. Shoot for the stars, my friend.
8. You Can Take a Day Off
No, really. I know a lot of you feel like your business will wither without you, but taking time off is paramount to your success. And you don’t even have to fake a cough to your boss to do it.
9. You Surround Yourself With Smart People
You can hire whoever you think will benefit your company the best, and have a hand in hiring, if you want it.
10. You Wouldn’t Change it For the World
Despite the rollercoaster that is business ownership, and all the risk, there’s nothing you’d rather be doing.
Thanks Photo via Shutterstock
I can relate to 2, 8 and 10. I do have a flexible schedule, though balance is key as I can get waaaay too flexible sometimes, to the point where it starts to look like a day off!
Nothing wrong with a day off, as long as the work gets done, right?
Well uhm, you see uhmmm, that’s the thing. I uhm have been known to uhm not get the work done when I uhm get way too flexible for my own good. 🙂
Beth Niebuhr
I like all of these 10 but especially #4. I really love being able to call all the shots.
It’s great, Beth, isn’t it?
Aira Bongco
I am all for #1. Life is too short to live it for something that you don’t love. That’s my mantra. I always make sure that I have passion for what I am doing and that gives me the energy to wake up every single day of my life.
Agreed. It’s hard for me to imagine it’s not that way for everyone!
I can identify with points 2, 4 and 8 such as I can take a day off when I am sick and still check emails in a home office.
Susan,
My biggest perk I’m thankful for as a small biz owner is #6: You Can Make Change Happen.
I was working for a boss before and it takes numerous meetings only to make a small change which is time-sensitive. To me, this is ridiculous.
Running, managing and leading a small business, I can make a decision – an easy or tough one – quickly. As an online business owner, I can get things done even faster – converse via email and Skype and get things done and changes implemented literally in minutes.
Ivan–
I feel the same way about my former employer. And oh! He made such bad decisions. Now the onus is on me!
Kip Marlow
Great article. I agree with every point and must say that working in my former big corporate job eliminated almost all of these ten!
Thanks Kip!
6 & 7 particularly appeal to me. I feel like my efforts are aligned with my rewards and I’m in control of my own destiny. Love it.
Robert-
It’s empowering, isn’t it? Love the response to this post.
So true, the key is to remember this when we’re Self Employed and running so fast.
Great post ~ Mike
Robert Clayton Jr
What an absolutely wonderful article! And, you are so right. Sometimes I think we, as business owners and entrepreneurs, forget to feel gratitude for some of the wonderful perks that lead us to take this path in life. Thank You!
Thank YOU, Robert!