So one year ago, I finally took the plunge and opened my own salon. I had been thinking about doing this for about five years, but never really brought myself to doing it. My mind was reminding me about all the things that could go wrong if I chose to go down this path. What if you failed? What if you don't make it? How would you pay the bills while you wait for your business to grow? All these questions made me so nervous I began to conclude that perhaps starting my own business was not such a good idea. However, I was tired of working for other people. I was tired of having to live my life according someone else's schedule, on someone else's time, and under someone else' direction. A friend once said that if you start feeling like this, then this was a strong sign that you needed to take the plunge and become your own boss. The signs were strong, but was I really ready? After saving a little bit of money from the beginning of the year, the fall of last year I finally took the plunge and opened my salon and I have never looked back. And, girl, do I love it? Here are three quick tips on why you should become your own boss.
1) Freedom/Flexibility. I have two boys. Working for myself gives me enough flexibility to be involved in their lives and to take care of them or be there for them when they need me in a way that is not possible when working for someone else. I choose my own schedule. I choose when I open and when I close. I also choose when I can or cannot take customers. All these would not be possible if I worked for someone else and was beholding to their time and schedule, I am amazed at how much flexibility/freedom being my own boss has brought into me life. I would not trade this for anything else. The only regret I have now is I keep asking myself why I did not become my own boss sooner?
2) Making money for yourself. When you are in business for yourself the money you make is for you and for your business. As a result, you can choose to pay yourself however you want. This is incredibly empowering and energizes you! Why? Because you are not letting someone else decide your value like they would if you worked for someone else. Imagine the feeling you get when you wake up everyday and realize that everything you do for your business is for you and no one else. What an incredible feeling! Not only does this make life feel more meaningful. It totally makes life worth living! If making money for yourself is not enough reason to make you want to become your own boss, then I don't know what else will.
3) Doing What You Truly Love. When you become your own boss, most likely you would be doing what you really love. Why? Because I have scarcely seen a person go into business for themselves and choose to do a business that they hate. Becoming your own boss gives you time to think and choose carefully before taking the plunge. And when you have had time to think, what else would you choose other than what you truly love? Some people love buildings, so they open real estate businesses. Others electronics, so they own and run electronics stores. I love beauty, and I love making people beautiful. As a matter of fact, OI am committed to adding more beauty to the world everyday by making people beautiful for their significant others or by making people beautiful for the occasions that they have to look their absolute best! Any wonder why I own and run a business salon?
Becoming your own boss can feel a bit daunting. But it does not have to be, The upside far outweighs the downside. Don't let fear of the future hold you back. Being your own boss will bring incredible freedom and flexibility to your life, help you make real money for yourself and give you the opportunity to do what you truly love. What are you waiting for? Go on and get started on becoming your own boss. Your life will thank you!