Comments on: Are you selling your entrepreneurial soul if you take a day job?

By: Therese Skelly

Therese Skelly — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:47:38 +0000

This is a great topic for discussion. Very often when I coach people around this subject, unfortunately there is a sense of shame if revenue needs dictate that getting the dreaded J-O-B is neccessary. I say, do what you need to do, but create a plan. Many people want to start small businesses but don’t have enough financial reserves to fall back on. Or they have a business established, but get desperate, and like the sleezy guy in the bar trying to pick the gals before closing time…no one is attracted to desperation! So if you CHOOSE to take a job, maybe it could be part time while you are continuing to grow your biz. Just make sure it’s in alignment with your values.

Just my two cents!

Take care,
Therese Skelly
http://www.acceleratingyoursuccess.com

By: Sandra Mendoza-Daly

Sandra Mendoza-Daly — Sat, 31 May 2008 06:43:03 +0000

Great podcast Pam and Andy!

I’m torn about his decision because if anyone would have success and not need to return to a day job it would be someone like Andy. This makes me lose heart in my own pursuits. He is right though, running a small business is hard.

But, I think that an entrepreneur sees the bigger picture and a new role, no matter where, is always a stepping stone to something else.

However, if I totally understand Andy’s acceptance of a position at Six Apart. I have met the CEOs and I use Movable Type since 2005. Great company, great folks, great vision. What’s not love. I’d go too! He will be on the cusp for sure. That’s super exciting.

And Pam, WordPress?? Shame on you =)

By: Mario Sanchez

Mario Sanchez — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:06:23 +0000

Hi Pam:
It’s a tough decision. If you are a successful entrepreneur I can’t find many reasons why somebody may want to get a job. The only way I would do it if I were in that position is if the job would offer me the chance to learn something new that fit into my long term goals, if I could get all the flexibility I wanted (autonomy, time-off when needed, etc.) and if my business had the processes and systems in place to keep running without me for a while.

By: Richard

Richard — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:12:39 +0000

I say do what you gotta do! I mostly agree with Andy’s podcast. If you can find a full time position which complements your business than go for it. I think his situation is an exception and not the norm. For the rest of us I’ve found it difficult to start a business and hold down a corporate job. Thats why I’m looking to buy a busines vs. starting one from scratch. The cube life sucks too much of your life energy from you. It’s kind-of like that Austin Powers movie where they steal his mo-jo!!

By: Shama Hyder

Shama Hyder — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:07:47 +0000

I say “whatever floats your boat!”

Time really dictates work choices. Some times in life, a job works just perfectly. Other times, you really want to venture out on your own.

-Shama Hyder

By: Julie Scipioni McKown

Julie Scipioni McKown — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:11:02 +0000

It has long been my goal to learn to grow my blogging/e-publishing business into a full-time income. Over the years, I have resented the energy I must put into my “day job,” but I have to admit that the skills I picked up on my own together with the ones I’ve learned in my day jobs, have helped me be more successful in both situations. My two roles have actually fed off of one another. I’ve learned some great things about business in my jobs, and I’ve brought some valuable skills from my blogging, Internet marketing, etc. that increase my value at work.

I’d still rather be on my own, and I believe I will get there, but I’m learning things at my job that I’ll need. I also have fewer illusions now about how difficult self-employment will be, and what it will require of me.

Learning to use my ever-changing situation to my greatest advantage has helped me keep a productive perspective.

Julie

By: Cora

Cora — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:30:38 +0000

I started as a part time entrepreneur, but I found that when I started working for myself full time, the ROI was worth it. Since I had more time to invest in my own business, business was growing and now I am completely self supporting. No need (or wish) to go back to a boss.

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:12:11 +0000

Congratulations on an excellent podcast!

I’m really glad you pointed out that working for “The Man” can be a positive choice. That’s an important message for people like me.

I’m picking myself up and getting a career started after a long spell of illness. I know I’m not ready to go it alone, but I see no reason not to apply entrepreneurial thinking to my career. I can think of my career as if it was a business, right?

By: Dan Clark

Dan Clark — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:53:13 +0000

I think this is a very important discussion.

I liked the fact that you both agreed and made clear:
1.Small business is hard.
2.The nature of your employment does not have to be binary.
3.Just as you encourage people to start their own business it doesn;t mean you can’t go back to an 8-5

By: Jeff SKI Kinsey

Jeff SKI Kinsey — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:47:09 +0000

Interesting post… have you read Daniel Pink’s “Johnny Bunko”?

I would suggest that he would have a different vantage point. Or perhaps it is just me.

-ski