I Will Never Starve
When I left my day job in 2004 for a life of entrepreneurialism, I was scared at first. One of the big reasons I had studied accounting in college was because of the stability of that field. I knew I’d always have a steady paycheck. And, I walked away from that.
After several months in business (and piecing together a few part-time jobs ‘on the side’ of my business) I had a HUGE epiphany:
As long as it’s up to me, I will never starve.
I can always go out there and hustle more business.
I can always do more.
IT’S UP TO ME and ONLY ME.
I have complete control over what I do in my business and what my earnings will be.
This was incredibly liberating. I didn’t feel scared. I knew that I would always be able to find a way to earn money. I felt FREE.
Cut to 9 years later… the reality is that there are some good months and some bad months. 2008 was a terrible year because of the economy (and sacrifices I made as I cared for a new baby). NO ONE could have warned us about that blow in 2008. (WELL – the economy pundits did warn us. Who were we to listen?) Yes – there are some things out of my control – I have learned.
BUT – I *still* feel that I am in CHARGE of my earnings. In the months that I’m not quite hitting my earnings, I get out there and hustle. The people who are hitting their sales targets are busting their butts by SELLING, NETWORKING, RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING, BLOGGING. Don’t forget… Always be promoting! Always be promoting and you too will never starve.
This is such a great post and great reminder Michelle. I love having the ability to determine how hard I work and how much I make. There is such freedom in that.
Yes – you are so right, Debbie! Not just the control over the earnings… but how hard I work. I love deciding that daily.
Yes!! This is exactly how I feel and even more affirming to hear it from someone else with a good business mind. I feel like I have the most job security of anyone I know because I know how to “Get Scrappy”
HAHA! I love it! “GET SCRAPPY!” I’m totally going to add that to my inner monologue when I’m getting pumped to sell.
I am so in awe of you for this leap of faith, Michelle, as well as for sticking with it for nearly 10 years!!! I can’t believe it’s been that long.
Anyway, in case I’ve never mentioned it, I find the life you lead hugely inspiring.
Ahhh… thanks Micaela! (FUN to see you on here! 🙂 ) It has it’s good and bad sides… like everything else in life. But, it’s fun for the most part.