Entrepreneurship…Owning Your Financial Future
It is not uncommon for individuals to find themselves gravely concerned about their next career opportunity, especially in today’s job market where many people have been forced to re-think their professional career paths. In fact, with rapid changes in technology, people are desperately competing to keep themselves and their skills sets relevant to their positions, companies, and industries. Both experienced and inexperienced business professionals have been forced to reassess the practicality of career concepts hinged upon characteristics such as “job dependency” and/or “security”, while quickly embracing the notion of “income diversification” and “occupational impermanence.”
Gone are the days when young business professionals in their humble beginnings, can graduate with a four year college degree and begin working for the company from which they have a high likelihood of retiring. Companies and industries are rapidly changing, and the people who run these corporate entities are also evolving just as fast. What is here today may not be present tomorrow, and this has caused many business graduates to question how he/she will create new opportunities for themselves. Part time entrepreneurship or self employment has now become a common trend for working professionals around the globe.
An entrepreneur not only participates in the raw creation of new opportunities, but he or she also possesses an innate ability to identify those upon which no one has capitalized. Whoever claims these abilities should lie dormant just because an individual works with another organization, has clearly not been observing employment trends over the last 5-10 years.
Although at one time the concept of self employment was more frequently questioned, the possibility of part or full time entrepreneurship is now being entertained by more individuals ranging from those who have experienced involuntary career transitions, to those who realize that the pursuit of happiness can be a far more enjoyable experience when a person is doing the work that gives them purpose and ignites their passion. Contrary to what some may believe, it is possible for an individual to have fun and work simultaneously. Those who are in love with what they do tend to be very successful in their business endeavors.
As working professionals we spend a great deal of time identifying the ways in which our qualities, skills, and knowledge bring lasting value to our organizations, but only fractions of this same time understanding how to leverage these qualities for the future financial benefit of ourselves and our families. The truth is that entrepreneurship although challenging in many ways, can be a very lucrative method used in acquiring greater financial control and independence.
Inspiring Reads for the Budding Entrepreneur:
“The E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber
“Innovation and Entrepreneurship” by Peter F. Drucker