How many of us have sat in a cubicle and daydreamed about running things? How many times have we seen our supervisor or even an executive at our company make a colossal error and tell ourselves that we can do better? Lastly, how many times has that automatic shut-off in our brain stop us from contemplating the real possibility of being our own bosses? It’s a dream that virtually every American worker has allowed themselves to conjure at one point or another. There are, however, a few fundamental factors that are critical in turning this dream into a tangible reality.
Do We Have What It Takes on the Inside?
Before we strike out on our own, it would behoove us to take a good, long look at our personality and ability. Are we really the type of person who is going to put in the hours, forsake everything else in our lives and become completely married to our work. Many are lured by the excitement of staking their own claim and putting something out into the world with their name on it; however, the everyday work that goes into making that happen. We also have to be emotionally prepared for the possibility, and indeed the statistical likelihood, of failure.
Do We Have What It Takes on the Outside?
Even if we’re natural-born entrepreneurs, we still the need the resources and start-up capital to get our ideas off the ground. Before we break away from the pack to start our own venture, we should have a good and long look at our finances and determine if they’re able to sustain not only prolonged joblessness, but also a significant financial gamble. We should also examine our funding sources outside of our own savings to put as little of our money as possible into our admittedly risky dream.
We also don’t have to go off and do our own thing without a safety net. If we find we’re lacking in any of the above areas, we can bide our time, adjust our strategy and, when we’re ready, take another run at the big chair.
