To Start a Business or Not to Start a Business? That Is the Question

These days, it seems — whether it’s actually true or not — that almost everyone wants to quit their job and start a business.

Unfortunately, if you are considering starting a traditional business, a side hustle, or quitting your job and going all in as a freelancer, entrepreneur or solopreneur, it can be difficult to decide.

I know. I’ve been through it several times.

In the beginning, if you don’t have access to the funds to pay others to do some, most, or all of the required tasks, you’ll probably have to do those things yourself.

And, you might have to do them for a long time — at least until your organization or business starts succeeding financially.

Over the years, I’ve started several businesses, some of which provided a living for my family and some that didn’t. In fact, I’ve recently started and am building additional businesses, following a loss of some of my income when I was a full-time caregiver for my parents.

Although I don’t have the types of tools and the teams I had at my previous communications, editing and writing jobs, today’s technology enables me to do many of the things that need to be done in my businesses on my own with free or inexpensive software and apps.

You might — like me — be able to start an organization or business with relatively low startup costs — if, of course, you can contribute the needed sweat equity to get it off the ground.

I’m mainly referring to the kinds of organizations and businesses that don’t require the exorbitant startup expenses of the past, such as a large office or storefront; high-cost utilities; expensive software and apps; and large staffs.

This applies to almost any digital business such as various types of writing, graphic design, marketing, public relations, programming, software development, website analysis and design, and similar fields.

Many great organizations and businesses can be started today without those exorbitant costs, making it one of the best times in history to take the leap.

And, if I’m right, many people want to jump.

They are tired of making fortunes for their employers.

It just doesn’t seem fair.

And they want more freedom and flexibility.

I know I do.

Moreover, a business — if successful — can offer greater financial rewards than a job.

I understand.

For sure.

These are all valid concerns, and it’s scary.

I felt that way when I left my former long-term position with a national nonprofit organization about 13 years ago.

And the first couple of years were really tough.

There have been many ups and downs since then, but I would not want to go back to a regular job — ever — if I can help it.

Even with the hard work involved, being an entrepreneur gives me the ability to do what I want to do — to pursue my dreams, not someone else’s.

Still, no one can tell you whether you should start a business. Your situation is your situation. It is unique.

However, there are a few important questions you should ask yourself.

There’s a lot to consider before taking the leap, but if you’re reading this, it means you are definitely thinking about it.

Are you ready?

Only you can decide.

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