Go into business for myself?

Koloe · 06-19-2008, 01:53 PM

I had a conversation yesterday with a previous employee (looking for references) and still some times vendor of my company and she is like "Why don't you take the business over?" Others have asked me this as well. Or maybe change it and do X or Y? And this morning my boss was asking me if this might be possible. Change the focus, actually redirect back to what it started out as with a different way of offering the same service. How can we make this happen? Would it work? He is basically willing to just give me the business. He still wants to do a job here or there, but not what he is doing. Semi-retirement not full retirement.

On the one hand I would be a fool not to try. Wouldn't I????

On the other hand I am a different person than him, with different skills and talents and I can't do what he does. But then he doesn't do so well with what I do either. Which of course is why we have worked so well together for the last 12 years.

On one foot (because we are out of hands

) Could I make enough money doing this mostly via phone/fax/e-mail to pay the bills? Most of the money comes in from what the boss does which would require a lot of evenings away from home and a LOT of driving. My boss easily puts on 50,000 miles a year on his car. But then even if I was able to do just 2 jobs like that a year I could easily pay all the bills. So only a few nights a week. Have to follow up on clients after they stop paying - it's why we have a good reputation. But even without driving, it would require a LOT more time.

On the other foot I keep track of all the bills and I know exactly what the company makes and what/where it spends.

I would of course have to stop perusing the internet all the time and work my rear off to make it happen. That's the joy of running your own business. No more slacking. Of course I use to be supper busy at work when we did what I contemplating.

It's a scary thought, being a business owner, but might be better than any of my other options. We have the summer to try and transition it over. What's the worst that could happen? I fall flat on my face and have to declare bankruptcy?

:

Lawsuits - that could be worse I suppose!

Angela · 06-19-2008, 03:04 PM

Wow! That sounds like a great idea.. I hope it works out well for you if that is what you decide to do.. I know it would be tough having to be away from your DD sometimes but hopefully it would be in the best interest of your family and you wouldn't have to drive 50,000 miles a year! Keep us updated on how it goes.. that is very exciting!

Jessica · 06-19-2008, 03:31 PM

I don't think it's crazy! People need to move out of their comfortable zones sometimes. It keeps life interesting!

You'll never know unless you try it.
Can you imagine always living with the "what if's"?
Just do it!!

Koloe · 06-19-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessica

I don't think it's crazy! People need to move out of their comfortable zones sometimes. It keeps life interesting!

You'll never know unless you try it.
Can you imagine always living with the "what if's"?
Just do it!!

Definitely outside my comfort zone!

But taking this job 12 years ago was as well. I took a big paycut to take it with the hope that if it went well I would be making more money than I currently was within 1 year. And it worked out. Had I stayed at my last job these last 12 years I would not be making what I'm making now. Nor have the flexibility that I have with this job.

jillian1527 · 06-19-2008, 04:01 PM

good luck with your decision. This may just be what you were looking for..

Pautzie · 06-19-2008, 04:06 PM

I say go for it. When will you ever get an opportunity like this again?

Emma · 06-19-2008, 06:12 PM

I agree!! Just give it try.