Millennials and Generation Z love to dream when it comes to entrepreneurship. What’s not to love about it? Owning your own business, hiring your own employees, and fleshing out your dreams and passions. But, that is simply not the best option for everyone. Sure, it is a nice thought, but at the end of the day, entrepreneurship is not the only path towards success.
Most people end up working for other people, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, 97% of workers do not own their own business and have to rise within someone else’s organization. Someone climbing their way up the ladder at another organization can have just as much success as an entrepreneur.
For example, let’s say you get a job as a salesperson at State Farm, you work hard, take every opportunity you can get, and work to solve problems. Eventually, you will find yourself in a leadership position, and soon enough, a manager position. This now opens the door to a variety of opportunities. Your resume is stronger, and you have the experience many other companies yearn for. You could either continue working at State Farm to climb even higher, or you can take your talents to a different organization. You now have options and can request more pay as a result of your new-found experience.
Many people think if you do not own your own business, you will never truly achieve the freedom you seek in your work, but by proving your abilities and actively working harder to better yourself, you can find that freedom you seek. Prior to the pandemic, many companies offered 50% - 100% remote working to employees above the senior associate level. This is just one way working your way up the ladder creates more opportunity for the freedom many seek. It is important to note that there is a lot to entrepreneurship that people do not understand. The start of entrepreneurship is often tumultuous with little to no flexibility. You work endless hours and invest most of your money in your business. Many entrepreneurs don't feel the benefits of their labor until years into their journey, sometimes decades.
For some people, their biggest entrepreneurial obstacle is a lack of resources and money. This is yet another reason to work hard to better your position and perfect skills at the company you currently work for. One of my friends’ fathers began his career as a police officer. He stayed within that police force for a few years and worked tirelessly to work his way up. Eventually, he worked his way up to Police Chief. He eventually left the police force to pursue his true passion: opening up a restaurant. He used all the money and resources he gathered from his years of policing to open his restaurant. It is now one of the most popular restaurants in Long Island, NY. Since then, he has opened a gourmet donut shop, as well as a bar.
Taking this long route is not for everyone. More often than not, you have to start at the bottom to make your way to the top. Remember, just because you’re not your own boss does not mean you can't be successful. Life is all about finding a career that suits YOU, be it entrepreneurship or police officer.
Until next time, stay savage
Drew Simmons
Intern Blogger