It’s OK Not To Have A Start-up — Medium

It’s OK not to have a start-up And instead work for someone. There is nothing wrong with that route and you may just find it fulfilling. Photo by Jadon Barnes (https:[email protected]/* */) I have come across so many people, so many articles and so many questions about people wanting to get out of their 9–5 cubicle life and setting up their own cubicle to execute their idea. A good majority of the people think that getting that winning idea, launching it and making that first million will happen all too quick. But from what I have seen, heard and experienced, it takes immense hard-work, intelligence, capital & luck to be up & running. Not to mention the anxieties arising from lack of funds, competition, debts, legalities, round-the-clock work, managing a thin or a large team — all of which is is a part and parcel of a startup life. It’s not an easy ride. Personally, I think it’s good for an individual to experience both — being employed and having an own business. You can learn much from both and maybe, it gives you that balance of security and adventure which you are craving for. Over a period of time, you will figure out which satisfies you the most and then focus on that everyday. I have seen and heard people give up their jobs, start their own venture and then come back to an office job again. In almost all cases, they say they have become better employees after their adventure. Why is that the case? Because when you become your own boss, you realize how tough it’s to run an enterprise. You begin to understand the difficulties, concerns and decisions that your past managers or owners made. You see why people behave the way they do at work and you begin to see your own self in the actions of others. You begin to discriminate clearly between honest & dishonest dealings amongst staff, the theories behind employing and downsizing, handling money matters, getting serious about customer service, maintaining a friendly personality with all and how to overcome obstacles. Imagine, if you had this outlook at your employer’s company even without a startup under your belt. Wouldn’t this help you stand out amongst everyone and give you the job satisfaction that you are truly craving for? Working for someone else can be lucrative also. Those who have worked hard for their company and stayed long enough to make their mark have received good promotions & recognitions. The best way to be successful and happy while working for someone else is to be thoroughly honest, avoid being superficial, work hard & smart, respect & assist those around you, learn as much as possible about the business and never hesitate to contribute your ideas to the company — basically give everything you have got and don’t ever feel bad about it. If you feel that the company you work for doesn’t care, then you have 2 options: work your way to the top and change the company culture or move to a newer company who cares. Working for yourself or a manager is always an asset. Working to help someone else achieve their dreams is a noble effort just like how a startup entrepreneur would like his/her own team to do the same. Making someone else successful is a great way to be successful too. To be satisfied at work requires one to have a change in mindset. Don’t consider your paid work as a “wasted life in a cubicle for a manager/company I don’t care about”. Instead, change your perspective to a more positive and a caring one, “This company has taken a risk with me and given me their confidence. I will not let them down and will do the best I can”. Immediately, you will feel like an entrepreneur and that’s what you are looking for anyway. So, its OK if you don’t yet have a start-up or cannot bring up the courage to start one. Continue your 9–5 work and be happy :)