~by Haley Lynn Gray~
How did I know entrepreneurship was right for me? Let me begin by explaining. Last August, I left my very nice job in the corporate world. I was a manager in a large IT Corporation, with a great job. But something was missing. I started some soul searching, and ended up started two companies. One company is my own creation – a home care company named Extension of You Home Care, and the other is a franchise- a Care Patrol franchise. It wasn’t the product of a sudden decision, but rather a change that came over the period of months and years. The final catalyst was my father dying just weeks after my graduation from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business with my MBA.
Both my parents and my husband’s parents died relatively young. My dad was the oldest, at 71. It was time for some big decisions. I realized that if I wanted control of my life and my destiny, I had to take charge, and put my hands on the wheel and DRIVE. As my husband says- “Drive it like you stole it”. So, that’s what I did. We went ahead with paperwork to incorporate the one company, and signed paperwork on the other, to purchase the franchise, despite my accountant and attorney telling us we’re nuts.
I think that the nuts part is true. No sane person would try to start two companies at the same time. Yet, that is what we’ve done. I can honestly say that it is absolutely everything that people talk about with regards to owning your own business. The uncertainty, the long hours, the work, the dedication. Living, breathing, eating, and sleeping work. It is an enormous change from where I was before.
I find that the changes suit me. I’m doing what I want to be doing with my life. I’m living my own life to my own morals and standards. To me, that is important. If you don’t like something, or it isn’t making you happy, then change it. So, I changed things around in my life. I also realized that I am only on this earth for so long, that there are no do-overs. Getting this living thing right is important.
This is about defining success for myself. It’s why entrepreneurship is right for me.
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About the author
Haley helps female entrepreneurs create a strategy plan for their businesses – so they can make enough money to spend quality time with their family, pay for their children’s dance lessons, pay bills – and not worry about where the next client is coming from.
Haley is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Leadership Girl. She helps other entrepreneurs build their businesses by sharing the benefits of her business education and experience through Business Coaching.
Whether you want to get a new business off the ground or expand an existing business, Haley can assist you.
Connect with Haley:
- Work with Haley: https://www.leadershipgirl.com/about-haley/
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Leadershipgirl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleygray
