Though entrepreneurs spend more time working and in activities that are connected with their work, they are much more satisfied and content with what they do than those who work at a job in which they are employed by someone else.
Because business owners tend to spend a lot of their time learning new things, they expand their interests. This can lead to taking courses in something which could be completely unrelated to their business, totally outside of the realm in which they are familiar but it brings a lot of satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment. As their business expands they do new things. This helps them to keep mentally alert as they age and they are more apt to start a hobby based business when they “retire”.
Business owners find satisfaction in their achievements but also know the difference between success and trying too hard. The flexibility that owning a business brings and also being able to schedule their work around activities they love to do makes for a happier and healthier lifestyle. They know what is most important to them: family, close friends and time for themselves and their hobbies. The decision to become an entrepreneur quite often is based on their desire to be in control of their time, not have an employer controlling it for them.
Entrepreneurs realize they are in pursuit of their own version of excellence. Though they may start out with a typical business plan in mind, over time this changes as they focus on one idea, product or service and become the best they can be. As they mature and their business matures right along with them, their vision of what their business can be may change but their decision to live their life as a business owner doesn’t.
Overall, the idea that entrepreneurs spend all of their time struggling is a myth. What others see as a struggle is well worth it to those who own their own business. They see it as part of the price to pay in order to achieve a well balanced, content work and home life.
© Chris Draper, DemGen Inc. 2013
Image courtesy of gapingvoid
