Get off the fence

Filed in archive business tips on January 13, 2010

© Shayan (USA)


With the economy outlook looking less than favorable, many of us started considering options that we hadn't thought of before (or at least hadn't thought about in a while). And by options, I mean the big jump. You know, the dive, the plunge, the final deed.

Many of us dream of starting a business, but never go through with it. We cite all kinds of reasons: security, benefits, retirement. However, since the end of 2008, it seems like all of those reasons shrunk in size. No one has security, your benefits are ploughed over by corporate managers or the government and retirement sounds like a pipe dream. The idea of waking up each day, walking to your computer and starting your day sounds more and more enticing.

So what's holding you back? Maybe your "why" isn't good enough. Why start your own business? Its a simple question. It starts with a word so fundamental to human nature that when we learn it as children, we can't stop saying it. So consider yours for a moment. Then weigh it. Is it enough to take a deep breath and catapult into the unknown?

Being in limbo might be the worst feeling in the world. When you can't make a decision it eats away at you. You constantly waiver back and forth between what you want and the consequences. And truthfully it is hard. The choice you make will impact your lifestyle, your fiances and your family, maybe not all in a positive way either.

I could spend this article writing out pros and cons for you, but I want to say first that this decision will feel better when made. I'm not saying rush it, but don't dwell on it forrever and give yourself an ulcer. Make up your mind and stick to it. You won't believe how much stress can leave your life once you've come to a conclusion you can really throw your whole self behind. (Note: if you make a decision you can't throw your whole self behind, it might be worth reconsidering.)

But the last thing you want is to sit on the fence the rest of your life.

What helped you to make the final decision to have a home business (or not)?