To Be an Entrepreneur you must have Two Feet In
"I am a believer in the idea of, once each lifetime, we have to jump off a cliff. You will land well." CK - a wise and courageous friend.
I quit Wall Street after 21 years.....there I said it. It's been two years since I started my company - working evenings and weekends while I had this other full time job. I always wondered if and /or when I could do it full time....When it becomes cash flow positive and I can live off the profits was the answer I always told myself.
Read more: Entrepreneurial 911
I have had a job since I was 14 years and and had to get working papers to qualify - I have always been financially independent and as such - very conservative. Quitting a full time position to follow your dream is risky for anyone - let alone a single mom. If you are wondering when does one come to this realization, the answer is simple - you just know.
When I started this blog I wrote that starting a company is like falling in love - and it still is. Because being an entrepreneur means you don't want to do anything else. You can't imagine wasting another moment let alone a day of your life that doesn't make you happy. Yes you need savings, yes you need a fully thought out business plan and yes you keep your full time job with a steady paycheck for as long as you possibly can. But then at some point you realize you need to jump. Because anything short of that is stifling.
Read more: So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur – The Beginning
I'm waiting for the thrilling part to begin. Right now I just feel guilty that I've cheated life. I am sleeping, cooking, and reading more; spending more time with my children and still working on building what I believe will be a great company centered around a truly amazing line of products. The guilt is also mixed with fear - was this a brave move or is it the stupidest thing I have yet to do. Only time will tell. But there is something incredibly amazing about giving yourself the opportunity to pursue what first and foremost truly make you happy.
Read more: Finding Your True Passion
Now, with a singular focus, it is much easier to get things accomplished and still have free time. I have always said I have the most incredible life- I just need more time to live it.
"Everyone can access parts of themselves that are great. I'm just a girl from New York City who decided to do this, after all. Rule the world! What's life worth living if you don't rule it?" Lady Gaga
Thank you so much. I love the quote particularly “you will fly”. You totally get it. It’s been a long time but you get it … thank you. Would love for you to try it just let me know. Everyone even friends of friends gets it as a thank you if they like Scalisi skincare page. Jill
Hi Jill,
Congratulations on your company and for making such a huge leap from Wall St… Woo hoo!! I commend you on your faith to move ahead despite the fear that you must have felt at any point. It’s not easy, I understand all too well. One of my favorite quotes is this:
“When you come to the end of all that you know, and you get ready to step off into the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: 1. There will be something for you to stand on and 2. You will learn how to fly.”
In some ways, every moment is thrilling because of the unknown – enjoy it while its there. Sure you can feel guilty…as women we juggle so much and not even think about it. But instead of thinking of all things you “haveta” or “should-be” doing, you “Get To” do the things of your choosing. Good luck and rock on sistah…I Best of luck with your skin care company…I’ll be sure to check it out.