Breaking the dilemma: Job or Business? Which way to go?

At some point in life, everyone desires to live a comfortable life whether it is through a job or a business venture. This is a wonderful desire. Everyone deserves the best that life can give, love, happiness, joy and more. The question is, how many are willing to go out there and get it? We have seen successful entrepreneurs, athletes and many others live life on their terms.

I am not going to use the rest of this article to list to you the pros and cons of owning a business or taking a job as most authors would. Instead, I will point out to you the key life realities and aspects that it takes to decide the career path you are most comfortable with.  Choosing a career path has puzzled a lot of people. Many factors such as fear, lack of desire, or just taking what life throws at you contribute to this dilemma. 

I have to admit everyone has their weaknesses and strengths; others are domineering in certain fields while others are not. Everyone has their unique talent and it is your responsibility to find out what your talent is and use it appropriately. 

There are some life aspects that one has to assess about themselves before deciding to venture into a business or take a job. Let’s have a look.

1. What are your desires in life?

Some people desire of owing mega-mansion and cruise along the Mediterranean in private yachts. Others desire a simple lifestyle, a medium-size home, a family and a dog. These two groups of people have different desires in life. The probability of you fulfilling your desire to cruise along the Mediterranean in a private yacht on your monthly salary is so narrow. For someone earning an average salary of $75,000, it will take years of savings to fulfil their desires. The scenario is different from someone who desires a simple home which is easily affordable from their average salary. It is appropriate to take a job if you have simple desires that do not require enormous funding.

2. How disciplined are you?

Unlike employment where the company dictates the laws and guidelines around, starting and owning a business requires an extreme level of discipline. Having the freedom to decide your work schedule, and being committed and obedient to it is a test that many will not pass. Some people love to be told what to do while others take it upon themselves to do things. So, before you make that big step by venturing into your own business you have to know that (i) there will be no one to look over your shoulder and push you around. (ii)You will have to make laws and enforce them yourself. (iii) You have to be disciplined and committed to your business even when you have nothing more to give. 

Remember, it is acceptable to take a job and avoid all the commitment issues and making laws and enforcing them.

3. How great are you at communication?

When I talk about communication, I tend to think about it broadly. Capability to sell your skills, services or goods to other people. The ability to speak to an audience and get them to listen to you.  I have met people who are greater than me at communication. Some have even convinced purchases that I never imagined I could. Venturing into a business will require you to be a good communicator. You have to go out and get clients unlike taking a job which may be upon your boss to get the clients. However, I have to mention that great communication skills can be acquired over time through learning. So it depends on your willingness to learn and acquire new skills. The language that is required for a job application is different to that when hunting for customers. Whichever way you decide to go, learn the appropriate language.

4. How much stress are you able to take? How much pressure can you withstand?

We humans can handle different levels of stress and pressure. Owning a business comes with added stress. Business owners must have the capability to withstand stress and pressure without breaking longer than their employees. Anyone who ventures into business must be prepared to handle the stress and the extreme pressure that comes along with it. If you are not strong enough to handle extreme pressure and stress, then consider getting a job that will not heavily expose you to these factors.

5. What is your level of patience? How much faith do you have?

We have to admit that we humans have different levels of patience and faith. New business ventures take time before they start to generate profits. It means that until then you may not be paid a business owner. This period requires patience that few will be willing to go through. Unlike taking a job where there is a guaranteed salary at the end of the month and you have to wait for shorter periods, there is no definite period to when you can start earning from your business. It is advisable that if you plan to venture into business consider hyping your level of patience and having absolute faith else you will get frustrated and fail eventually.

6. Your openness to learn and explore

A lot of people love to stay in their comfort zone and are not willing to the extra mile. Most jobs provide a comfort zone and most people have developed the do your job mentality. As a business owner, you have to go beyond your comfort zone to learn, explore and invent new ways to solve problems because that is when you get paid.

There is no dilemma in deciding whether to take a job or venture into business. Instead, they require different personalities and your willingness to change. How much are you willing to lose to gain, what are your desires and how far are you willing to go. 

It is an added advantage that business owners may hire top talents to bridge their shortcomings in which it will be very likely that the top talent will be you. My advice is that look at the personal aspects before deciding which way to go.