Startup Sunday
As I write this, I am preparing to go back to a full-time job later this month. It is a terrific opportunity with a well-respected institution. A once-in-a-lifetime gig.
So, what about my other gig -- you know, the business I started just last year, complete with bold dreams and declarations of independence?
Was it just an experiment? A passing fancy?
What? Chopped liver?
No. It was -- and remains -- a marvelous experience, one that has been well worth the time and the effort.
And as it turns out, I found another part of myself as I was founding my business.
You want to talk about self-confidence? Try and capture how it feels when clients seek you out, leading to contracts for some pretty lucrative projects.
And how about flexibility? In the last few years, I've gone along on every one of my daughters' field trips. (Although, yeah, I probably could have skipped the one to the recycling plant -- a glorified dump where I had to keep all the kids from diving into piles of debris.)
Then there's just the plain ol' fun and excitement. Like having your own website, owning your domain name, receiving your first box of business cards, designed by a friend and fellow entrepreneur.
Pretty cool.
I've also formed many lasting professional relationships with bright, interesting, dynamic people and been introduced to opportunities that I never knew existed.
So, why leave all that?
I'm not going to lie. Even at the most productive point in my entrepreneurial life, I knew, deep down, that I would one day return to a job outside the home. Heck, it's all I've known since leaving college.
I was good at it. And I've missed it.
Just as I know I'll miss components from the last few years, during which I chose to take a step away from the corporate world to spend more time with my family.
But, the kids are older now. And I'm not getting any younger.
So, it's "back to work" I go. But not without knowing that I could -- and did -- do well on my own. That I've learned -- and enjoyed -- so much. And that -- one day, in that constantly evolving confluence of personal and professional life -- I'll probably do it again.
Now, that's cool.
Congratulations, Jeannie! I am so glad you found a great fit and wish you all the best in the world with your new job. There is a lot to be said for employment. As much as I love being on my own, it is lonely and hard and can be exhausting, and I find myself wistful for how much you can accomplish in the right institution with the right support. So I can't say that I would never take another job and leave the entrepreneurial life (which I would've said a year ago) but it would take a really amazing job offer. All the best to you.
Posted by: Katherine | Sunday, January 09, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Thank you, Kakki! I'm excited about the possibilities! And please know that you are among the bright, interesting, dynamic people that I referenced. I'll definitely be staying in touch!
Best, Jeannie
Posted by: Jeannie Wong | Monday, January 10, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Congratulations! One never really knows if s/he can do something unless s/he tries! Having had a foot in the corporate world and a foot in the independently owned small business world, I can guarantee you that you will be that much more successful now as you are returning to the corporate world. The experience you gained while running your own business is invaluable as you now have something that nobody can attain at even the best academic institution in the world and that is PERSPECTIVE!
Posted by: Jennifer Pereyra | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Jennifer. I appreciate it!
Best, Jeannie
Posted by: Jeannie Wong | Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 09:31 PM