Nothing annoys me more than seeing so-called motivational posts that say things like, “Your salary is the bribe they pay you to ignore your dreams”. Oga, what are you even saying? Before you think I’m saying this because I like my job, no. I am an entrepreneur and the realities of building a business have only proved to me that even dream jobs are not that rosy. Sis, don’t be deceived. Your salary is your salary. You worked hard for it; enjoy it. I am not sure where we got this idea that a 9-5 can’t be someone’s dream or that chasing one’s dream is a bed of roses and fulfilment. I have been on both sides and I have truly loved both, yet I strongly advocate keeping your 9-5 job as long as necessary.
Know these:
It’s ok for things to take time
Yes, you can have a dream career that’s different from your job, but your 9-5 is essential in many ways. For many, it’s how we build discipline, gain skills and understanding, and even save start-up capital. A business won’t suddenly attract money, but hopefully, it eventually will. It’s also hard to get over a bad reputation, so, obviously, it’s not the best place to start gaining skill. However, if you’ve grown in your skill and capacity (sometimes indirectly) in the process of your 9-5, then it saves you some of the easy failures that can sink a business. Stay in a 9-5 as long as you need to, for whatever reason you need to, and try to enjoy it.
It all counts
It may not seem like it at the moment, but many things you learn and/or do in the course of a 9-5 will be incredibly useful and profitable in running a business. For me, many of those things I did in spite of not considering them part of my job description back then. Thank God I did them anyway! I had no idea all the different skills or even the attitude I’d need to run a business. If nothing, it’ll teach you patience and teach you how to make the best of things. So, do whatever you’re doing well. Be sensitive enough to know when you’re ready—in skill, resources, and network—instead of rushing because of faux motivation.
Your Dream has not-so-dreamy parts
Ok, so you’ve finally started that dream business. Here’s one thing that’ll keep you going on many days: your dream job will have some parts that you don’t like! In fact, you’ll be surprised by how many things you have to do that aren’t your actual ‘dream’ but are necessary to make your dream happen. Sometimes, that part is the administrative part of a business—it’s important so you need to be actively involved (even when you outsource some of it). I don’t like mathematics, but I’ve learnt how to crunch numbers and evaluate things. It can be the difference between sinking or success.
There are so many reasons to embrace the 9-5 life, and even accept that it is possible for it to be your dream. There’s no rush to entrepreneurship and we really should stop making it seem as if it’s somehow better than a 9-5 job, after all, even entrepreneurs need staff members to help make their dream come through. Take your time, sis.